Shredded Vegetable Meatballs
With the seasons changing and spring arriving soon, it’s been busy around here to say the least. I feel like I have a million projects going on at once, each pulling me in a different direction. So I’m going to keep this post short and sweet.
I’ve been making variations on turkey meatballs for years. I rarely put eggs or breadcrumbs in my meatballs, so I guess you could say these are more like “burger balls” in that they contain not much else than meat and flavorings. When you’re working with something as lean as ground turkey breast, it’s essential to keep the meat moist with lots of vegetables or herbs so that they don’t become little hockey pucks in the oven.
I use parsley in these meatballs as my go-to herb of choice since I almost always have it in my fridge. But cilantro or dill would be tasty as well. Feel free to change it up to your tastes. I’ve been mixing and matching herbs and vegetables for years and never grow tired of making these healthy, high-protein balls on busy weeknights.
Shredded Vegetable Meatballs
Makes 12 meatballs
I like these meatballs simply served over mixed salad greens tossed with veggies. You could also serve them with tomato sauce and brown rice noodles for a healthy take on spaghetti and meatballs, or nestle them in a bed of lightly salt-and-peppered spaghetti squash strands. They make an excellent high-protein snack dipped in salsa, too.
1 pound ground turkey breast
1 small zucchini, shredded on the large holes of a box grater (about 1/2 cup)
1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded on the large holes of a box grater (about 1/2 cup)
2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Use your hands to work the mixture into a cohesive mass. Form into 12 meatballs of even size. Place on baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs for 23-25 minutes until cooked through but still juicy.
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I have definitely bookmarked these! My husband is always very keen to add breadcrumbs and eggs to meatballs, but I ask him not to as I’m not really eating eggs at the moment. I would love for him to try making these – they look delicious and they’re so much healthier than regular meatballs!
Yum! These look fantastic! My boyfriend hates eating veggies but loves meat, maybe I can hide a bunch in here without him knowing? I’m amazed that there’s no flour or breadcrumbs in these! I usually use quinoa flakes in my burgers and meatballs. I’ll have to try this variation. Thanks Hallie!
Christine: hope your husband likes these!
Leanne: yes, I love using quinoa flakes in my meatloaf and sometimes meatballs. But when I’m pinched for time or don’t have the flakes around, these are just as good. :)
These look great! I’ve found that eating meat and veggies is a good combo for me. I’m going to make these and serve them over a salad, great idea btw!
I like shredding my veggies for meatballs too. I use the shredder attachment on my food processor and its super fast. thanks!
I finally made these for dinner tonight and they were definitely worth it! I used pork instead of turkey, so I didn’t add the olive oil, but they turned out very well! They got a thumbs up from my husband, so I’ll definitely be making these again!
Just make up a batch of these, and float ‘em in chicken broth…how much simpler can soup get?
My 7yr son (GF, DF, EF) is asking for more meat in his lunches. These look great and I can sneak in veggies too. Are they good cold?
Cathy: Yes! I eat them cold all the time. They’re great dipped in mustard or honey-mustard, salsa, or guacamole, too. :)
I love the idea of putting these into my child’s lunchbox. I am always looking for new ideas, and these would be perfect. Thanks for the inspiration!
Just made these for lunch. Yum! 7yr son (GF, DF, EF) ate FOUR with salsa. We’ll try some in the lunchbox next week…
I was just looking for the facebook “share” button, but i don’t see one. Did I miss it?
Cathy: Glad to hear your son enjoyed the meatballs! :) The Facebook “like” button is at the bottom of the post, next the to the “You Might Also Like” thumbnails. When you click it, it automatically posts the link to your Facebook profile. :)
These were absolutely delish! I didn’t have fresh herbs so I used two different dried herbs from the spice cabinet and they still turned out great. You can definitely make small adjustments and make them your own…plus they were a big hit with the rest of the family : )