Baked Italian Meatballs

Still trying to eat a little light, with the horrific heat (hitting 112° today) light sounds great.  Spaghetti and meatballs sounded very hearty and made with lean meat it is a delicious meal that won't sit too heavy.  I have about ½ case of tomatoes left that are very ripe and some Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce and Baked Italian Meatballs sounded perfect.  Although spaghetti is probably not my favorite pasta, it seemed fitting for today.  I also wanted to clip the rest of my basil plants today and I could not think of a better place to use it.

These fabulous meatballs are low calorie and low fat.  Although you would never guess by tasting them.  78 calories, 3 carbs, 3g fats, 8g protein.

I have to tell you, Mr W is not an onion or garlic lover.  I know, I know.  Strange match for an Italian, so that must tell you how amazing he is.  I married him anyway!  So, I make some adjustments when I cook for him.  Like grating my onion and garlic on a microplane so he doesn't bite into any pieces, but all the flavor is there.

So here is what I did...

Baked Italian Meatballs
2¼ lbs 93% lean ground beef
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
¼  cup Parmesan grated cheese
2 tablespoons 2% milk
2 garlic cloves, minced (or grated on a microplane)
1/2 small onion, minced (or grated on a microplane)

¼ cup oven roasted tomato sauce

2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (fine grind)

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 400°.  Prepare 2 baking sheets by lining with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients.  

Mix well, do not over mix or you will have tough meatballs.  

 
Using a 2 tablespoon scoop, scoop out meat and place on baking sheet.  

After all meatballs have been scooped onto tray, roll into balls.  TIP:  If you lightly wet your hands the meatballs will form better and crack less.  Put in oven on 400° for 20-25 minutes (for 2 trays).

Remove and transfer to sauce or serve immediately.

YIELD:  30 meatballs

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