Low Fat Classic Italian Meatballs

Savor the flavors of comfort and tradition with this healthy twist on a beloved Italian classic—Low Fat Classic Italian Meatballs. Perfectly tender thanks to lean ground beef and a touch of low-fat milk, these meatballs are enhanced with whole wheat breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, and a hint of savory Parmesan for an authentic taste without the guilt. Lightly seared in olive oil and simmered in a rich, low-sodium tomato sauce, they strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. Ready in just 45 minutes, this heartwarming dish is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with pasta, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread for a wholesome, satisfying meal. Whether you're meal-prepping or serving a family dinner, these healthy Italian meatballs are sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
• 30 grams grated Parmesan cheese
• 60 grams whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 60 milliliters low-fat milk
• 1 medium onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 15 grams fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 400 milliliters tomato sauce (low sodium)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 2

Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and a lightly beaten large egg.

Step 4

Add the low-fat milk to the mixture and mix well until it’s absorbed.

Step 5

Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and finely chopped fresh parsley.

Step 6

Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix everything until well combined, but don’t overmix as this will make the meatballs tough.

Step 7

Form the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.

Step 8

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 9

Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until uniformly browned.

Step 10

Pour the low sodium tomato sauce over the seared meatballs.

Step 11

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 13

Serve warm with your choice of pasta or crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1300.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1705.2

Total Fat 77.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.3g
Cholesterol 619.3mg	0%
Sodium 3863.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 94.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.6g	0%
Total Sugars 31.4g
Protein 158.1g	0%

Vitamin D 114.0IU	0%
Calcium 664.8mg	0%
Iron 20.4mg	0%
Potassium 3522.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.7%

Protein: 37.1%

Carbs: 22.2%