Low Sodium Mini Meatballs and Sauce for Kids

Perfectly portioned for little hands and packed with wholesome ingredients, these Low Sodium Mini Meatballs and Sauce for Kids are a delicious, heart-healthy twist on a family favorite. Made with lean ground turkey, unsalted breadcrumbs, and a medley of kid-approved seasonings, these tender meatballs are baked—not fried—for a lighter bite. The rich homemade tomato sauce, naturally sweetened with grated carrots and a touch of honey, is low in sodium but high in flavor, making it a guilt-free option parents can feel good about. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and can be served over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted veggies for a balanced meal your kids will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground turkey
• 0.5 cup Plain breadcrumbs (unsalted)
• 0.25 cup Milk
• 1 Egg
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried parsley
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 15-ounce can No-salt-added tomato puree
• 1 Carrot (finely grated)
• 1 clove Garlic (minced)
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Honey
• 0.5 cup Water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and black pepper. Mix gently until well combined, ensuring not to overwork the mixture.

Step 3

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, form mini meatballs (approximately 1-inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.

Step 5

While the meatballs bake, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Step 6

Add the grated carrot and minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 7

Stir in the tomato puree, dried oregano, dried basil, honey, and water. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them into the saucepan with the simmering tomato sauce.

Step 9

Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce to coat and allow them to cook together for an additional 5-7 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 10

Serve the mini meatballs and sauce warm on their own, over pasta, or with a side of vegetables for a complete kid-friendly meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1248.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1335.0

Total Fat 58.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.1g
Cholesterol 523.5mg	0%
Sodium 945.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 95.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.7g	0%
Total Sugars 35.7g
Protein 109.5g	0%

Vitamin D 74.8IU	0%
Calcium 254.1mg	0%
Iron 13.1mg	0%
Potassium 2344.4mg	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: 39.2%

Protein: 32.5%

Carbs: 28.2%