Low Sodium Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs

Savor the comforting, authentic flavors of Italy with these Low Sodium Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs, a heart-healthy twist on a classic favorite. Perfectly tender and flavorful, these meatballs are made with a blend of lean ground beef and pork, infused with garlic, onion, and fragrant herbs like oregano and basil. Unsalted bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese provide the perfect balance of texture and richness, while a drizzle of olive oil ensures a golden-brown finish in the oven. Simmered in a low sodium tomato sauce, these meatballs are a guilt-free option for pasta nights, meatball subs, or appetizers. Ready in just under an hour, this recipe is ideal for anyone seeking a wholesome, lower-sodium way to enjoy their favorite Italian comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Lean ground beef
• 0.5 pound Ground pork
• 0.75 cup Unsalted bread crumbs
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large Egg
• 3 minced Garlic cloves
• 0.5 medium, finely chopped Onion
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 cups Low sodium tomato sauce

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, and unsalted bread crumbs.

Step 3

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to the bowl.

Step 4

Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a spatula until well combined.

Step 5

Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6

Drizzle meatballs with olive oil to help them brown in the oven.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they are browned on the outside and cooked through the inside.

Step 8

While the meatballs are baking, heat the low sodium tomato sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 9

Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them into the saucepan with the tomato sauce.

Step 10

Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 11

Garnish the meatballs with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your low sodium Italian meatballs over pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1463.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2474.6

Total Fat 134.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 47.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 744.7mg	0%
Sodium 1978.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 116.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.4g	0%
Total Sugars 31.5g
Protein 195.8g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 829.2mg	0%
Iron 23.7mg	0%
Potassium 2025.0mg	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: 49.2%

Protein: 31.9%

Carbs: 18.9%