Low Fat Classic Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Savor the comforting flavors of Italian-inspired cuisine with this healthier twist on a beloved classic—Low Fat Classic Meatballs in Tomato Sauce. Made with lean ground beef, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and seasoned with fragrant herbs like oregano and basil, these tender meatballs are packed with bold, savory flavors while staying light on calories. Simmered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce bursting with garlic, onions, and Italian herbs, this dish is a heartwarming crowd-pleaser that doesn’t compromise on nutrition. Perfect for pairing with whole-grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or steamed veggies, these meatballs offer a satisfying yet guilt-free option for a wholesome family meal. Ready in under an hour and packed with protein, this healthy meatball recipe proves you can enjoy comfort food without the extra fat!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 g Lean ground beef
- 0.5 cup Whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg white
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 800 g Canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Dried Italian herbs
- 2 tbsp Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine lean ground beef, whole wheat breadcrumbs, egg white, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter each. You should get approximately 20 meatballs.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5 minutes. Remove meatballs from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Add the canned crushed tomatoes and dried Italian herbs to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer on medium heat.
Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and soak up the flavors of the sauce.
Once the meatballs are cooked through, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Serve the meatballs and tomato sauce over your choice of whole grain pasta, zoodles, or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1403 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.8 g | 70% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.4 g | 92% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 310 mg | 103% | |
| Sodium | 2980 mg | 130% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 106.1 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.2 g | 83% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.4 g | ||
| Protein | 127.0 g | 254% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 332 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 23.7 mg | 132% | |
| Potassium | 3161 mg | 67% | |
*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.
