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.
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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.
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, form mini meatballs (approximately 1-inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
While the meatballs bake, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the grated carrot and minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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.
Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them into the saucepan with the simmering tomato sauce.
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.
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
Calories |
1335 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.7 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.5 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 524 mg | 174% | |
| Sodium | 945 mg | 41% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 95.0 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.7 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.7 g | ||
| Protein | 109.5 g | 219% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 254 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 13.1 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 2344 mg | 50% | |
*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.
