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Irresistible Hidden Veggie Meatballs

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These hidden veggie meatballs are packed with finely grated carrots, zucchini, and spinach blended into juicy, flavorful meat, making them a healthy and kid-friendly meal option.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken, lean preferred)
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • 1 medium zucchini, grated
  • 1 cup (30 g) spinach, finely chopped
  • ½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs (plain or whole wheat)
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the veggies: Wash and peel the carrot and zucchini. Finely grate both using a box grater or food processor. Place grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
  2. Chop the spinach finely. If using frozen, thaw completely and squeeze out water.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, grated carrot, grated zucchini, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add the egg and milk to the mixture. Gently mix with hands or a spoon until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  5. Form meatballs by scooping about 1.5 tablespoons (20 g) of mixture and rolling into smooth balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake meatballs for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (internal temp ~160°F for beef/pork, 165°F for poultry).
  7. Let meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking to set juices. Serve warm with preferred dipping sauce or pasta.

Notes

Squeeze zucchini dry to prevent soggy meatballs. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender. If mixture is too wet, add extra breadcrumbs; if too dry, add more milk. Meatballs can be pan-fried or simmered in tomato sauce as variations. Freeze formed raw meatballs on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bag for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: hidden veggie meatballs, kids meal, healthy meatballs, easy dinner, ground meat recipe, sneaky veggies, family-friendly, freezer-friendly

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/irresistible-hidden-veggie-meatballs-recipe-easy-healthy-kids-meal/