I have figured out the perfect solution to getting protein in a picky eater family. Apparently, everyone in the Just Add cloth household likes turkey meatballs! I have been making large batches of grain free meatballs for using throughout the week. We are not that great at sitting down as a family for an all-out meal some nights. Well, most nights. The only time I can run to the gym for a workout is right when my husband walks in the door, so sometimes he must swing part of the kids’ dinner on his own until I come home. Our toddler refuses all forms of protein aside from cheese for weeks on end until he has little dark circles around his eyes. However, he will eat ground meat in sauce, so I worked out some gluten free seasoned meatballs.
- 3 lbs ground turkey. (regular, not lean)
- 1 small red onion minced
- Thyme, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried onion flakes to taste, I used about a tablespoon of each, except the salt.
- 4 eggs
- 2 Tablespoons of olive oil
Mix it all together by hand. You do not need any breadcrumbs or rice. The egg holds it all together just fine. I mold the turkey mixture by hand into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. I am able to fill an entire baking tray with between 30 and 40 meatballs. I pop them in the oven at 375* F for around 45 minutes.
These are just the right combo of ingredients and fat to remain flavorful and moist. The small size is perfect for mixing into a sweet potato for the kids to get a little protein and the texture is easy to gum up in toothless little mouths.
My husband is usually not a meat guy, but the right amount of herbs and spices packed into turkey is always a winner with him. The kids love these and they have nearly no carbohydrates, so they work out great for anyone with insulin resistance or anyone watching the starch in general. I will admit to making up a batch of these meatballs on Sunday, along with baking up a bunch of plain sweet potatoes, for a couple of pre-made, easy dinners later in the week. My approach to weekday cooking might not be ideal, but from what I remember, June cleaver wasn’t hitting the gym, running her own business, and trying to adhere to the whole foods movement. To be honest, she couldn’t hack it today.
Love this recipe! Pinned and Stumbled!
Thanks1 It is a big hit in our house!
These look yummy. I pinned them and will be making them soon for a gluten-free friend!
The breadcrumbs people add are really just filler anyway. Baking them is easier, but browning them in the pan makes them come out prettier.
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