Pretend Cooking Show: Meatballs

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: oats

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Oats provide fiber and are a healthier alternative.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated cheddar

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

egg

🥗Healthier: flaxseed meal

💰Cheaper: applesauce

Flaxseed meal acts as a binder and is plant-based.

Grate the onion. Mince the garlic. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients and thoroughly mix with your hands. When it is evenly mixed, shape them into balls. Set aside.

In a large pot, heat equal parts olive and safflower oils (~½ inch deep) until shimmering.

Brown meatballs in batches, turning to brown evenly. Place on paper towel lined plate to drain excess oil. When complete, dispose of oil, but do not clean the pot.

Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to pot. Turn stove to med heat.

Add grated onion, stir occasionally. When browned, add garlic. Stir for ~1 min.

Add the balsamic, stir, and then add red wine. Let the liquid cook off, stir occasionally.

Add tomatoes and bring to a low boil. Add a few teaspoons salt and pepper.

Submerge meatballs in sauce, cover pot leaving a crack for steam to escape. Turn to low and simmer for ~hour, stir occasionally.

Taste and add salt or pepper as needed.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens