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Wholesome Hidden Veggie Meatballs for Kids Easy Healthy Recipe

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These wholesome hidden veggie meatballs are a kid-approved, easy way to sneak vegetables into meals. Packed with grated zucchini, carrots, and lean meat, they are nutritious, flavorful, and perfect for picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey (90% lean preferred)
  • 1 medium zucchini, finely grated and squeezed dry
  • 1 medium carrot, finely grated
  • ½ small onion, finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup bread crumbs (plain or whole wheat; gluten-free options like almond flour work too)
  • ⅓ cup milk (any kind, dairy or plant-based)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking if frying)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Grate the zucchini and carrot using a fine grater. Squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to avoid soggy meatballs.
  3. In a large bowl, combine grated zucchini, carrot, minced onion, and garlic. Stir gently to blend.
  4. Add ground meat, bread crumbs, beaten egg, milk, and Parmesan cheese (if using) to the veggie mix. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. Mix everything gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
  6. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons (20g) of mixture per meatball and roll into smooth balls.
  7. Arrange meatballs about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden on the outside. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for beef and 165°F (74°C) for turkey.
  9. Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through for a crispier exterior.
  10. Let meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving to settle juices and cool for little hands.

Notes

Squeeze excess moisture from zucchini to prevent mushy meatballs. Use room temperature ingredients for better binding. Mix gently to avoid tough meatballs. Uniform size ensures even cooking. Test one meatball first to adjust seasoning. Do not overcrowd the pan or baking sheet. Let meatballs rest after cooking to keep them juicy.

Nutrition

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Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/wholesome-hidden-veggie-meatballs-for-kids-easy-healthy-recipe/