Baked Meatball School Lunch Ideas

In the ever-evolving culinary landscape, finding a dish that seamlessly marries flavor, nutrition, and versatility can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Enter the Cheesy Veggie-Packed Baked Meatballs—a delightful creation that not only satisfies your taste buds but also packs a nutritional punch. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a celebration of wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special.

Discover the joy of cooking with Cheesy Veggie-Packed Baked Meatballs, a perfect blend of flavor, nutrition, and versatility. This recipe combines ground meat, fresh vegetables, and gooey cheese to create a delicious dish that's loved by everyone. Packed with vitamins and minerals, these meatballs not only satisfy your taste buds but also support your health. Ideal for meal prep and accommodating various dietary preferences, this dish is a must-try for families seeking wholesome meals.

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)

1 cup finely grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)

1/2 cup grated carrots (about 1 medium carrot)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Veggies: Grate the zucchini and carrots using a box grater or a food processor. Squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated zucchini to prevent sogginess in the meatballs.

Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, grated zucchini, grated carrots, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

Form Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into roughly golf ball-sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart.

Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.

Add Marinara Sauce: Remove the meatballs from the oven, carefully spoon marinara sauce over each meatball, and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Broil (Optional): Return the meatballs to the oven and switch to the broil setting. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve and Store: Let the meatballs cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed right away or packed into lunch boxes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 40 min | 4 servings