Healthy Meatball Recipe with Cabbage

Discover the perfect blend of simplicity and healthiness with our wholesome Meatball Recipe with Cabbage. This quick and easy dish is designed for busy days when you crave a nourishing meal without compromising on flavor. Packed with fresh ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a delightful way to enjoy a healthy, home-cooked favorite. Dive into the world of nutritious simplicity with our delicious meatballs and cabbage combination – your taste buds and well-being will thank you!

Ingredients for Healthy Meatball Recipe

• 12.5 oz minced chicken meat
• 1/2 cup rice
• 1 medium onion
• 1 medium carrot
• 2 cups shredded white cabbage
• 3/4 cup shredded butternut squash
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/3 cup creme fraiche
• 1 tsp Italian dried herbs (or any spices of your choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp avocado oil (divided)
• Vegetable broth or chicken broth (or water). I recommend my Homemade Vegetable Broth Recipe.

Instructions

• Prepare the Rice:
  • Boil the rice for 5 minutes.
  • Place the cooked rice in a colander. Rinse with cold water and allow it to drain thoroughly.
• Prep the Cabbage:
  • Wash and dry the cabbage, then chop it into thin short strips.
  • Pour boiling water over the chopped cabbage and let it sit, covered, for 8-10 minutes.
  • Place the cabbage on a sieve, cool, and squeeze out excess liquid.
• Sauteed Vegetables:
  • Heat half of the avocado oil in a frying pan.
  • Fry the grated carrots and cubed onions over low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring.
  • Allow the sautéed vegetables to cool slightly.
• Complete Ingredients:
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the minced chicken meat, drained rice, and prepared cabbage.
  • Add the sautéed vegetables to the meat and vegetable mixture.
  • Peel, rinse, and dry the butternut squash, then grind it on a coarse grater.
  • Add the grated butternut squash to the bowl.
  • Season with salt, ground black pepper, and Italian herbs to taste.
  • Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
• Form Meatballs:
  • With wet hands, form the mixture into pieces of the desired shape and size.
• Prepare the Sauce:
  • Mix sour cream, tomato paste, 300 ml broth or water, salt, ground black pepper, and sugar to create the sauce.
• Baking:
  • Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
  • Bake for 40-60 minutes, adjusting the time based on the power of your equipment.

Serving Suggestions for Meatballs

• Bed of Quinoa or Brown Rice.
• Fresh Salad Greens, such as Green Salad with a Blueberry Twist.
• Whole Grain Pita or Flatbread.
• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): For a low-carb option, serve the meatballs over zucchini noodles. Toss the zoodles with a touch of olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Roasted Vegetables, such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or Roasted Butternut Squash with Kale.
• Mashed Potatoes. Such as Coconut Milk Mashed Potatoes or Celeriac and Potato Mash.
• Cucumber Yogurt Sauce: Whip up a quick cucumber yogurt sauce with diced cucumber, Greek yogurt, garlic, and dill.
• Cauliflower Rice: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Sauté the cauliflower rice with a bit of garlic and olive oil for added flavor ⇓⇓⇓

Cauliflower Rice: Your Complete Guide to a Nutrient-Packed Side

Winning the Battle with Picky Eaters

For moms and dads facing the never-ending challenge of fussy eaters, these Meatballs are game-changer. The tiny bits of veggies sneakily blend into the dish, making it a smart trick for kids who usually avoid vegetables. It’s not just yummy; it’s like a secret plan to get kids to eat their veggies without even realizing it. Every bite is a little win for parents trying to make healthy food more likable for their little ones.

Ideal for a Meal Prep

This recipe isn’t just tasty; it’s also super handy for busy days. You can make a bunch and store them for later—it’s like having a healthy, homemade meal ready whenever you need it. Imagine a week where making dinner is a breeze, thanks to these quick and nutritious meatballs that you can freeze and warm up. It’s an easy way to make life simpler for those days when you’re in a hurry. Enjoy the simplicity, savor the good-for-you parts, and make this colorful mix a regular part of your meals.

Discover Other Delicious Recipes for Your Healthy Dinner

Hearty Chicken Mushroom Casserole

Quinoa Salad with Roasted Chicken Breast

Homemade Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe

Pitta Bread with Chicken and Coleslaw

Delectable Chicken Liver in Oat Cream Sauce