The WW Italian Meatballs are tasty and have 180 kcal per serving. These balls take 45 minutes to prepare. Serve this dish at holidays, festivals, events, feasts, lunches, birthdays, functions, get-togethers, or dinners. It contains lean ground turkey, oat flour, egg white, garlic, onion, parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, nutritional yeast, salt, no-sugar-added tomato passata, & cooking spray. We may pair these balls with brown rice, farro, roasted broccoli, carrot noodles, garlic spinach, garden salad, Italian herb bread, lentil soup, whole grain wrap, Greek salad, or roasted zucchini. You may pair these WW Italian Meatballs in the refrigerator for 4 days.
STATS:
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Serving size: 4 meatballs
- Course: Main
- Diet: Weight Watchers
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian
- Servings: 4
EQUIPMENT:
- Mixing bowl
- Oven
- Saucepan
- Spoon
- Baking tray
INGREDIENTS:
- Half tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 500 g lean ground turkey
- 1/3 cup oat flour
- One large egg white
- 2-3 minced garlic cloves
- One grated small onion
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- One tsp dried oregano
- Cooking spray
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Half tsp salt
- 1 cup no-sugar-added tomato passata
INGREDIENT NOTES:
LEAN GROUND TURKEY:
- It is the main component that includes a high amount of protein. Lean ground turkey makes the texture tender and absorbs the taste well. You may use lean ground turkey, ground pork, or extra-lean ground beef as per your preference.
OAT FLOUR:
- It hold the balls together while cooking. Oat flour gives moisture and works best in lighter recipes. You may use finely blended rolled oats as an alternative.
EGG WHITE:
- It binds the components to keep the shape while cooking. Egg whites reduce calories and fat in the meal. You may use chia eggs as another choice.
NUTRITIONAL YEAST:
- Yeast includes a savory, cheesy taste without adding fat. It includes extra depth and umami taste in the balls. Use light Parmesan cheese if you are not adding nutritional yeast.
NO-SUGAR-ADDED TOMATO PASSATA:
- Tomato passata makes a smooth sauce without including sugar. It keeps the meal light and includes moisture as well. You may use crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, or homemade tomato sauce as a substitute.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- First, include ground turkey in the bowl.
- Then add oat flour, garlic, pepper, egg white, onion, salt, herbs, and nutritional yeast.
- Gently mix the ingredients and shape into equally small meatballs.
- Put the balls on the tray and lightly coat with cooking spray.
- Now bake the balls for 25 minutes at 200°C.
- Warm the tomato passata for 7 minutes in the pan and include cooked meatballs.
- Lastly, simmer the balls for five minutes.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
PASTA DISHES:
- Whole Wheat Spaghetti
- Whole Wheat Penne
- Angel Hair Pasta
- Whole Wheat Linguine
- Whole Wheat Rotini
RICE & GRAINS:
- Brown Rice
- Quinoa
- Wild Rice
- Farro
- Barley
VEGETABLES:
- Roasted Broccoli
- Steamed Green Beans
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Garlic Spinach
- Roasted Cauliflower
SALADS:
- Garden Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Mediterranean Salad
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Arugula Salad
BREAD & ROLLS:
- Whole Wheat Garlic Bread
- Whole Grain Dinner Rolls
- Whole Wheat Breadsticks
- Italian Herb Bread
- Whole Wheat Baguette
POTATO SIDES:
- Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Baby Potatoes
- Garlic Potato Wedges
- Sweet Potato Mash
- Baked Potatoes
SOUP:
- Minestrone Soup
- Tomato Basil Soup
- Vegetable Soup
- Lentil Soup
- Italian Wedding Soup
SANDWICH & WRAP:
- Whole Wheat Sub Roll
- Whole Wheat Pita
- Whole Grain Wrap
- Ciabatta Roll
- Hoagie Roll
MEDITERRANEAN:
- Greek Salad
- Tabbouleh
- Lemon Herb Couscous
- Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables
- Cucumber Yogurt Salad
TIPS:
- Avoid overmixing meat to keep the balls soft.
- Make the same-sized meatballs for better cooking.
- Cool the balls for five minutes to get a better texture.
- Coat the balls lightly for best WW points.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Keep the meal in the box for 4 days.
FREEZER:
- You may freeze the meatballs for 60 days.
FAQs:
Can I air fry the balls instead of baking?
- Yes, an air fryer makes the balls crispy from the outside.
Are these balls good for a WW diet?
- Yes, they have low-fat and high-protein.
Can I exclude nutritional yeast?
- Yes, use vegan parmesan instead.
Why do I feel the balls are dry?
- Overcooking or using very lean turkey makes the ball less juicy.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Net carbs: 8 grams
Total carbs: 10 g
Fiber: 2.5 grams
Protein: 25 g
Iron: 2.2 milligrams
Calcium: 60 mg
Vitamin A: 300 IU
Sodium: 350 milligrams
Calories: 180 kcal
Potassium: 420 milligrams
Weight Watcher Points: 3-4 points