Meaty but Mighty Meatballs
What makes these meatballs mighty? The extra Parsley and Cilantro mixture adds an easy boost of greens, light herb flavor (very light, trust me). And of course, the parmesan cheese mixed in, makes the whole family happy! I also use Force of Nature, Ancestral Blend Ground Beef which is mixed with heart and liver so you can get an extra iron and B boost, which means more energy for a tired Mom! And also great nutrients for a growing baby, ultra runner husband, and picky toddler!
Why are these the Greatest Meatballs Ever?
First off, organ meats are definitely not a typical family friendly food, but if you can sneak them in they are filled with amazing health benefits such as Vitamin B for energy, Vitamin A, Zinc, and Amino Acids. You really only need to eat 1-2 servings per week to get maximum benefit. Lily Nichols also has a great book (Real Food For Pregnancy) where she does a great job discussing why the addition of organ meat are so beneficial in pregnancy and postpartum. Force of Nature blend does a great job incorporating these meats with no taste in their Ancestral Blend! I highly recommend you check them out. I am not an affiliate, I am not nearly popular enough for that, but we love these meats! They also have a wide variety of less common meats (Venison, Elk, Bison) that can be used in place of the Ancestral Blend.
Second, the addition of parsley and cilantro adds Vitamins A,C, and K as well as a delicious flavor. But for anyone worried about it, we also add 3 tbsp. of Parmesan, which makes even the pickiest of toddlers keep coming back for more. I also love adding bits of color hear and there to get my picky toddler used to colors in her food!
We add an egg and almond flour to bind these meatballs, I like to add almond flour because I think it soaks up a bit of the moisture, but you can skip on one or both of these ingredients if you are all out!
Side Note: When I shape these meatballs, I like to make some of them a bit longer, so they are easier for our 10 month old to handle!
Mini but Mighty Meatballs
Quick and easy meatballs that pack a nutritional punch!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
1 lb (1 package) of Force of Nature Ancestral Blend (or any other type of meat will work as well)
3 tbsp Parmesan
2 tbsp Cilantro and/or Parsley finely diced
1 egg
2 tbsp of Almond Flour (Optional)
Instructions:
Heat oven to 375 and line a baking pan with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. You can use your hands to do this, as I find it can be easier to make sure it is all incorporated into the meat.
Scoop about a 1 tablespoon size ball of meat and place on baking sheet, careful not to let the meatballs touch - but even if a couple do it will be okay. They just may end up a bit softer, but still delicious.
Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Bake longer for larger meatballs.
