As a home cook who’s always on the lookout for ways to make mealtime fun and nutritious, I know how important it is to whip up easy dinners for kids. Trust me, when you’re juggling school activities and playdates, a recipe that’s simple yet delightful can be a lifesaver! Kids can be picky, but I’ve found that if you make something colorful and tasty, they just can’t resist. That’s why I absolutely love this meatball recipe! It’s packed with lean protein, and the gooey melted cheese on top is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I remember the first time I made these for my little ones; they were asking for seconds before they even finished their first! So, let’s dive into a recipe that will have your kids cheering at the dinner table!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to make your kids’ new favorite dinner:
- 1 pound of ground turkey: A lean protein that keeps the meatballs juicy without excess fat.
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together for that perfect texture.
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese: Adds a savory depth and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup of chopped parsley: Freshens up the dish and gives it a pop of color.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: A must-have for that delicious, aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder: Complements the garlic perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning to your liking.
- 2 cups of marinara sauce: The rich sauce that’ll bathe those meatballs in flavor.
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty topping that kids will love!
How to Prepare Instructions
Let’s get cooking! This step-by-step guide will help you create these delicious meatballs effortlessly.
Prepping the Meatballs
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Now, here’s my little secret: mix everything gently but thoroughly to avoid overworking the meat, which can lead to tough meatballs. Use your hands to combine the ingredients until they’re just mixed. Then, take a small amount of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form meatballs about the size of a golf ball. This ensures they cook evenly, and trust me, they’ll hold together beautifully!
Baking the Meatballs
Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking (no one likes a stuck meatball!). Place your formed meatballs on the sheet, making sure they’re spaced apart to allow for even cooking. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re cooked through and golden brown. You can give them a little nudge halfway through to ensure they’re not sticking to the paper.
Simmering in Marinara Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to heat up the marinara sauce. Pour the sauce into a saucepan over medium heat and let it warm up. Once your meatballs are done, carefully add them to the simmering sauce and let them hang out there for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the meatballs a deliciously saucy coating!
Final Baking with Cheese
Now, transfer the meatballs and sauce into a baking dish and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top. This is the part where it gets exciting! Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The sight of that golden, gooey cheese is enough to make your mouth water! Just keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t over-brown. When it’s ready, your meatballs will look irresistible and be ready for dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious and packed with lean protein that’s good for growing kids.
- Appealing to children with its cheesy goodness and fun meatball shape.
- Versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, or even as a sandwich filling.
- Easily adjustable for various dietary needs and tastes.
Tips for Success
To ensure your meatballs turn out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your ground turkey is fresh; it’ll make a world of difference in flavor and texture. When mixing, don’t overwork the meat—gentle hands are key to keeping them tender. If your mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind it. For storing, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. And remember, if you want to freeze them, do so before baking; just thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can swap out the ground turkey for ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian twist. Want to sneak in some veggies? Finely chop spinach or grated zucchini into the meat mixture for an extra nutritional boost. You can also experiment with different cheeses—try adding cheddar or pepper jack for a fun flavor kick! The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild!
Nutritional Information Section
Please note that the nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. On average, each serving of these meatballs contains approximately 350 calories, 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. For the most accurate information, always check your ingredient labels!
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are super versatile and can be paired with a variety of delicious sides! For a classic Italian experience, serve them over a bed of spaghetti tossed in olive oil or extra marinara sauce. Garlic bread on the side is always a hit, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. If you’re looking for something lighter, a fresh garden salad drizzled with vinaigrette complements the meal beautifully. You can also serve them in a sub roll for a delightful meatball sandwich—yum!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They make a great quick lunch or snack!
Can I freeze the meatballs? Yes! You can freeze uncooked meatballs before baking. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed when you’re ready.
How should I reheat them? To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove. If you want that melty cheese effect again, pop them back in the oven for a few minutes!
Print
Dinner for Kids: 5 Simple Meatballs to Delight Them!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delightful and nutritious dinner recipe for kids that is both easy to prepare and enjoyable to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground turkey
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups of marinara sauce
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined and form into meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, heat marinara sauce over medium heat.
- Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer meatballs and sauce to a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef or chicken for turkey.
- For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat.
- Serve with spaghetti or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: dinner for kids, meatballs, easy dinner, healthy meal
