Meat lovers rejoice! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite recipes for meatballs. They’re delicious, high in protein and diet-friendly.
Lean meat and poultry are a great addition to your weight loss menu. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), meat, poultry and fish are rich sources of protein, B vitamins, iron, magnesium and more. High protein foods such as lean meat help to create muscles, bones and other structures within the body. B vitamins provide energy and other vital functions.
We compiled a list of some of our favorite healthy meatballs made from lean meats. Turkey, lean beef and Nutrisystem’s own Meatballs in Marinara Sauce are featured throughout these recipes.
Instead of giving up the foods you love, Nutrisystem is here to help you create healthier versions in proper portions. We want you to lose the weight while still enjoying your favorites. If you’re a meat lover, that means indulging in your carnivorous tendencies while still finding weight loss success. These 10 meatball recipes are simple to prepare and fit perfectly into the Nutrisystem weight loss program. Oh, and of course they’re delicious!
Here are 10 of our favorite healthy meatball recipes:
1. Mozzarella Stuffed Old Bay Meatballs >
Calories per serving: 111
On Nutrisystem diet plan, counts as: 1 PowerFuel
When you cut through these spicy, salty, flavorful turkey meatballs, you reveal a gooey surprise of melted mozzarella! By simply wrapping the meatball mixture around a cube of cheese, you turn a regular meal into a gourmet appetizer or main course with a serious “wow” factor. With the signature taste of Old Bay mixed right into the meatball mix, your family and guests will be thrilled with the flavor of these stuffed meatballs. They’re just 111 calories per serving and will fit perfectly into your weight loss plan.
2. Honey Sriracha Meatballs >
Calories per serving: 216
On Nutrisystem diet plan, counts as: 1 PowerFuel and 3 Extras
Sweet, spicy and meaty—these meatballs have it all! The honey sriracha sauce that smothers them with flavor is a snap to make. Just whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, ginger and rice vinegar, then simmer in a small saucepan. In about five minutes, you will have a flavorful sauce that will turn meatballs into a flavor powerhouse. They’re great with brown rice, some veggies or even a serving of whole wheat pasta. With three meatballs per serving, your dinner will be filling and flavorful.
3. Buffalo Turkey Meatballs >
Calories per serving: 235
On Nutrisystem diet plan, counts as: 2 PowerFuels and 2 Extras
A game day spread isn’t complete without something smothered in buffalo sauce. These meatballs are a filling and surprising change of pace that will have your fellow fans raving. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a punch of protein to the sauce, while onion powder and Italian seasoning give the turkey meatballs some extra zing. They bake in less than 30 minutes, meaning your pregame prep won’t keep you away from the party. With four meatballs in each serving, you can snack with gusto. Serve these and you’ll be the Meatball MVP.
4. Chipotle Turkey Meatballs >
Calories per serving: 178
On Nutrisystem diet plan, counts as: 1 PowerFuel and 2 Extras
Lean ground turkey and spinach provide the protein and fiber in these delicious meatballs. These poppable treats are served with a zesty, yogurt-based chipotle sauce. The spicy, sweet, sticky sauce and chopped cilantro create a flavor-packed treat that you and your family will love.
5. Lower Carb Spaghetti and Meatballs >
Calories per serving: 274
On Nutrisystem diet plan, counts as: 1 Nutrisystem Dinner, 1 SmartCarb and 2 Vegetables
If you’re a Nutrisystem member, you probably know that one of the tastiest dinners in the weight loss program is the Nutrisystem Meatballs in Marinara Sauce. With tasty Italian seasoning and plenty of sauce, it’s a fan favorite! There is some extra sauce in the dinner, perfect for lapping up with a whole grain roll or dousing a big pile of spaghetti squash. Spaghetti squash is a lower carb and calorie alternative to pasta that gives you all the fun and texture of spinning noodles on your fork. In just 45 minutes, you can bake a whole spaghetti squash that yields an enormous bowl of “noodles.” Enjoy spaghetti squash without a speck of guilt as it’s an unlimited food on Nutrisystem!
6. Zucchini Noodles and Meatballs >
On Nutrisystem diet plan, counts as: 1 Nutrisystem Dinner and 2 Vegetables
Here’s another idea to soak up all the delicious sauce in your Nutrisystem Meatballs in Marinara Sauce. Zoodles are the perfect pairing for this dinner. These noodle-like strings of zucchini boil in just a minute and give you all the fork-spinning, sauce-sopping satisfaction of real pasta without all the calories. By using a spiralizer, you can make these “noodles” in a snap. Zoodles are a perfect complement to any meatball recipe on this list. You’ll love them!
7. Slow Cooker Kale and Beef Meatballs >
On Nutrisystem diet plan, counts as: 2 PowerFuels
Lean beef, nutritious kale and flavorful Parmesan cheese create this healthy take on an Italian classic. After a bit of baking, you’ll place the meatballs in a slow cooker with canned crushed tomatoes, garlic and spices to create a flavorful sauce that will fill your home with alluring aromas. Your family will be even more excited to dig into these healthy, beefy meatballs.
8. Pasta and Meatball Skewers >
Calories per serving: 323
On Nutrisystem diet plan, counts as: 1 Nutrisystem Dinner, 1 PowerFuel and 1 Vegetable
When you’re a pasta lover, weight loss plans can make your favorite dish tricky. Pasta can be easy to overeat. These Pasta and Meatball Skewers make portion control easy and fun. Penne pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, spinach and meatballs from your Nutrisystem Meatballs in Marinara Sauce are all piled on a skewer. This creates a fun-to-grab, easy-to-enjoy meal that contains the perfect amount of pasta for your weight loss goals. With 25 grams of protein in each serving, these skewers will keep you full long after you’ve cleaned your plate.
9. Meatball Stuffed Peppers >
Calories per serving: 245
On Nutrisystem diet plan, counts as: 1 PowerFuel, 1 Vegetable and 1 Nutrisystem Dinner
Making stuffed peppers has never been easier. Using a serving of your Nutrisystem Meatballs in Marinara Sauce and sliced mozzarella cheese, you can have those peppers stuffed and in the oven in a snap. Just slice a bell pepper in half, remove the seeds and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Fill each half with meatballs and top with a slice of part-skim mozzarella cheese. Bake for another 15 minutes and you’ve got a simple, meaty meal that fits into your weight loss plan.
10. Vegetarian Meatballs >
Calories per serving: 279
On Nutrisystem diet plan, counts as: 1 PowerFuel, 1 SmartCarb, 2 Vegetables and 1 Extra
Hang on a second: These are supposed to be meatballs, not veggie fare. Don’t worry, these mushroom, oat and lentil balls have a meaty flavor. If you’re trying to incorporate Meatless Monday into your week, this recipe is a delicious meal idea that will provide the meaty texture you love. Zoodles make another appearance in this high fiber, nutritious meal. While you’re enjoying this meaty dish, you’ll be checking off two vegetable servings while you’re at it. Looking for more vegetarian recipes? Try these 10 Plant Based Meals or these 8 Tantalizing Meatless Meals.
