Italian Meatballs

Italian Meatballs are great to make on the weekends when more time is available and to serve them all week long in many different meals.  Our healthier version of Italian Meatballs will impress you with their fabulous taste. 

1 pound lean ground beef (preferably grass fed)
¼ cup parmesan cheese
¼ cup minced fresh parsley
2 Tablespoons crushed garlic
1 egg
½ cup whole-wheat bread crumbs 
½ cup minced carrots
½ cup minced mushrooms
½ cup minced zucchini
2 jars of low sodium Marinara sauce 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Combine all ingredients, except marinara sauce, in a large bowl and mix well.  Heat the marinara sauce on stove top over medium-low heat.   Roll ground beef mixture into 24, 1 inch balls.  Place meatballs on a broiler pan sprayed with nonstick spray.  Broil 4 inches away from heat until cooked through, approximately 10 minutes. (internal temperature of 165 degrees)   Add meatballs to sauce, cover and cook approximately 10 minutes.  Serve with your favorite whole-wheat pasta, as an appetizer or on a mini whole-wheat bun for the perfect slider.  Enjoy!