⏱️ Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes

🍽️ Servings

4–6 servings (about 18–22 meatballs)

🧾 Ingredients

🥩 Meatball Base

1 lb (450 g) extra-lean ground chicken or turkey (99% lean preferred)
1 egg white (or 2 tbsp liquid egg whites)
½ cup finely grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
¼ cup finely grated onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup quick oats (or oat flour)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

🌿 Seasoning

1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika (optional)

🍅 Optional Zero/Low Point Sauce

1½ cups crushed tomatoes (no sugar added)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh basil (optional)

👩‍🍳 Step 1: Prepare the Veggies

Grate zucchini and onion finely.
Place zucchini in a clean towel and squeeze out excess water.

👉 This step is important—removes moisture so meatballs don’t fall apart.

👩‍🍳 Step 2: Mix the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl combine:

ground chicken/turkey
egg white
grated zucchini
grated onion
garlic
oats
parsley
all seasonings

Mix gently

Use hands or spoon.
Mix just until combined.

⚠️ Don’t overmix (keeps meatballs tender).

👩‍🍳 Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Wet hands slightly to prevent sticking.
Roll into balls (about 1–1.5 tbsp each).

Place on a parchment-lined baking tray.

👩‍🍳 Step 4: Bake

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)
Bake for 18–22 minutes

They are done when:

Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
Outside is lightly golden
Firm to touch

🍅 Step 5: Optional Tomato Sauce

While meatballs bake:

Heat a saucepan over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Add crushed tomatoes and oregano.
Simmer 8–10 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, and basil.

👩‍🍳 Step 6: Combine & Serve

Add baked meatballs into sauce (optional) and simmer 2–3 minutes.

Serve hot.

🍽️ Serving Ideas (Zero/Low Point Friendly)

Zucchini noodles 🍝
Steamed broccoli 🥦
Cauliflower rice
Shredded cabbage
Lettuce wraps 🥬
Soup-style in broth

💡 Tips for Perfect Meatballs

Keep them juicy

Use zucchini (adds moisture without fat)
Don’t overbake

Keep them firm

Always squeeze zucchini dry
Don’t skip oats or egg white

Flavor boost

Add:

chili flakes 🌶️
parmesan (adds points if used)
lemon zest 🍋
fresh basil

🔄 Variations

🍗 Italian Style

Add extra oregano + basil + garlic

🌶️ Spicy Version