Versatile Saucy Meatballs

Versatile Saucy Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients for Versatile Saucy Meatballs

1/3 cup water

1/4 cup bulgur

1 egg

1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, chili powder, or salt-free Cajun seasoning

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp ground black pepper

1 pound uncooked ground turkey or extra-lean ground beef (90 percent lean or higher)

1 of a 14 1/2 ounce can Italian-, Mexican-, or Cajun-style stewed tomatoes, undrained, cut up

2 cups hot cooked spaghetti squash (optional)

2 tbsps small fresh basil or cilantro leaves or thinly sliced green onion

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the water and bulgur. Microwave om 100 percent power (high) for 1 minute; do not drain. Cool slightly.

Stir egg, desired seasoning, salt, and pepper into bulgur mixture. Add ground turkey or beef; mix well. Shape into 24 meatballs. Place in a microwave-safe 2-quart square baking dish. Cover with vented plastic wrap. Microwave on 100 percent power (high) for 4 minutes, rearranging once; drain off liquid.

Pour undrained stewed tomatoes over meatballs. Cover with vented plastic wrap. Microwave on 100 percent power (high) for 1 to 3 minutes or until meatballs are no longer pink in centers (165 F). If desired, serve meatballs over spaghetti squash. Sprinkle with basil, cilantro, or green onion.

Nutrition per serving: 6 meatballs each person

244 calories

11 grams total fat

3 grams sat. fat

143 mg cholesterol

604 mg sodium

14 grams carbohydrate

3 grams fiber

24 grams protein