Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs:
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- Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken: 1 pound
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- Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
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- Egg: 1 large
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- Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
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- Fresh Parsley (chopped): 1/4 cup
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- Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional): 1/4 cup
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- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
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- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
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- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
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- Olive Oil (for cooking): 1 tablespoon
Butternut Squash and Potatoes:
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- Butternut Squash (peeled and cubed): 2 cups
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- Potatoes (peeled and cubed): 2 cups (try using a mix of sweet potatoes and regular potatoes for extra nutrition)
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- 1 cup red onions (sliced or diced)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
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- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
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- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
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- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
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- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
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- Fresh Herbs (like thyme or rosemary): 1 teaspoon (optional)
Optional Garnish:
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- Fresh Parsley or Basil (chopped): for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Cube the Vegetables: Peel and cube the butternut squash and potatoes. Slice or dice the red onions.
- Season the Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash, potatoes, and sliced red onions with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder until evenly coated.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through cooking.
Step 3: Make the Meatballs
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey or chicken, whole wheat breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix Until Combined: Use your hands or a spoon to mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a plate or baking sheet.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Meatballs: Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Remove from Skillet: Once cooked, remove meatballs from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil if desired.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate the Dish: Once the butternut squash, potatoes, and red onions are done baking, remove them from the oven.
- Combine and Serve: Serve the meatballs over the roasted vegetables. You can garnish with additional fresh parsley or herbs as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 - 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 - 35 minutes