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Healthy Hidden Veggie Turkey Meatball Subs

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A kid-approved, wholesome lunch recipe featuring turkey meatballs with hidden pureed veggies, homemade tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella in soft sandwich rolls.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 medium carrot, finely grated or pureed
  • 1 small zucchini, finely grated or pureed
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional)
  • 4 soft sandwich rolls or small sub buns (preferably whole wheat)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Finely grate or puree the carrot and zucchini. Squeeze out excess moisture from zucchini with a clean cloth.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, grated/pureed veggies, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  4. Shape mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
  5. Bake meatballs for 18-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in fresh basil just before removing from heat, if using.
  8. Place 4-5 meatballs in each split roll. Spoon tomato sauce over meatballs and sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
  9. Place assembled subs on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and bread is slightly toasted.
  10. Serve warm.

Notes

Squeeze out excess moisture from zucchini to prevent soggy meatballs. Do not overmix meatball mixture to keep them tender. Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls for gluten-free version. Plant-based mozzarella or skipping cheese works for dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatball subs, hidden veggies, kid-friendly lunch, healthy sandwiches, homemade tomato sauce, easy meatball recipe

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/healthy-hidden-veggie-turkey-meatball-subs-recipe-easy-kid-approved-lunch-idea/