Who can deny the comfort of a good old meatball and some homemade marinara? But what if I told you that you could have that traditional taste while keeping an eye on your waistline? Here is a new twist on an old favourite, Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles, that is both tasty and healthy.
This dish has the protein essential for building muscles and contains zucchini noodles, which are low in carbs and rich in nutri- ents. It’s the best of both worlds – the perfect meal for athletes who want to eat well without overdoing it.
Did you notice the best part? This recipe is also prepared in a slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it while you head to the gym or carry on with your day. It is simple to prepare, and by the time you are done, you will find that the turkey meatballs are tender and have been mixed with a rich marinara sauce and served with zuc- chini noodles. It is also very easy to prepare and is a great meal to prepare in advance; hence, anyone who has to juggle between a hectic schedule and their exercise schedule should give it a try.
Why It’s Great for Gym-Goers
This recipe is perfect for athletes as it is packed with protein, contains no carbohydrates, and contains vitamins and minerals. Ground turkey is a source of protein that helps repair muscles that may have been damaged during a workout, while zucchini noodles are used in place of pasta to reduce calories and increase fibre intake. The marinara sauce includes tomatoes containing lycopene, an antioxidant that helps maintain good heart health and reduce inflammation. Moreover, using a slow cooker to cook this meal is a plus because it makes the food more flavorful without spending much time in the kitchen, and this is perfect, especially when you have a lot of other activities to catch up on.
Slow Meatballs Cooker with Turkey Zucchini Noodles Recipes
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) of lean ground turkey
- 1 egg (you may use one flax egg to avoid eggs)
- ¼ cup of almond flour, for instance; you can use bread crumbs if you are not on a diet. 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, optional, or nutritional yeast if you are allergic to dairy products. 1 tsp of dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp of salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the sauce:
Three cups of marinara sauce (It is always advisable to use low-sugar ones or, even better, make your own. 1 tsp of dried basil or oregano, optional
For the zucchini noodles:
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- A pinch of salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg or flax egg, almond flour, garlic and Parmesan, if using Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form a small ball from the mixture about the size of a grape.
Slow Cook the Meatballs:
Putting the remaining marinara sauce into the slow cooker would be advisable. Now that the meatballs are made, place them in the slow cooker evenly. Add the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with dried basil or oregano if you wish. To cook, cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meatballs are done.
Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:
When it is about ten minutes from serving time, take a large skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil, and put it on the stove at medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini and some salt, and stir fry for 2-3 minutes.
Serve:
To divide the zucchini noodles, scoop them into individual plates and spoon some of the turkey meatballs and marinara sauce on them. If you want to give it a finishing touch, you can add fresh basil or grated Parmesan.
Who said that healthy food cannot be as filling and satisfying as a slow cooker turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles? Not only are these full of flavour and highly nutritious, but they are also a meal that will help you get through your day as actively as you can. It also has a slow cooker option, meaning you will have even more time to work out or relax after a long day at work.
Therefore, when you are in the mood for something filling, rich, and healthy, make some of these turkey meat- balls. They will satisfy your taste buds and muscles as well!
