Open Face Meatball Sandwiches
I guess the cloudy weather here in Florida inspired more than just a chance of meatballs for this week’s healthy and kid friendly recipe. A few minor changes make an otherwise iffy nutritional choice an easy and better for you “go to” meal. By choosing much leaner ground beef (93% to 96%) or even using ground turkey you already give this sandwich a whole new profile. Also, sub low fat mozzarella for the real deal and you’ll never know the difference. Consider choosing whole wheat rolls rather than you’re traditional hoagie bun for another nutritional enhancement. Lastly, definitely pay attention to the pasta sauce you choose. Try to stay meat free and even consider ones that have additional vegetables added.
Make it Faster: to make this meal super quick, consider buying packaged turkey or chicken meatballs (just read the label and be cautious of sodium levels).
Ingredients:
Lean Ground Beef, $3.99/lb
Barilla Pasta Sauce 24 oz, BOGO $2.59
Eggs or Egg Substitute
$0.35/1 Nature’s Harmony Eggs SS 6/12
$0.50/1 Smart Balance Omego-3 Eggs SS 7/10
$0.50/1 Eggland’s Best Eggs SS 5/1
$0.50/1 Eggland’s Best Eggs SS 5/1
Nature’s Own Bread 20 oz, BOGO $2.85
Onion, $.49
Garlic cloves, $1.03 /Jarred minced
garlic, $1.99
Onion powder
$3.19$1/2 Spice Island Items Smart Summer Savings Publix Booklet
Dried oregano, $3.45
$1/2 Spice Island Items Smart Summer Savings Publix Booklet
Dried basil $3.99
$1/2 Spice Island Items Smart Summer Savings Publix Booklet
Note: You can use Italian Seasoning($3.49) in place of the last three ingredients
salt & pepper
Assorted Hoagie Rolls, 4 ct, $2.29
Publix part-skim mozzarella cheese
Shredded Cheese, 6 or 8 oz, 2/$5
$1/Cheese coupons.com coupon (if you live in FL)
Green Giant Frozen Vegetables 7 to 10 oz, BOGO $1.79
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine ¼ cup egg substitute (or two eggs pre-beaten), ½ cup soft whole wheat bread crumbs (you can buy bread crumbs plain or Italian OR make your own super fast putting 5 -6 slices whole wheat bread in a blender/food processor and pulsing on slow until small pieces), ¼ cup finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves (about 1 ½ tsp jarred) ½ tsp onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ tsp dried basil (you can use an Italian spice blend in place of the previous three spices), ¼ tsp pepper and a dash of sale (kosher is better). Crumble 1 -1 1/4 lbs lean ground beef (93% -96% lean) over mixture and mix well. Shape into 40 meatballs, 1 inch each. In a large skillet coated with cooking spray, brown meatballs in batches; drain. Place the meatballs in a large saucepan and add 2 cups of pasta sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Spoon meatballs and sauce onto bun halves; sprinkle with mozzarella. Serve with a side of broccoli.
This recipe is a preview of my Better For You & Budget Friendly weekly meal plan.(last week’s meal plan HERE). The full meal plan publishes on Thursdays, so come back and check it out! I put my meal plans together based on the weekly Publix Supermarket circular which starts Wednesday or Thursday depending on your market. However, regardless of where you shop, the meal plan is healthy, easy on any budget and many coupons will still apply.
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