Lo-Cal Meat Balls
Low-calorie meatballs with a savory tomato sauce, featuring crunchy corn flakes and applesauce for moisture, perfect for a health-conscious, flavorful meal option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine crushed corn flakes, diced onion, ground chuck, salt, pepper, beaten egg, applesauce, and oregano in a mixing bowl.
- Form the mixture into meatballs of desired size.
- Place meatballs in a baking dish.
- Bake for 1 hour at 350°F.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine tomato juice, tomato soup, catsup, and water.
- Simmer the sauce until heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve the baked meatballs with the tomato sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey instead of ground chuck. You can also substitute the applesauce with mashed bananas for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Be mindful of the salt content if using store-bought tomato soup or catsup, as they can be quite salty.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are delicious served over whole grain pasta or rice. Pair them with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. They also make a great filling for sub sandwiches topped with melted cheese. Consider serving with Pot Pie Crackers on the side for a crunchy contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, adding a splash of water to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lo-Cal Meat Balls contains roughly 777 calories, with 15g protein, 170g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (194% of the Daily Value), iron (48% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before or after baking. If freezing before baking, shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be baked straight from frozen, just add extra time to the cooking process.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the crushed corn flakes with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. Ensure that your tomato soup and other condiments are also labeled gluten-free to keep the dish compliant with gluten-free diets.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute. Adding a little sugar or honey can help mimic the sweetness of tomato soup. Adjust the seasoning to taste, particularly if you're using plain crushed tomatoes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).