Healthy Meatball Stew

Blake's aunt and uncle own a cattle ranch, or farm... or whatever they call it! They have abundantly provided us with endless amounts of beef which we are SO thankful for. I spend lots of time looking for beef recipes... specifically ground beef. One of my favorite dishes is meatballs... they are pretty calorie and fat packed so when I came across this HEALTHY meatball dish... I became excited. Now, of course a little egg yolk and breadcrumbs would make this yummier (cream makes mac and cheese heaven after all). But there are some good flavors going on which makes up for it. Have a look and see if this one is for you!

Here is what you need:

1 lb lean ground beef

2 TB finely chopped cilantro

2 ts ground cumin

1/2 ts salt

1/4 ts pepper

2 ts olive oil

1 onion

2 garlic cloves

1 cup diced tomatoes

3/4 cup water

3 TB tomato paste

2 TB lemon juice

2 TB fresh mint (I didn't use any)

Step 1: Combine the dried spices. Mix beef, cilantro and half of the spices in a bowl and combine. Form into 24 meatballs. (I like to place them on wax paper on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for 15 min. It helps them keep their shape when you cook them)

Step 2: Chop onion and garlic. Heat oil on medium heat in a large non stick skillet. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, chop tomatoes. Add tomatoes, water, tomato paste, and remaining spices. Bring to boil.

Step 3: Add meatballs to skillet. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is thickened, about 30 minutes.

As you wait... you can freeze your leftover tomato paste. Put one tablespoon of paste per snack size baggie. I was able to make 4 baggies. Now... next time you need a little bit of tomato paste... you don't have to buy any!

Now find room in your freezer for it!

You can also make some couscous or rice.

All right, now that 30 minutes have gone by, add the lemon juice you squeezed. (Because fresh is best). Sprinkle with mint if you want to use mint (I didn't feel like buying any).

And here is your healthy meatball dinner!

African Meatball Stew

1 lb lean ground beef

2 TB finely chopped cilantro

2 ts ground cumin

1/2 ts salt

1/4 ts pepper

2 ts olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped or minced

1 cup diced tomatoes

3/4 cup water

3 TB tomato paste

2 TB lemon juice

2 TB fresh mint (I didn't use any)

1. Mix together beef, cilantro, half of the dried spices, and mix until combined. For into 24, 1 in. meatballs.

2. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring until softened, about 5 min. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes, water, tomato paste, and remaining spices. Bring to boil.

3. Add meatballs to skillet. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is thickened, about 30 min. Stir in lemon juice and sprinkle with mint.