Lunch: Joy Bauer's No Flub Meatball Sub

Recipe by Joy Bauer, MS, RD What is Today Show nutritionist Joy Bauer's fresh twist on the classic meatball hero? "I make my own lean, healthy version using ground turkey in place of fatty beef or pork for the meatballs, whole grain buns, and reduced-fat

Ingredients

2 jar store-bought marinara sauce
1 medium onion
1 medium carrot
2 clove garlic
3/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp. dried Italian seasoning blend
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. Black pepper
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/4 lb. ground turkey
2 large egg whites
1/4 c. old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats

Instructions

Bring the store-bought marinara sauce to a gentle simmer in a large pot.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the onion, carrot, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Add the ground turkey, egg whites, and oats. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined.
Shape the meat mixture into approximately 20 meatballs, 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
Carefully place the meatballs in the marinara sauce. Do not stir; stirring will cause the meatballs to break apart. Do not worry if some of the meatballs are not completely submerged in the sauce. Cover the pot and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
Remove the lid and gently stir the meatballs to thoroughly coat them with the sauce. Simmer, uncovered, for an additional 20 minutes.
To assemble your sub, lightly toast a whole grain hot dog bun in the toaster oven. Top the bun with 3 turkey meatballs and a few spoonfuls of marinara sauce. Generously sprinkle with shredded, part-skim mozzarella cheese and place back in toaster oven to melt the cheese. Shake on some crushed red pepper and oregano if desired, and dive in!

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