Turkey Meatballs and Sauce

Name: Turkey Meatballs and Sauce
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 40 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup egg substitute; 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs; 1/3 cup chopped onion; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt-free seasoning blend; 1-1/2 pounds lean ground turkey; SAUCE:; 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 small zucchini, chopped; 1 medium green pepper, chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste; 2 bay leaves; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 package (16 ounces) whole wheat spaghetti

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 40 min. Cook: 6 hours YIELD: 8 servings.

My sweetie and I have fought the battle of the bulge forever. This is my less-fattening take on meatballs. They’re slow-cooker easy, and so flavorful! — Jane McMillan, Dania Beach, Florida

Ingredients

1/4 cup egg substitute
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt-free seasoning blend
1-1/2 pounds lean ground turkey
SAUCE:
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 small zucchini, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
2 bay leaves
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 package (16 ounces) whole wheat spaghetti

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the egg substitute, bread crumbs, onion, pepper and seasoning blend. Crumble turkey over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls; place on a rack coated with cooking spray in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until no longer pink.
2. Meanwhile, in a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker, combine the tomato sauce, tomatoes, zucchini, green pepper, onion, tomato paste, bay leaves, garlic and seasonings. Stir in meatballs. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Cook spaghetti according to package directions; serve with meatballs and sauce.

Nutrition Facts

4 meatballs with 3/4 cup sauce and 1 cup spaghetti: 413 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 30g protein.