Beef and Quinoa Meatballs

Beef and Quinoa Meatballs.

Ingredients
1 pound (95-percent) lean ground beef
3/4 cup cooked quinoa (use frozen or cook it from scratch*)
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup grated carrot
1/4 cup grated zucchini
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 egg, lightly beaten

Method
Preheat the oven to 450F.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients until well combined.

Shape into 16 balls and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

Roast until cooked through and golden brown, 15 to 17 minutes. Serve hot.

(*Note: To cook quinoa, bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small pot. Pour in ½ cup quinoa, cover and simmer until water is absorbed, 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside off of the heat for 10 minutes then fluff with a fork. Makes about 1 1/2 cups. Use 3/4 cup in this recipe, and reserve the remaining for another use.)

Nutritional Info:
Per serving: 150 calories (45 from fat), 5g total fat, 2g saturated fat, 75mg cholesterol, 470mg sodium, 8g carbohydrates (1g dietary fiber, 2g sugar), 17g protein.