Meatballs in Tomato Maple Sauce

Introducing Meatballs in Tomato-Maple Sauce – far from your average tomato concoction, this sauce is a culinary delight, enriched with the tantalizing duo of balsamic vinegar and maple syrup.

Crafted with just a few simple ingredients, these succulent meatballs are a breeze to whip up, creating an irresistible family meal in no time. Adored by my kids and cherished by me – honestly, who can resist them?

Calories in Meatballs in Tomato Maple Sauce

This yummy meatballs dish serves 4 and is 282 calories per serving.

If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 200+ calorie recipes.

If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.

Ingredients Needed

To prepare this yummy recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• Beef Mince/Ground Beef: I opt for extra lean with 5% fat. Using mince leaner than this isn't something I'd recommend, as it tends to make the meatballs somewhat dry.
• Paprika: I use just the sweet origina paprika (not smoked)
• Bell Pepper: red bell pepper adds a little texture to the meatballs
  Red Onion: I opt for red onion in this recipe, but brown or white onions is fine also.
  Garlic: fresh garlic minced, but lazy or jarred mince garlic is fine also
  Fresh Parsley: it's the perfect finishing touch for the dish. You can skip it if you'd like, but it adds a delightful and healthy touch of green to the overall presentation
  Passata: commonly found in major grocery stores, typically comes in cartons or large glass jars. It's essentially sieved tomatoes, imparting richness and depth of flavour.
  Stock: Ensuring the correct proportion of stock cubes to water is essential for achieving the desired flavor intensity in your broth. Different stock cubes vary in strength, so using too few can lead to a tasteless, diluted soup, while too many might make it excessively salty. While you can opt for either chicken or beef stock, I personally lean towards chicken for it's milder flavour.
  Balsamic Vinegar: It is recommended to use aged balsamic vinegar for the best flavour
  Maple Syrup: Maple syrup which is the star of the recipe infuses the tomato sauce with a unique sweetness, which harmoniously balances the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar, enriching the savoury meatballs with a deep, complex flavor contrast.
• Salt and Pepper - These basic yet essential flavour enhancers are key for elevating the taste of your dishes. No food will ever be bland when these are used to season to taste.
• Low Calorie Spray - Use your preferred choice of low calorie spray, I prefer olive oil or avocado sprays without any added emulsifiers.

See the recipe card for full quantities.

Once all the ingredients are prepared, you can get ready to make this easy recipe.

Sides for Meatballs in Tomato Maple Sauce

To accompany meatballs in tomato-maple sauce, consider the following side dish options:

1. Rice - A fluffy bed of rice perfectly captures the sauce's flavours.
2. Oven-Baked Homemade Fries - Crispy and comforting, adding a satisfying crunch.
3. Roasted Broccoli - Offers a savoury and slightly smoky complement.
4. Caramelized Carrots - Their natural sweetness echoes the maple syrup in the sauce.
5. Mashed Potatoes - Ideal for soaking up the delicious sauce.
6. Steamed Green Beans - A simple, healthy side that brings colour and crunch.
7. Grilled Asparagus - Adds a touch of elegance and a slight charred flavor.
8. Rustic Garlic and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes - an ideal base for soaking up the delicious sauce. Their rich taste and comforting texture complement the savoury meatballs and the sweet-tangy sauce
9. Roasted or Sauteed Peppers and Onions - These make an ideal side dish. I prefer to season them simply with salt and black pepper, then sauté or roast them with a bit of olive oil spray.

These sides offer a range of flavours and textures that can enhance and balance the hearty appeal of meatballs in tomato-maple sauce.

More Meatball Recipes

Love a delicious meatball recipe? Check out some of these other options on Slimming Eats:

• Greek Moussaka Meatballs
• Saucy Asian Hidden Vegetable Beef Meatballs
• Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake
• Southwestern Turkey Meatballs
• Firecracker Chicken Meatballs (Instant Pot and Stove Top)
• Creamy Tomato Orzo Soup with Chicken Meatballs

or if you would like more recipe ideas - head on over to the FULL RECIPE INDEX where you will find over 900 delicious recipes with calories and you can search by meal type, ingredients, course, diet and more.

All recipes on Slimming Eats have estimated nutritional information for your convenience.

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