Kale and Beef Meatballs

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Chill while you grill!.png

We have been making a lot of meatballs in our house these days.  They are so easy for baby (10 months) to pick up and eat, and my 3-year old has been enjoying them as well.  I love to get some vegetables in my meatballs (but note, I never "trick" my older daughter, she knows they are in there).  We had some kale lying around and what better way to add in extra nutrients.  I made these in my Instant Pot but they would work baked as well.  Enjoy!

Kale and Beef Meatballs

Ingredients:

  • 1 small bunch kale, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 lb ground beef (we used 85% lean, 15% fat)

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp basil

  • 1 tsp oregano

  • 1/2 tsp cumin

  • 1 chia egg (1 tbsp chia seed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 10 minutes) or 1 egg

Directions:

  1. Mix all above ingredients in a bowl.

  2. Using your hands, form into 1" balls.

  3. Instant Pot: place meatballs in the Instant Pot on top of 2 cups tomato sauce or place meatballs on steam rack with at least 1 cup liquid below (stewed tomatoes or water). Make sure vent is sealed. Set on low pressure for 10 minutes and let meatballs manually release.

  4. Baking in oven: set oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit and bake 15-20 minutes, until cooked through. Serve with tomato sauce, if desired.