Lean Baked Meatballs Marinara

Combine lean Ground Beef with bread crumbs and egg whites to create perfectly tasty meatballs.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground Beef (96% lean)
• 1/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
• 2 egg whites or 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups heart healthy or regular pasta sauce
• 4 cups hot cooked pasta
• 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine Ground Beef, bread crumbs, egg whites, water, salt and pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 12 2-inch meatballs. Place on rack in broiler pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake in 400°F oven 24 to 27 minutes.

   Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

2. Heat pasta sauce according to package directions in medium saucepan. Add hot cooked meatballs to pasta sauce; stir to coat evenly. Serve over pasta. Sprinkle with cheese, if desired.

• Test Kitchen Tips Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of a meatloaf or meatball, or horizontally from the side into the center for patties.