These Cottage Cheese Meatballs with Cherry Tomatoes are a perfect balance of savory meatballs and sweet, juicy tomatoes. The cottage cheese makes the meatballs tender and moist, while the cherry tomatoes create a deliciously fresh sauce.
This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also versatile! You can switch out the ground turkey or chicken for your preferred protein, and the cherry tomatoes can be replaced with other seasonal veggies for added variety. Whether served over pasta, rice, or a simple side salad, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey or chicken
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey or chicken, cottage cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined, then shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a baking dish.
- In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Add the tomato sauce and fresh basil and stir to combine.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the meatballs in the baking dish, then place the dish in the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Cottage Cheese Meatballs with Cherry Tomatoes: A Delicious and Healthy Twist on a Classic Dish
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as beloved as meatballs. But what if you could enjoy all the rich, savory flavors of traditional meatballs with a healthier twist? Enter Cottage Cheese Meatballs with Cherry Tomatoes—a dish that brings a new level of deliciousness to your table while staying light and nutritious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These meatballs are made with lean turkey or chicken, cottage cheese, and fresh basil, creating a savory, protein-packed meal. The cottage cheese adds moisture and tenderness, ensuring that your meatballs are juicy and soft, not dry. This healthier version of meatballs is also lower in fat compared to traditional meatballs made with fattier meats, making it a great option for anyone looking to eat lighter without sacrificing flavor.
The cherry tomatoes and fresh basil bring an extra pop of freshness to the dish, creating a perfect balance between the savory meatballs and the sweet, tangy tomatoes. The addition of tomato sauce gives the dish a rich, comforting feel, while keeping it light and healthy. Plus, this recipe is quick to make, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Customizing the Dish
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. While we’ve used ground turkey or chicken, you can easily swap it for lean beef or even plant-based ground meat to suit your dietary preferences. The cherry tomatoes are a wonderful addition, but if they’re out of season or you want to try something different, you can replace them with other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms for a unique twist.
This recipe is also perfect for a variety of diets—whether you’re following a gluten-free lifestyle, a low-carb regimen, or simply looking for a hearty yet healthy meal. Serve these meatballs over zucchini noodles, a bed of leafy greens, or even whole grain pasta for a filling meal that everyone will love.
Tips for Success
To get the most out of this recipe, make sure to brown the meatballs in the skillet before baking them. This step helps to seal in the juices and adds a nice caramelized flavor to the meatballs. Also, don’t skip the fresh basil! It adds a burst of flavor that really elevates the dish and complements the richness of the meatballs and the sweetness of the tomatoes.
If you’re making this dish for meal prep, you can cook a large batch of meatballs and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They also freeze beautifully, so you can prepare them ahead of time and have a healthy meal ready to go whenever you need it.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep solution, or a hearty dish to serve at a gathering, these Cottage Cheese Meatballs with Cherry Tomatoes are a winning choice. They’re nutritious, easy to make, and packed with flavor that will satisfy everyone at your table.
So, next time you’re craving meatballs, skip the traditional version and try this healthier alternative. Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you!
A Healthier Take on Meatballs
Traditional meatballs often use fattier cuts of meat, which can add unnecessary calories. In this recipe, the combination of lean ground turkey or chicken with cottage cheese not only lowers the fat content but also adds extra protein, making the dish more filling and nutritious. The cottage cheese also enhances the texture of the meatballs, ensuring they remain tender and juicy, unlike some meatballs that can turn out dry.
Fresh and Flavorful Cherry Tomato Sauce
The cherry tomatoes are the star of the sauce in this dish. Sweet and tangy, they bring a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the savory meatballs. As the tomatoes cook down with fresh basil and tomato sauce, they create a flavorful base that coats the meatballs and adds a rich, comforting element to the dish. This combination of meatballs and tomatoes is a classic pairing, but the cottage cheese in the meatballs makes it feel like a whole new experience.
Versatility and Customization
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized to fit your dietary needs. While we’ve used ground turkey or chicken, you can easily swap them out for ground beef, lamb, or even a plant-based alternative to make the dish vegetarian or vegan. The cherry tomatoes can be swapped for other seasonal veggies, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to change up the flavor and texture of the dish. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary, to tailor the flavor profile to your taste.
Meal Prep Made Easy
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare and makes for great leftovers. You can cook a large batch of the meatballs and store them in the fridge for a few days, making it an ideal meal prep option. If you want to store them for a longer period, they freeze well too! Simply let them cool down completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for future meals. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop with the sauce.
Pairing Suggestions
Cottage Cheese Meatballs with Cherry Tomatoes are versatile enough to pair with a wide range of side dishes. For a low-carb option, serve the meatballs over zucchini noodles or a fresh salad. If you’re craving something heartier, they’re also delicious with whole grain pasta, rice, or mashed cauliflower. A side of steamed vegetables or sautéed greens can add even more flavor and nutrition to the meal.
Conclusion:
Cottage Cheese Meatballs with Cherry Tomatoes is a healthy, delicious twist on a classic dish. With lean protein from turkey or chicken and the added moisture from cottage cheese, these meatballs are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The sweet and tangy cherry tomatoes create a fresh and rich sauce that complements the meatballs perfectly. This versatile recipe can be customized to suit your dietary needs and is easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Whether served over pasta, rice, or a salad, it’s a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.