Slow Cooker Meatballs

Meatballs are a very satisfying, fitness-friendly dish that’s filled with superb nutrition. Since these protein-packed meatballs are low in carbs, serving a few over a bed of greens is the type of meal that will keep you on track with your fat loss goals. This winning recipe for Slow Cooker Meatballs is tender, moist and flavorful. It takes a little effort in the morning, and then the meatballs simmer all day long while you are off enjoying your day. The recipe calls for ground lamb, however feel free to sub for any ground meat of your liking. Enjoy! Courtesy of RealHealthyRecipes.com

Servings: 12

Here’s what you need...

For Meatballs

• ½ yellow onion, grated

• ¼ cup coconut cream

• 2 egg yolks

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• pinch of ground cayenne pepper

• sea salt and black pepper

• ¼ cup fresh mint, minced

• ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes, minced

• 2 tablespoons coconut flour

• 2 tablespoons ground flax seed

• 2 pounds ground lamb

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Red Sauce

• 1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes, undrained

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme

• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup fresh orange juice

• sea salt and black pepper

• 1 bay leaf

1. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients, except the olive oil, and form 1” meatballs.

2. Place the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each meatball for 2 minutes per side, then transfer to a slow cooker.

3. For Sauce: Process all of the ingredients, except the bay leaf, in a food processor until smooth.

4. Pour the sauce over the meatballs. Add the bay leaf. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Remove the bay leaf. Serve the meatballs with a spoonful of sauce. Enjoy!

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 195 calories, 9g fat, 4g carbohydrate, 2g sugar, 70mg sodium, 2g fiber, and 23g protein