introduction
This easy recipe makes tasty, high protein meatballs using cottage cheese and ground meat. They cook fast and stay moist. If you like simple cottage cheese dishes, you might also enjoy a warm dip version like this cottage cheese pizza dip for a snack.
why make this recipe
Make these meatballs to get more protein with little work. The cottage cheese keeps meatballs soft and adds protein without many carbs. They fit many meals and low-carb plans. You can pair them with salads, veggies, or low-carb pasta. For a fresh salad idea, try a recipe like blackberry cottage cheese chicken salad on the side.
how to make High Protein Cottage Cheese Meatballs
Follow these steps to make the meatballs easy and fast.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, ground meat, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
- Serve with keto-friendly pasta, a salad, or veggies. Garnish with fresh parsley.
how to serve High Protein Cottage Cheese Meatballs
Serve the meatballs hot. Put them over low-carb pasta, zucchini noodles, or a green salad. You can also eat them with steamed vegetables or a simple tomato sauce. For a creamy drink to go with the meal, try a light dessert like a raspberry cheesecake smoothie later.
how to store High Protein Cottage Cheese Meatballs
Let meatballs cool to room temperature. Put them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a tray, then move to a freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
tips to make High Protein Cottage Cheese Meatballs
- Use lean ground meat for less fat and a firm texture.
- Pat the meat gently when you mix. Overmixing can make meatballs tough.
- If the mix is too wet, chill it for 15 minutes before forming.
- Use a small scoop or tablespoon to make even meatballs so they cook the same.
- For added flavor, mix in a little fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
variation (if any)
- Swap meats: use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add herbs: mix in fresh basil or oregano for an Italian note.
- Make smaller meatballs for tasting plates or larger ones for main dishes.
- For a keto twist, serve with a cheese or cream-based sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use non-fat cottage cheese?
A: Yes. Non-fat cottage cheese works, but meatballs may be a bit drier. Add a splash of olive oil if needed.
Q: Can I pan-fry instead of baking?
A: Yes. Heat oil in a skillet and cook meatballs over medium heat, turning until browned and cooked through.
Q: Are these meatballs freezer friendly?
A: Yes. Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs. Cooked ones reheat well; uncooked ones bake from frozen with extra time.
Q: Can I add breadcrumbs or oats?
A: You can, but that changes the high-protein, low-carb nature. Use a small amount if you want firmer meatballs.
Conclusion
These High Protein Cottage Cheese Meatballs are simple, moist, and full of protein. They suit quick weeknight meals and meal prep. For another take on cottage cheese in meatball form, see cottage cheese meatballs – Joy to the Food.
Print
High Protein Cottage Cheese Meatballs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto
Description
These easy, high protein meatballs made with cottage cheese and ground meat are moist and perfect for quick meals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, ground meat, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
- Serve with keto-friendly pasta, a salad, or veggies. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Use lean ground meat for less fat. Chill the mixture for easier handling if it’s too wet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: high protein, cottage cheese, meatballs, keto, low-carb