The 21 Day Fix program is a popular health and fitness plan designed to promote clean eating and portion control. One of the best things about the program is that you don’t have to sacrifice taste to eat healthily. If you’re a meatball lover, you’re in luck! You can enjoy delicious, protein-packed meatballs without derailing your 21 Day Fix goals. Here’s a collection of 21 Day Fix meatball recipes that are not only easy to make but also satisfy your cravings.
What Makes a Meatball 21 Day Fix Approved?
The key to making 21 Day Fix-approved meatballs is using lean proteins, whole ingredients, and portion control. Choose lean ground meats like turkey, chicken, or lean beef. Use whole grains like oats or whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of refined bread. Pair them with lots of veggies or a serving of complex carbs, and you’re good to go.
Classic Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey
1 egg
1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients until well combined.
Form the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs.
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
21 Day Fix Container Count:
1 Red (protein), 1/4 Yellow (carbs), and 1/4 Blue (cheese) per serving (3 meatballs).
Chicken and Spinach Meatballs
Ingredients:
1 lb ground chicken
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
1 egg
1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
21 Day Fix Container Count:
1 Red (protein), 1/4 Green (vegetables), and 1/4 Yellow (carbs) per serving (3 meatballs).
Beef and Quinoa Meatballs
Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1 egg
1/4 cup grated onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
Form into meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until browned and cooked through.
21 Day Fix Container Count:
1 Red (protein), 1/4 Yellow (carbs) per serving (3 meatballs).
Zucchini and Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey
1 zucchini, grated
1 egg
1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
Form into meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
21 Day Fix Container Count:
1 Red (protein), 1/2 Green (vegetables), 1/4 Yellow (carbs), 1/4 Blue (cheese) per serving (3 meatballs).
Mediterranean Meatballs
Ingredients:
1 lb ground chicken
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1 tsp dried oregano
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
Shape into small meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
21 Day Fix Container Count:
1 Red (protein), 1/4 Green (vegetables), 1/4 Blue (cheese) per serving (3 meatballs).
Tips for Serving Your Meatballs
Pair with Veggies: Serve your meatballs over a bed of zoodles (zucchini noodles) or spaghetti squash for a low-carb, veggie-packed meal.
Add to Soups: Drop cooked meatballs into a hearty vegetable soup for a filling, nutritious lunch or dinner.
Serve with Sauce: Pair with a homemade marinara sauce for a classic Italian flavor.
Remember to count any sauce ingredients as part of your container count.
These 21 Day Fix meatball recipes are versatile, easy to make, and delicious. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick dinner, these meatballs fit perfectly into your 21 Day Fix meal plan. Enjoy the taste and texture of meatballs without feeling like you’re missing out on anything.
Additional Meatball Variations
If you’re looking to mix up your meatball game even more, here are a few additional variations to keep things exciting. These options are still in line with the 21 Day Fix guidelines, providing you with a tasty source of protein while ensuring you stay on track with your health goals.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients:
1 lb ground chicken
1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
1 egg
1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients until well mixed.
Form into small meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
For extra flavor, brush additional hot sauce over the meatballs after baking.
21 Day Fix Container Count:
1 Red (protein), 1/4 Yellow (carbs), 1/4 Green (vegetables) per serving (3 meatballs).
Pesto Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey
2 tbsp homemade or store-bought pesto (preferably without added sugars or oils)
1 egg
1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.
Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
21 Day Fix Container Count:
1 Red (protein), 1/4 Yellow (carbs), 1/2 tsp (for the pesto) per serving (3 meatballs).
Asian-Inspired Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup grated carrots
1 egg
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients until well incorporated.
Form into small meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
21 Day Fix Container Count:
1 Red (protein), 1/4 Green (vegetables), 1/2 tsp (for the sesame oil) per serving (3 meatballs).
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Freezing: These meatballs freeze wonderfully. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
Batch Cooking: Make a double batch of your favorite meatball recipe to save time during the week. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also warm them in a saucepan with a little bit of your favorite sauce.
Tips for Keeping Meatballs Moist and Flavorful
Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make meatballs tough.
Add Moisture: Ingredients like grated zucchini, chopped spinach, or cooked quinoa help keep the meatballs moist without adding extra fat.
Use the Right Lean Meats: Using meats like ground turkey or chicken breast ensures the meatballs are lean, but adding some moisture through other ingredients keeps them from drying out.
Serving Ideas to Stay on Track
With Whole Grains: Serve your meatballs over a small portion of quinoa, brown rice, or whole wheat pasta. Remember to count these grains in your yellow container.
On a Salad: Add meatballs to a salad with plenty of fresh veggies for a protein-packed, low-carb meal.
In a Wrap: For a quick and easy meal, place a few meatballs in a whole grain wrap with greens and a little sauce.
With these 21 Day Fix meatball recipes, you can enjoy a variety of flavors and textures while staying on track with your health goals. These meatballs are perfect for meal prepping, easy to customize, and great for both lunch and dinner. By using lean meats, whole grains, and fresh ingredients, you can create delicious meals that align with the 21 Day Fix program’s principles. Whether you prefer classic Italian flavors, a spicy kick, or a taste of the Mediterranean, there’s a meatball recipe here for every palate.
Additional Sauces for Your 21 Day Fix Meatballs
To keep things interesting, pair your meatballs with different sauces. While making your own sauces is always ideal to control ingredients and avoid added sugars or unhealthy fats, there are some store-bought options that can fit into your 21 Day Fix plan if you read labels carefully. Here are some sauce ideas to complement your meatballs:
Marinara Sauce
A classic marinara sauce is a perfect accompaniment for most meatball recipes. Make a batch of homemade marinara using fresh tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs.
Homemade Marinara Recipe:
2 cups crushed tomatoes
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
In a saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add fresh basil leaves just before serving.
21 Day Fix Container Count:
1/2 Green (vegetables) per serving (1/2 cup sauce).
Tzatziki Sauce
This cool, creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean-style meatballs.
Ingredients:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the flavors to meld.
21 Day Fix Container Count:
1/2 Red (protein) per serving (2 tablespoons sauce).
Buffalo Sauce
If you love a bit of spice, this simple buffalo sauce pairs perfectly with the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
Instructions:
In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce and melted coconut oil.
Drizzle or brush over meatballs just before serving.
21 Day Fix Container Count:
1 tsp (for the coconut oil) per serving (1 tablespoon sauce).
Teriyaki Sauce
For an Asian-inspired twist, try this healthier homemade teriyaki sauce with the Asian-Inspired Turkey Meatballs.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions:
In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken.
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until thickened.
21 Day Fix Container Count:
1/2 Orange (honey) per serving (2 tablespoons sauce).
Creative Serving Ideas
Incorporating these meatballs into various meals can keep your 21 Day Fix plan diverse and satisfying:
Meatball Bowls: Create a balanced meal by serving your meatballs over a bed of quinoa or brown rice, alongside steamed or roasted veggies.
Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with meatballs and a bit of marinara sauce. Bake until the peppers are tender.
Zoodle Spaghetti and Meatballs: Serve meatballs over spiralized zucchini noodles (“zoodles”) with marinara sauce for a low-carb, high-vegetable meal.
Meatball Subs: Use a whole grain wrap or a lettuce leaf as the base for a healthier meatball sub. Add a little marinara and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a quick lunch.
Keeping Track of Your Portions
Sticking to the 21 Day Fix plan means being mindful of portion sizes and container counts.
Here are some tips to help:
Pre-Portion Your Meatballs: When meal prepping, divide your meatballs into single-serving portions. This makes it easy to grab a meal without the temptation to overeat.
Use Measuring Tools: Measure sauces and side dishes using appropriate containers to keep your portions in check.
Balance Your Plate: When serving meatballs, aim to include a balance of protein, veggies, and healthy carbs on your plate.
Experiment and Customize
Feel free to experiment with these recipes to suit your tastes. Add different herbs and spices, or swap out vegetables to keep things exciting. For instance:
Add Veggies: Incorporate finely chopped or grated veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms into the meatball mixture for extra nutrients.
Change the Protein: Switch up your proteins by trying ground pork, lamb, or a mix of different ground meats, adjusting container counts as needed.
The 21 Day Fix program doesn’t mean you have to give up the foods you love. By making some smart ingredient swaps and focusing on portion control, you can enjoy a variety of delicious and satisfying meatball recipes that fit within your plan. Whether you prefer classic flavors or something with a bit more kick, there’s a meatball recipe here that will help keep your meals exciting and enjoyable throughout your fitness journey.
