What’s for dinner …

Who says that losing weight has to mean just grilled chicken on a salad? I find that one of the things that helps me to stay on track with my weight loss journey is eating something I actually enjoy. I am in LOVE with the cauliflower crusts that you can get at trader joes. I have a quick “go-to” pizza recipe that I eat several days a week. This is one of those meals you can buy a few of everything you need so that you can make dinner in a snap! I’ve made this for my husband, my daughter, and several guests and the response has been great! Let’s face it - its not New Haven pizza, but it is close enough to make me happy.

I make these meatballs once a week (the recipe usually makes between 22-24) they are gluten free, but they do have some dairy with the parmesan cheese. I keep all of the ingredients on hand (I make the meatballs ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for easy prep. You can freeze them also if you don’t go through them fast enough. You can take 2 meatballs, add some sauvce and toss a quick salad for a fast lunch or easy dinner also!

I would love to hear if you make this- or if you have any “go-tos” that you love! You CAN make your own cauliflower crust, but I think this is just as good - and a heck of a lot easier!

Recipe # 1: Staci’s Skinny Meatball recipe …

Staci’s Skinny Pizza Meatball Recipe 

1 cup reduced fat Parmesan cheese

1 Egg 

1 tablespoon garlic powder 

3 tablespoons Parsley

1 teaspoon salt 

3/4 teaspoon pepper 

2 -3 tablespoons dehydrated onion (you can chop up a small yellow onion if you prefer.. I like easy!)

If you have fresh garlic - put in 3-4 cloves crushed / minced (in addition to the powder) - YES, I love garlic!

2 pounds of ground meat (I usually do 1 pound ground chicken breast and 1 pound of 97% FF ground turkey - you can use 90% lean ground beef or ground pork … but it’s higher fat so you can eat less ..) 

Add everything to a bowl , mix with hands until completely combined . Mix will be a little gooey … you could add a bit more parm cheese if too wet. 

I use disposable gloves- I set a cookie sheet out with parchment paper … using a scale - weigh the meat and roll into meatballs - you want them all to be the same size .. I roll mine to 50 grams I believe .. 

Roll all Meatballs and place on parchment 

Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees … cook for 12 minutes turning half way 

If you do them in oven I would do 425 for same time and check to make sure cooked. 

Let them cool . I store in a ziploc bag in fridge 

I use 2 meatballs per pizza (slice in half and then into 4 pieces each so you will cover the pizza)

Cauliflower Pizza

Trader Joe’s cauliflower crust  (each package has 2.. I buy 4 packages so I always have it on hand!)

1/4 cup RAO marinara sauce  (or any low sugar marinara, you can also make your own pretty easily!)

1/2 cup low-fat mozzarella 

A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese 

1/4 teaspoon oregano or italian seasoning…

2 Skinny meatballs sliced

Preheat oven 425 

Bake for 10 minutes 

I make mine on a pizza stone !

I move it to a plate when I take it out of the oven, Slice with a pizza cutter, and enjoy! (you eat the WHOLE thing!)

Let me know if you make it! I have pictures of the meatballs & pizza on my instagram… @staci-kalvaitis