Protein Packed Lean Beef Spinach Meatball Pasta

Delicious, quick, affordable, and healthy: those are the qualities people look for when meal prepping. That's why I like incorporating meatballs into your meal prep is a great idea. Not only can you make them using different meats, but you can pack in a lot of delicious protein at a small cost with little hassle. Add your carb source and veggies, and you've got a certified muscle-building meal without breaking the bank.

• 6 oz lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup shredded raw spinach
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• Sea salt, pepper and cumin to taste

FOR PASTA:

• 2 oz wheat spinach pasta
• 1/8 cup marinara (natural and low sodium)
• 1 1/2 cup raw spinach
• 5 cherry tomatoes
• Low fat Parmesan cheese
  

Directions

1. Set oven to 405 degrees F.

2. For added flavor, saute the red onions in a skillet using spray olive or coconut oil.

3. Mix together ground beef, chopped raw spinach, red onion, garlic, and spices. Mix thoroughly using your hands until the spinach is completely mixed into the meat.

4. Form two or three meatballs of roughly the same size using your hands. For accuracy, you can use a food scale to weigh and measure each portion.

5. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes.

6. Cook pasta and stir in tomatoes, spinach, and cheese as desired.

7. Mix in cooked meatballs and enjoy!