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Minty Meatballs

These vibrant minty meatballs offer a refreshing twist on a classic savoury favourite. By combining lean minced beef with protein-rich quinoa and an abundance of fresh parsley and mint, this high-protein dish achieves a wonderful depth of flavour without the need for traditional breadcrumbs. The addition of allspice provides a subtle warmth that complements the fresh herbs, making each bite both satisfying and aromatic.

Ideal for a nutritious mid-week meal or as a healthy addition to your meal prep routine, these meatballs are oven-baked rather than fried for a lighter finish. Serve them alongside a crisp seasonal salad, tucked into wholemeal pitta, or with a dollop of cool Greek yoghurt to highlight the fresh mint notes. They are a simple yet sophisticated way to increase your daily protein intake while enjoying bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavours.

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Ingredients for Minty Meatballs

  • 675g lean beef mince (85 percent lean)

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa

  • 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, plus more for garnish

  • 1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped

  • 1 egg, lightly beaten

  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

  • 120ml 1 percent milk

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

  • 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoons allspice

  • Parchment paper

In a bowl, mix together all ingredients until combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours. Heat oven to 218°C. Form meat mixture into 24 oval balls (about 45ml each). Arrange on 2 biscuit sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake 8 minutes; turn and bake 10 minutes more. Garnish with parsley if desired; serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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