Turkey Meatball Lettuce Wraps

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I love being an Army wife. I never complain about it at all & I think the organization is run really well & I am very happy with how much time my husband & I get together.

Said no one literally ever in the history of the world.

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However, today I salute you, Uncle Sam, for giving me the cheapest groceries in the continental U.S.

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Since the move, we are too far from my beloved Trader Joe’s (I’ll never forget you, TJ). So I reluctantly agreed to start shopping at the Commissary. Reluctant because I personally like to have as little to do with the Army as possible. Aren’t I supportive & wonderful????

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But let me tell you, I’m a changed woman. It’s not overly impressive looking – gray, poor lighting, lots of screaming children. But the prices. *Gasp* This cheapskate had to take a moment & let it sink in. Our bill for the week was $132. $132 to feed the hungriest soldier in the U.S. Army. I will never forget that number because it’s the proudest I’ve been of myself in like 6 months. Hard work (proper meal planning, list making & having little else to fill my time) pays off!!!!

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This turkey cost like $3 & was not even off brand!!!!!

 

Time: 1 hour | Serves: about 35 meatballs

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. of ground turkey
  • 1 cup of red quinoa, cooked
  • 1 zucchini, grated
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 tbsp. of garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp. of parmesan cheese + more for serving
  • 1 tbsp. of cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tsp. of oregano
  • 1 tbsp. of crushed red pepper
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups of tomato sauce
  • Romaine hearts, for serving
  • S+P, to taste

How to:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • In a bowl, combine turkey + quinoa + zucchini + onion + garlic + parmesan + cilantro + oregano + crushed red pepper + S+P + egg
  • Form into small meatballs + lay on a lined baking sheet – should take two baking sheets
  • Bake for 45 minutes or until brown, crisp + turkey is cooked
  • In a large skillet, heat tomato sauce
  • Add meatballs + coat
  • Sprinkle with parmesan + add back to oven, letting bubble, about 6-7 minutes
  • Top 2 meatballs per romaine heart + some parmesan cheese
  • Serve hot
  • Go out for froyo – you had a v healthy dinner

Idea from this lovely recipe! http://www.cookincanuck.com/2013/01/baked-turkey-quinoa-zucchini-meatballs-recipe-in-lettuce-wraps/#_a5y_p=1179730

 

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25 thoughts on “Turkey Meatball Lettuce Wraps”

  1. stephysweetbakes says:
    Reply

    Haha, really enjoyed reading this post. Trader Joe’s, I keep hearing about this place but it’s a mystery to me lol. Costco also is a myth lmbo. I wonder where in the world would be the nearest one to me to see what all the rave is about lol. Btw, beautiful pics, looks lovely and delicious

    Liked by 1 person

  3. This Cake is Desi says:
    Reply

    Loved your post. Being an Air-Force wife I can totally relate to the commissary haha, Its funny how its the same even if I’m from the other side of the world. I get more than half of my groceries there. I don’t know what I’d do without it.

    Like

  7. Linda says:
    Reply

    Ha Ha! Love it! (I worked for the US Army in Panama as a civilian back in 1986-1989 and loved the commissary and the PX! I remember an ice cream I bought there called ‘freuzen glazen’ or something like that – that was the best in the world! 🙂 Enjoy it!

    Like

  8. ketchumkitchen says:
    Reply

    I had to live without Trader Joe’s for a while and I think I’m still traumatized. I feel for you. I always go in for “just a few things” and walk to the register with an overflowing cart and a bill well over $100. It’s a good thing you’re an amazing cook.

    Like

    • Rachel says:
      Reply

      OMG I never walked out under $100. Mostly because the pretty packaging & fun stores on everything just had me hooked. I’m a fool for good marketing. Thank you, thank you for reading!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. varinaj says:
    Reply

    at one point, my husband seriously considered joining army as a jag. we had lots of soul to souls on this. i feel you, girl. you’re a better woman than i.

    Like

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