You might think meatballs rank high on the scale of unhealthy food options, but these recipes will make you think again. Fortified with healthy swaps and add-ins, these meatball recipes will fill you up with protein and nutrients while you satisfy your comfort food craving.

Click through for new-and-improved classic spaghetti and meatball recipes, as well as innovative dishes that give meatballs a whole new meaning, such as Mediterranean Meatballs and Turkey Meatballs in Pitas. If you love a meatball hero but don’t want to deal with unhealthy fats, we have a skinny Italian Meatball Sandwich that you’ll love without the inevitable guilt you’d feel after eating other versions.

Even on a busy night, you’ll be amazed by how quick and easy it is to whip up the simpler meals on this hot list. If you’re looking to jazz it up in the kitchen with a truly gourmet experience, our meatball-making game plan here has got you covered, too.

Pick your favorite recipe and give it a go to get the delicious results that you’ll want to share with others and go back to again and again. Toss these meatballs into your favorite pasta and make sure you serve them up warm – there’s nothing like slicing into a steaming-good helping of meatballs.

Orecchiette With Sausage Meatballs, Broccoli Rabe, and Garlic

This 25-minute meal is well rounded with good-for-you nutrients – you’ll get a solid helping of vitamins A, C, and K, plus calcium, 21 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber.

Try this recipe: Orecchiette With Sausage Meatballs, Broccoli Rabe, and Garlic

Ingredients: Box orecchiette, broccoli rabe, olive oil, Italian sausage, garlic cloves

Calories: 405

Italian Meatball Sandwich

This low-calorie meatball sub cuts down on fat so you don’t eat too much saturated fat while you nosh on this old favorite. You’ll get 25 grams of protein with one serving of this meal.

Try this recipe: Italian Meatball Sandwich

Ingredients: Whole wheat submarine loaves, ground round, chopped onion, Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, water, pepper, egg, low-fat & reduced-sodium pasta sauce, part-skim mozzarella cheese

Calories: 269

Meatball Sandwiches

If you are craving protein, this recipe will deliver 34 grams of it while you indulge in the hot, meaty flavor.

Try this recipe: Meatball Sandwiches

Ingredients: Ground sirloin, seasoned breadcrumbs, tomato-and-basil pasta sauce, salt, green bell pepper, onion, French bread rolls, part-skim mozzarella cheese, fresh basil (optional)

Calories: 417

Source: Healthy Meatball Recipes