SO the verdict: WOOHOO...these are great! I won't lie and say I will use these services/prepped meals on the regular, but I can definitely see the appeal - all the ingredients were portioned out, the instructions were simple, and this meal didn't require any knife skills.
This is a really great idea especially for those that aren't comfortable in the kitchen, don't have oodles of time to cook, or maybe want to share cooking with a loved one/child. For me...I got a great recipe out of it that I will use again in the future!
Ingredients:
* 1 tbsp. minced garlic
* 2 tsp basil (I would used fresh chopped basil next time)
* 8 oz. ground beef
* 1/2 cup ricotta
* 1 egg, beaten
* 3 tbsp. all purpose flour
* 3/4 cup panko
* 1 1/2 cups diced zucchini
* 1 cup crushed tomatoes (or marinara)
* 2 1/2 cups cooked penne pasta (or whatever pasta!)
* 1/3 cup shredded parmesan
* 1/2 cup EVOO
* S&P to taste
~ In a medium bowl, combine the beef, ricotta, 1/2 garlic, 1/2 basil and S&P, mixing well. Once mixed, roll into meatballs, making about 10 total.
~ Heat the skillet over medium heat. While the oil heats, put the flour on one plate, beaten egg in a small bowl, and the panko crumbs (with S&P as desired) on another plate. Roll the meatballs in flour, dip in the egg, and then roll in the panko crumbs and then place in the skillet. Turn frequently to brown the meatballs on all sides.
~ Once the meatballs are cooked, I removed them to cool while I did the rest of the cooking (the meal prep said you didn't have to, so that's up to you). Sauté the zucchini and garlic for a minute or two, and then add in the basil and tomatoes - simmering together for about 3-5 minutes.
~ toss the penne pasta back in with the sauce, and then add the meatballs back in to coat. When serving, sprinkle the parmesan on top!
NOTE: I portioned these out into three servings instead of the meal package instructions of two...and it was PLENTY! This way it is only 586 calories/serving, not 880 :)