Serves: 1

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 4 oz. beef meatballs (see separate recipe)
• 1 tsp of almond flour
• Salt and pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup of Yogurt Dressing
• 1/4 cup of chicken broth
• 2 tbsp of grated low-fat cheddar cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the broccoli florets in boiling water for about 5 minutes until they are tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the beef meatballs according to the separate recipe (you can use store-bought meatballs if preferred).
4. In a saucepan, combine the chicken broth, almond flour, salt, and pepper. Stir with a whisk until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
5. Add the beaten egg and half of the grated low-fat cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until well combined.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli and beef meatballs. Gently mix them together.
7. Pour the sauce over the broccoli and meatball mixture, stirring gently to combine.
8. Grease a small casserole dish with some coconut oil. Transfer the mixture into the dish.
9. Sprinkle the remaining grated low-fat cheddar cheese over the top.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the mixture bubbles at the edges and the cheese begins to brown.
11. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
12. Serve the casserole with a large Fiber Loaded Salad with Italian Dressing for a delicious and nutritious meal. Enjoy!

ALLERGIES:

SF (Shellfish-Free)

GF (Gluten-Free)

Here are some variations of the Middle Eastern Meatballs Casserole:

1. Vegetarian Version:

• Replace the beef meatballs with vegetarian meatballs made from plant-based ingredients, such as lentils, chickpeas, or soy protein. Follow the same cooking instructions for the meatballs.

2. Mediterranean Twist:

• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the casserole for a Mediterranean flavor. Sprinkle some dried oregano and basil on top before baking.

3. Spicy Kick:

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also use spicy beef or turkey meatballs instead of regular ones.

4. Cheesy Delight:

• Enhance the cheesiness by mixing shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda cheese into the casserole along with the grated low-fat cheddar cheese.

5. Asian Fusion:

• Replace the Yogurt Dressing with a creamy coconut milk-based sauce infused with Asian flavors like ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Add sliced bell peppers and snap peas for added color and texture.

6. Greek Style:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of the regular Yogurt Dressing for a tangy twist. Top the casserole with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of dried dill.

7. Middle Eastern Spice Blend:

• Experiment with different spices commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine, such as ground cumin, coriander, and sumac, to give the casserole an authentic Middle Eastern taste.

8. Tex-Mex Flavor:

• Add a Tex-Mex flair by mixing in some black beans, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes. Season with chili powder and cumin, and top with shredded Mexican cheese blend.

9. Thai Inspiration:

• Create a Thai-inspired version by adding coconut milk, red curry paste, and a splash of lime juice to the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts.

10. Italian Influence:

• Swap the almond flour for breadcrumbs and add Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to the sauce. Top with grated Parmesan cheese before baking.