Butternut Squash & Peanut Butter Baby Meatballs
Juicy, iron-rich meatballs with hidden butternut squash for sweetness and smooth peanut butter for binding and allergen exposure. Egg-free and dairy-free. Soft enough for baby to mash with their gums, cut in halves for pincer grasp practice.
Ingredients
- 250 grams Lean Ground Beef
- 0.5 cup Butternut Squash
- 1 tablespoon Smooth Peanut Butter
- 0.25 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground Ginger
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- If using raw butternut squash, peel, deseed, and cut into small cubes. Steam or microwave for 10 minutes until very soft. Mash until smooth.
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, mashed butternut squash, peanut butter, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Mix with your hands until evenly combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a cherry tomato (2cm diameter). You should get around 18-20 meatballs.
- Place on the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway, until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Let cool for 5 minutes. Cut each meatball in half before serving to reduce choking risk and encourage pincer grasp.
- Serve with steamed vegetable sticks or on their own.
Similar recipes
Avocado & Egg Toast
A balanced, nutrient-dense meal perfect for busy mornings. Creamy mashed avocado and hard-boiled egg on soft whole-wheat toast provide the perfect mix of healthy fats, protein, and fiber for growing toddlers.
Soft Baby Muesli with Grated Fruit
A fiber-rich breakfast featuring soaked oats and creamy yogurt. The addition of grated apple or pear provides a safe, textured introduction to raw fruits while keeping the meal easy to swallow.
Baby Omelette Strips
A thin, soft omelette cut into wide strips that are perfect for baby's palmar grasp. Quick to make and endlessly versatile. Add any soft cooked vegetable for extra nutrition. A different egg texture for babies to explore.
Soft Scrambled Eggs
Ultra-soft, fluffy scrambled eggs cooked low and slow for the perfect baby-friendly texture. One of the most nutrient-dense first foods, packed with choline for brain development, protein, and iron.
Save in the Nica app
