Ground beef and strawberry pan meatballs
Ground beef and strawberry pan meatballs A recipe suitable for baby 12-36 months. Ground beef and strawberry pan meatballs with mint. SAFETY: USE 5% MINCE (not too fatty), CUT STRAWBERRIES IN SMALL PIECES (choking hazard), watch out for gluten (pasta).
A recipe suitable for baby 12-36 months. Ground beef and strawberry pan meatballs with mint. SAFETY: USE 5% MINCE (not too fatty), CUT STRAWBERRIES IN SMALL PIECES (choking hazard), watch out for gluten (pasta).
Difficulty Little dishes, big smiles!
🍽️ 60 g ground beef 5% MGAlternative: chickpeas 🍽️ 80 g peasAlternative: kale 🍽️ 50 g short pastaAlternative: millet 🍽️ 30 g peasAlternative: orange or kiwi 🫒 1 tbsp olive oilAlternative: rapeseed oil 🍽️ 3 g mintAlternative: vanilla 🍽️ 50 g plain yogurtAlternative: fresh cheese 2 servings
Melting pieces, perfect for developing chewing safely.
No major allergen identified.
May contain traces of gluten.
per portion
Calories 199 kcal
Protein 8 g
Carbs 20 g
Fat 7 g 1
CHECK beef freshness (smell, color) Use ONLY 5% MG ground beef (not too fatty for baby) Break the ground beef into regular 1.5 cm pieces WASH fresh peas (or thaw frozen peas) Lightly crush the peas (not too much - choking hazard if whole)
Cook the short pasta as directed (8 min)
CUT strawberries into small pieces (CRITICAL - whole strawberries are choking hazard)
Take all ingredients out 20 min before (room temperature) Cutting board Paring knife Kitchen scale Mixing bowl Frying pan CRITICAL: whole strawberries are choking hazard Do NOT use 15-20% ground beef (too fatty) Do not cut too large: choking hazard Always cook ground beef well (no pink) Do not add salt: baby's immature kidneys Always use mild mint dose Cut ALL pieces the same size for even cooking For 12-18 months: thinner pieces (1 cm) CRITICAL: ALWAYS cut strawberries in small pieces Never serve whole strawberries Use ONLY 5% MG ground beef Take out 30 min before for better incorporation 2
Mix the cooked short pasta and peas in a large bowl Add the ground beef pieces and strawberry pieces, mix gently Add the plain yogurt as binder Pour in the olive oil and mint Mix with a wooden spoon Shape meatballs with damp hands (diameter 3 cm) Coat each meatball with a thin layer of short pasta crumbs Place on a tray lined with parchment Let rest 5 min in the fridge Large bowl Wooden spoon Fork Clean hands Tray lined with parchment Do not overmix: ground beef breaks Do not add too much flour: meatballs become too dense Do not forget to make meatballs compact: otherwise they crumble Do not make meatballs too big: max 4 cm diameter Do not leave air in the meatballs Always check yogurt freshness If the dough is too sticky: add 1 tsp rice flour If too dry: add 1 tsp liquid (water or adapted milk) Shape with damp hands: the meatballs won't stick Make small round meatballs for finger food Vary sizes according to age For 24-36 months: bigger meatballs 3
Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat Add 1 tsp olive oil Place the meatballs leaving 2 cm between each Cook for 5-6 min on each side (until golden brown) Check cooking with a knife: no pink inside Meanwhile, prepare the mint sauce: yogurt + mint + 1 tsp olive oil Mix the sauce well and chill Remove the meatballs when golden and cooked through Let cool 3-4 min Test the temp with a finger: warm Serve immediately with the sauce on the side Non-stick frying pan Spatula Knife Tongs Small bowl Timer Do not overcrowd the pan Do not press meatballs with spatula (lose juice) Do not overcook: meatballs become hard Do not serve sauce too warm (kills probiotics) Always check ground beef is fully cooked (no pink) Always use mild mint dose Check cooking: golden brown on all sides, no pink inside For 12-18 months: lower heat, longer cooking For 24-36 months: higher heat, more golden If browning too fast: lower to medium-low Test with a knife: should come out clean Sauce: serve cold to preserve probiotics 4
FINAL CHECK: confirm NO gluten allergy + strawberries in small pieces Prepare a fresh strawberry piece garnish Arrange the warm meatballs on baby's plate Add small strawberry pieces around Serve the mint sauce in a small separate bowl Show how to pick up the meatballs Serve warm Watch baby during the meal Monitor allergy signs (rash, swelling - gluten) Put leftovers in the fridge Baby plate Small bowl + suction cup Spoon Non-slip cloth Phone (emergency) Do not serve burning hot FINAL CHECK for gluten allergy + strawberries cut Always serve strawberries in small pieces Do not leave baby alone Do not reheat several times NEVER serve pasta to gluten-allergic baby Serve warm: flavors are more developed Strawberries add natural sweetness For 12-18 months: cut meatballs in half Silicone bowl with suction cup Offer 2-3 different sides Keep phone nearby in case of allergic reaction 
