Elk meatballs in a rich tomato sauce
Elk meatballs in a rich tomato sauce is a hearty, game-inspired main course where lean ground elk is formed into meatballs and simmered in a savory, herb-infused tomato sauce. The dish typically combines elk meat with ingredients like breadcrumbs, garlic, onions, and Italian herbs, all enveloped in a sauce made from crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings. It's a modern American or European-inspired recipe that celebrates wild game, often found in home cooking or rustic restaurant menus.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and relatively low in fat and carbs, thanks to the lean nature of elk meat. It provides key nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the meat, along with lycopene and vitamin C from the tomato sauce, with a rough calorie ballpark of 350-450 kcal per serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 18 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Zinc | 6.2 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.8 mcg |
| Potassium | 620 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Lycopene | 8 mg |
| Selenium | 22 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) of meatballs with sauce · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Elk meat is a sustainable, lean alternative to beef, often lower in fat and calories while being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritionally unique choice for health-conscious cooks. Culturally, it connects to hunting traditions and wild game cuisine, adding an adventurous twist to classic meatball dishes.
