“Spaghetti” and Meatballs Paleo style (Yum!)
So I’ve got another yummy recipe to share! “Spaghetti” and meatballs Paleo style… need I say more? 😀 Seriously, if you are getting that craving to devour an entire plate of pasta (yep – I get those cravings a little too often!), you are gonna love this recipe. My kiddos also enjoyed it – which is definitely an added bonus, as they don’t always like my Paleo creations.
“Spaghetti" and Meatballs Paleo style
Squash noodles and meatballs make this easy paleo style spaghetti recipe, a delicious and healthy dinner!
Ingredients
For the "Spaghetti":
- 1 squash
For the Meatballs:
- 2 pounds ground turkey (this is what I used, however, you can use beef and/or pork)
- 1/3 cup almond flour
- 2 eggs
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- A handful of fresh chopped basil (or about 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for an added kick!)
For the homemade tomato sauce (or use any sauce you please):
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- A handful of fresh chopped basil (or 1 tablespoon of dried basil)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon or more crushed red pepper flakes (depending on how spicy you like)
Directions
1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a baking sheet.
2
Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and discard the seeds. Place spaghetti squash cut sides down on baking sheet. Bake for about 40 minutes. Once done, remove from oven and let cool.
3
While the squash is baking, you can start making the meatballs. Just throw all of the meatball ingredients in a bowl and mix with your hands until everything is incorporated.
4
Form into balls and place the meatballs on a baking sheet with parchment paper (if you have it), as this will help make for easy clean up when the fat cooks off while baking. I opted to do without since I didn’t have any parchment paper on hand. Put pan in 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes (should already be preheated from the squash).
5
For the homemade sauce, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Lower to medium heat and throw in the chopped onion. Saute for about 8 minutes, then add in garlic and saute for 30 seconds more. Lower heat a little and add in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Simmer until meatballs are done, then throw them in the sauce and let simmer for another 30 minutes or so. Now you have a killer sauce to go on your “spaghetti”!
6
Take a large spoon to scoop the “angel hair” pulp from the squash, and place in a bowl.
7
Finally throw some squash on a plate and top with the meatballs and sauce. If you haven’t onlinepletely taken dairy out of your diet, you can also sprinkle some Romano or Parmesan cheese over your masterpiece.
You really can use any veggie you please to be the substitute for the “noodles”. I’ve had success with both zucchini and butternut squash… but what’s nice about Spaghetti Squash is that you don’t need any sort of kitchen gadget to create the noodles and honestly I think spaghetti squash by far makes the best tasting noodles!
This is definitely one of my favorite Paleo Friendly meals I have made thus far!
