Paleo Spaghetti and Meatballs

The spaghetti alternative for this recipe is spaghetti squash but you can also use zucchini noodles (AKA zoodles.) Even better, just eat the meatballs spaghetti-less! The true star of this dish is the meat. So whatever spaghetti you end up using is your decision as long as it is gluten free and grain free!!

Here’s how to make a true Mangia Paleo classic.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 12 oz of your favorite pasta sauce
• 2 tbsp warm water
•  8 oz ground pork
• 8 oz ground beef
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 yellow onion
• 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 4 sprigs parsley, chopped
• 1/4 tsp oregano
• sea salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

Note: the spaghetti squash and meatballs cook at the same oven temp for about the same amount of time.

1. Cut spaghetti squash in half, scoop seeds out, and place flesh side down in a baking pan. Cover the bottom of the pan with water so the squash doesn’t dry out and can steam. Roast in oven at 400 degrees for 25 minutes or until flesh scrapes out easily with a fork. For more detailed directions/photos on this please see my other spinach pesto spaghetti directions.

2. Apply a thin layer of sauce and olive oil to the bottom of a baking pan.

3. In a separate bowl, combine ground flax seed with 2 tablespoons of warm water. Let the flax soak up the water and turn into a thin paste.

4. In another bowl, mix ground meat, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, and S&P. Add the ground flax paste. Mix with your hands because this is an Italian recipe and that is how it’s done.

5. Roll into balls that fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. Bigger than a golf ball, smaller than a tennis ball. Space them out evenly in the sauced baking pan. Bake in oven at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

6. HERE IS THE BEST PART! After the meatballs are cooked there will be deliciousness at the bottom of the pan. This is why I had you add the  layer of sauce. The combo of meat juices and fats with the pasta sauce make excellent drippings. Simply mix with a fork or whisk.

7. To serve, scrape spaghetti squash in a serving bowl. Add sauce on top of the spaghetti. Add meatballs on top of the sauce. Spoon pan drippings on top of the meatballs.

MANGIA!

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