The Paleo Comfort Meal You'll Be Craving All Winter

By Lizzie Fuhr
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

While traditional spaghetti and meatballs won't be making an appearance on a Paleo-approved menu, this creative riff on the classic will become your new favorite go-to when you're craving Italian. Gluten-free almond meal stands in strong for classic breadcrumbs, and the addition of red pepper flakes brings just the right boost of flavor and spice. And yes, while spaghetti squash will not taste exactly like a bowl of pasta, it is a nutrient-rich alternative that will slash calories and carbs from any noodle dish.

Paleo Meatballs and Spaghetti Squash

Cook Time1 hour
Yield6 servings
Calories363

Adapted from Parade

INGREDIENTS

    • 1 large spaghetti squash
    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 cup yellow onion, diced finely
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 pound ground beef, preferably grass fed
    • 10 ounces (about 2 links) mild Italian sausage, uncooked
    • 1 large egg
    • 1/2 cup almond meal
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 2 cups low-sugar marinara sauce
    • Chopped parsley, for garnish

    INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Cut spaghetti squash in half, and scoop out and discard seeds. Spray the center of both halves of squash with cooking spray, and place cut side up on a cookie sheet. Roast until tender when pierced with a knife, about 50 minutes.

    2. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a cooling rack on top (the rack is optional but will help drain fat).

    3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Add the onion, and sweat for several minutes until translucent and then turn the heat up to medium. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano; cook for another minute or two; and remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly.

    4. Remove casing from sausage, and discard. In a large bowl, add the onion mixture, ground beef, sausage, egg, almond meal, and salt. Mix together with your hands. Gently form 2-ounce meatballs. Do not overwork the mixture, or the meatballs will be tough.

    5. Place on the prepared baking sheet, and dollop a tablespoon of marinara sauce on to each meatball. Use a pastry brush to cover each meatball. Cook in the oven for 20 to 23 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165ºF on an instant read thermometer.

    6. Remove the spaghetti squash from the oven, and scoop out the squash's flesh into bowls. Then remove your meatballs, top off with additional marinara sauce, and garnish with parsley.