I don’t think I have expressed enough here how much I LOVE spaghetti and meatballs. I really do think it’s one of my favorite foods.
Thank God that we have now advanced enough in our food technology to manipulate food to look like noodles. Recreating foods to fit my Whole30 lifestyle has become a passion/obsession over the past year. I will literally look at a menu when going out to eat and think,” can I make this Whole30?”. I usually can find a way. I hate to hear people complaining of their tasteless meals because they are tracking their macros. It’s silly to me. You can always find a way to make your favorites and still enjoy your meals.
If I can’t have pasta I will have zoodles. If I can’t have rice I will make cauli rice. And having #strugglechicken in your meal prep containers is… I can’t even. There are plenty of herbs and seasonings out there to flavor your meals.
Like meatballs for example. I love making a big batch to freeze for a rainy day when I can’t remember my name, I poured coffee in my breakfast bowl, and didn’t get out of work until unthirty. It’s a grab and go protein. And protein is key for your nutrition.
Now gather round because it’s time to dig into this classic amazing dish!
A summer squash variety is transformed into a pasta dish worthy of a Lady and Tramp kiss! Especially them meatballs!
For the noodles:
2 large zucchini, spiralized or julienned
2 yellow squash, spiralized or julienned
For the Meatballs:
1 lb of ground meat ( I went with organic beef)
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup of chopped parsley
1 egg
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 ½ teaspoon coconut amminos
1 teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
For the sauce:
¼ cup of olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 28 oz can of whole peeled tomatoes
1 15 oz can of diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon salt
3 basil leaves, chopped thin
½ yellow onion, diced
1 bay leaf
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350
Whisk egg in a large mixing bowl
Add meat and seasoning and knead everything thoroughly
Form meat mixture into 1” balls
Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet until all of the mixture is used up
Place in oven to bake for 30 minutes
While the meatballs are going, prepare the sauce
In a sauce pan heat oil on medium heat
Add onion and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes)
Add garlic and stir for about 1 minute
Add peeled tomatoes and diced tomatoes
Turn off heat temporarily
Squish all the tomatoes in pan (I sometimes use my hands! Or you can use a potato masher)
Turn heat back on to medium low
Stir in salt and basil leaves
Top with bay leaf and let simmer until meatballs are done
Add sauce to veggie noodles and toss until coated and top with meatballs to serve.
Enjoy!
Soni says
I have just started Whole30 and this is totally inspiring me. I will definitely be using some of these recipes as that is the part where I'm lost. Thank you 🙂
Amanda says
Way to go on starting the Whole30! Thank you for visiting and I hope you like these recipes. I mainly use this blog as a recipe storage device for my Whole30 recipes! I have a great steak recipe coming to ya tonight!
Kim Beaulieu says
I love spaghetti and meatballs, it's one of my favourite meals. I love that you did a paleo version. Very cool. I wish I had a plate in front of me right now.
Rose | The Clean Dish says
Spaghetti and meatballs are hands down one of my favorite meals, too! It's my go to comfort food. Your pictures make me hungry!! I haven't had zucchini noodles in a while - I love that you mixed zucchini and yellow squash together, I haven't tried that yet - this is going to be on the menu this week for sure!!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
That scene of Lady and Tramp made me a serious dog lover, as well as a serious food lover. I haven't seen it in a long time so thanks for sharing the clip! Your zoodles and meatballs look delicious! It's nice to still be able to indulge but not feel guilty!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
Spaghetti and meatballs was one of mt favorite growing up, we literally had it all the time. I've been cutting back on the pasta big time lately so it looks like I need to start making some zoodles!
Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen says
Zoodles are such an awesome option for those wanting to cut pasta out ot their diet. I've never had them with meatballs, but I think I need to change that asap, this looks delicious!
Colleen (Souffle Bombay) says
Oh! Lad & the Tramp...my first movie! So cute! I am a sucker for spaghetti & meatballs. I have gotten into spiralizing zucchini, however I always quick-pickle it or blanch it. Never have I added tomato sauce. I have to try that! Thanks for the idea!
Kelly @ Nosh and Nourish says
Love these so much!! I agree --- zoodles are the best --- such a savior when it comes to still having that comfort food (meatballs + sauce) but not completely overdoing it with pasta. PS. love your pictures!
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic says
I really need a spiralizer for veggie noodles. They look so good with those meatballs!
Karyn @ Pint Sized Baker says
Raw zoodles? I've always given them a quick saute. I'll try them uncooked next time. Nothing beats a great meatball! It's the only way I can get my kid to eat ground beef.
LaurenKellyNutrition says
I am loving this recipe. A paleo twist on a delicious classic!
Stephanie says
This looks like such a great meal!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
These meatballs look so scrumptious and I love the spiralized veggies! It reminds me that I need to get one and keep forgetting!
Amanda says
I seriously don't know what I did without one!
Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says
Oh yum! I love this paleo twist on this classic meal - spaghetti and meatballs has been one of my favs since I was a kid. And yeeeessss to that scene from Lady and the Tramp! <3