Whole30 Meatballs and Sauce

Name: Whole30 Meatballs and Sauce
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 34 meatballs
Ingredients: 1/4 cup blanched almond flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon fennel seeds; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 pounds 93% lean ground turkey; 1 large egg; 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley; 24 ounces jarred prepared tomato-based pasta sauce*; For serving: Zucchini noodles; 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil; 2 cloves garlic; 1 small onion; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 can crushed tomatoes; 1 can diced tomatoes (I like to use fire roasted for extra flavor); 1 teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried oregano

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Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings
34 meatballs
Calories
185 kcal
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
Italian, American

Whole30 Meatballs and Sauce

Iris Warren

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Easy, DELICIOUS Italian Whole30 meatballs and sauce with ground turkey, almond flour, and Italian seasoning. A healthy, low-carb recipe that families love!

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Ingredients

Servings

FOR THE MEATBALLS:

1/4 cup blanched almond flour
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes reduce to 1/4 teaspoon if sensitive to spice
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 pounds 93% lean ground turkey
1 large egg lightly beaten
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley plus additional for serving
24 ounces jarred prepared tomato-based pasta sauce* or homemade pasta sauce, see below
For serving: Zucchini noodles shredded spaghetti squash, or sweet potato noodles

IF YOU’D LIKE TO MAKE HOMEMADE WHOLE30 MARINARA SAUCE (see notes for store-bought options):

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1 small onion finely chopped
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
1 can diced tomatoes (I like to use fire roasted for extra flavor) (14 ounces)
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano

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Instructions

Place two oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil and lightly coat them with nonstick spray, or line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. (If you are making vegetable noodles to serve with the meatballs, I recommend prepping them now so that they are ready to serve when the meatballs finish cooking. If you are making homemade sauce, I like to start this simmering before the meatballs go in the oven so that it is ready as well.)
In a small bowl, whisk together the almond flour, garlic, oregano, onion powder, fennel, salt, red pepper flakes, and nutmeg until the ingredients are evenly combined.
Add the turkey to a large bowl. Sprinkle the almond flour mix over the top. Add the beaten egg and parsley. With a fork or your hands, gently combine the ingredients until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overwork or compact the meat, or the meatballs will be tough.
With a small scoop or spoon, scoop the meat and shape into 1 1/2-inch balls, again being careful not to compact the meat. Arrange on the baking sheets. You will have about 34 meatballs total. If using store-bought sauce, warm it up while the meatballs cook.
Bake for 10 minutes, and then remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using tongs, gently turn the meatballs and return them to the oven, switching the position of the sheet pans on the upper and lower racks. Continue baking until cooked through, about 5 additional minutes. Serve hot with vegetable noodles, sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
For Homemade Whole30 Tomato Pasta Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium high. Add the garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, until the onion is soft. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, basil, and oregano. Bring to a simmer. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 14 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as desired.

Notes

*If purchasing pasta sauce, to keep the recipe Whole30 compliant, ensure there are no added sugars or dairy in your sauce. Suggested brands I found online include Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce, Mario Batali Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce, most Thrive Market sauces (aside from the vodka sauce, which has cream), and Trader Joe’s Roasted Garlic Spaghetti Sauce (this is what I used). Be sure to double check the list of ingredients. You can also make the basic homemade spaghetti sauce I suggest above.
To freeze: Freeze with or without sauce for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and then reheat on the stove (with sauce to keep them from drying out).

Nutrition Information

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Serving 4meatballs Calories 185kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 3g (1%) Protein 26g (52%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Cholesterol 23mg (8%) Sodium 236mg (10%) Fiber 1g (4%)