Best Ever Italian Paleo Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Sauce

40 mins
Serves 8
https://40aprons.com/italian-paleo-meatballs-whole30-keto/#wprm-recipe-container-17402

Directions

  1. 1Combine all meatball ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix until combined well, using your hands, without overmixing.
  2. 2Use a disher to portion out the meatball mixture into even balls; repeat until all meatball mixture is used.
  3. 3Heat a layer of refined coconut or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. 4Fry meatballs in batches until brown on all sides and cooked through.
  5. 5Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate.
  6. 6Pour out excess oil from the skillet if any remains.
  7. 7Add 2 teaspoons avocado or refined coconut oil to the skillet over medium-low heat.
  8. 8Add garlic and, stirring constantly, cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  9. 9Add the remaining sauce ingredients and stir to combine well.
  10. 10Bring the sauce to a low boil then reduce heat slightly and simmer for about 5-10 minutes or until a bit thickened.
  11. 11Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer 3-5 minutes to absorb the sauce.
  12. 12Serve over zoodles or alone and top with fresh chopped parsley.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 pound ground chicken or more ground pork
  • 2 cups shredded zucchini
  • 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • for frying refined coconut oil or avocado oil
  • 2 teaspoons avocado or refined coconut oil
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 14-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup coconut cream just the solid white part from 1-2 cans of coconut cream or milk
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 - 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • for garnish fresh chopped parsley

Equipment

large mixing bowldisherlarge skilletfood processor with a shredding blade

Tips

  • To make less sauce, cut down to 1 can crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup coconut cream by halving the sauce ingredients.
  • Use a food processor with a shredding blade for easy zucchini prep.
  • Chop spinach finely to blend well with the meat mixture.
  • Use a disher to evenly and quickly portion out meatballs.
  • Ground chicken or beef can be used instead of ground pork.
  • Chopped chard leaves or kale can replace spinach.
  • Increase coconut cream for a creamier sauce.
  • Meatballs can be air-fried for 12 minutes at 400 degrees, flipping halfway through.
  • Meatballs can be baked on a sheet pan instead of pan-frying.