Simple Spicy Paleo Meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs. It doesn’t get more comfort-food than that. Especially in the winter, it’s hard to beat. Substituting pasta for spaghetti squash, adding a homemade pasta sauce, and homemade meatballs is the best way to get in alll that coziness, without the inevitable food coma after.

And let me tell you, these meatballs are serious WINNERS. I’d tried a couple of paleo meatball recipes online, and they were all good, but just meh. Okay, but nothing to write home about ya know? So after a little experimenting (and a realization that having long nails and mixing raw meat with your bare hands is really not a good combo), I landed on these babies. With a little added healthy fat from the ghee, some fiber from the almond and flax meal, and tons of flavor from the spices, these little meatballs pack a major punch, in the best way. 

They take less than 30 minutes to make (including prep time) and are just as good the next day as leftovers or for meal prepping.

WHAT YOU NEED

*Makes 10-12 meatballs depending on size

• 1 lb organic ground turkey
• 2 tbsp almond flour
• 2 tbsp ground flax meal
• 1/2 tbsp unsalted pasture-raised ghee
• 1 pasture-raised egg
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning (salt-free)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (use less to make less spicy)
• 2 tsp pepper (less to make less spicy)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt

HOW TO MAKE THEM

• Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
• Combine all ingredients (beat egg separately first) and mix thoroughly using a spoon
• Using (clean!) hands, roll into ~1.5-2 inch meatballs and place on parchment paper on baking sheet
• Cook at 350°F for 22-26 minutes (time varies depending on size – use a meat thermometer to check internal temp reaches 165°F!) and turn up to broil for ~1-2 minutes to brown at the end (note: some fat dripping out is to be expected – simply separate from the meatballs before serving!)

Serve with your favorite gluten-free pasta, zoodles, or spaghetti squash. Top with your favorite marinara sauce or make your own (highly recommend this simple recipe)!