Spaghetti squash and meatballs is a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional spaghetti and meatballs. Spaghetti squash serves as a gluten-free, low-carb substitute for pasta, while the meatballs provide protein. This dish is paleo-friendly, nutritious, and satisfying.
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| Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs |
Ingredients:
•1 medium spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
•1 pound ground beef or turkey
•1/2 cup bread crumbs or almond flour
•1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
•1 egg
•1/4 cup chopped parsley
•3 cloves garlic, minced
•1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
•Salt and pepper to taste
•Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Place spaghetti squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, until tender.
2.Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the ground meat, bread crumbs, cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 1-inch meatballs.
3.Arrange meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
4.Use a fork to scrape spaghetti squash strands from the shells into a bowl. Top with meatballs and marinara sauce.
Precautions: Be careful when handling raw ground meat. Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meat. Cook meatballs to an internal temperature of 160 F.
Nutritional Value: One cup of cooked spaghetti squash has 42 calories, 10 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and 2 grams of protein. Meatballs provide protein and B vitamins.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes, meatballs can be made up to 1 day ahead. Bake as directed, then refrigerate until ready to serve. Gently reheat in the oven before serving.
Q: What can I serve this dish with?
A: Serve spaghetti squash and meatballs with a simple salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread also pairs well.
Q: Can I freeze the leftover meatballs?
A: Yes, cooked meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months. Simply freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or ziplock bag. Gently reheat frozen meatballs in the oven until warmed through.