Italian Meatballs & Marinara

Quite literally the easiest 35-minute ITALIAN MEATBALLS & MARINARA dinner. Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, High‑Protein. Serves 4.

By @rachaelsgoodeats

Original recipe source

Cook time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb grass-fed ground beef
• 1 pasture-raised egg
• 0.33 cup almond flour
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.125 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 yellow onion
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• 0.25 tsp sea salt
• 0.125 tsp black pepper
• 1 handful fresh basil
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb grass-fed ground beef, 1 pasture-raised egg, 1/3 cup almond flour, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Gently shape the mixture into 16 equal meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes. Optionally, broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes for extra color.
5. While the meatballs are baking, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
6. Add 1/2 finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
7. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Stir in 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well.
9. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.
10. Once meatballs are cooked, gently add them to the simmering marinara sauce.
11. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
12. Remove from heat and garnish with a handful of torn fresh basil.
13. Optionally, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
14. Serve the meatballs and marinara hot over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles.