Simple and Sweet Paleo Meatballs Smothered in Marinara Sauce

This is a pretty simple recipe but it's a warm and comforting dish for a cold January evening.   Instead of breadcrumbs, the almond flour will help keep the meatballs together and add some texture.  A simple side salad or some steamed veggies would be an awesome match to complete your meal. If you want to make more of the sauce, you can add spaghetti squash or strips of zucchini to have yourself a paleo spaghetti & meatball meal.  

Meatballs (makes about 26-30 balls)  
1/2 lb of ground beef
1/2 lb of ground pork
1 egg, lightly beaten.
1/4 cup of chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tbsp of chopped fresh basil
1 Tbsp of chopped parsley
1/2 tsp of black pepper
1/4 tsp of salt
2 Tbsp of almond flour

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2.  Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.

3.  Take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll in the palms of your hands until you form a uniform ball.

4.  Place each meatball one inch apart on a baking sheet.

5.  Bake for 10 minutes and then add the meatballs to the marinara sauce simmering in low heat, where they will continue to cook.  If you don't plan to use the sauce and just want the meatballs, bake for another 5-8 minutes.

6.  Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for another 30 minutes.

Marinara Sauce




1 - 14.5oz can of diced tomatoes
1 - 8 oz can of tomato sauce
1/4 cup of diced onion
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup of chopped basil
2 Tbsp of chopped parsley
1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp of dried Italian herbs
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of black pepper

1.  Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

2.  Add chopped onions and cook until soft (about 3-4 minutes).  Add the herbs, red pepper flakes and garlic.  Stir constantly for about 1 minute so that the garlic is softened (but not browned).

3.  Add in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to the pan.  Scrape of the bits from the bottom of the pan.  After the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low.  Stir in the basil and parsley.

4.  Add the meatballs and simmer the sauce on low for another 30 minutes.

Serve in warm bowls!