Gluten-Free Spaghetti and Meatballs (Grain-Free/Dairy-Free)
The Story:
Tender, flavor packed Italian meatballs served over grain-free spaghetti boasts the easiest, and most satisfying grain-free dinner idea. Spaghetti and meatballs is such a classic, weeknight dinner. My boys love this meal so we have it quite often. With a few modifications, you can easily still enjoy this family favorite even with dietary restrictions. Keep it super simple with cooking the meatballs on a sheet pan, using store bought pasta sauce, and you have a nourishing dinner ready in 30 minutes!
The Ingredients For Gluten-Free Spaghetti and Meatballs:
Ground beef: Beef makes up the majority of the meatball. The key here is to mix/handle as little as possible to yield the most tender meatball.
Ground Sausage: Adding in a bit of sausage adds a good depth of flavor to the meatballs.
Egg yolk: An egg yolk helps to bind the meatballs together to maintain their shape and texture.
Almond Flour: This flour source will keep these meatballs grain-free while absorbing liquid and helping the meatballs retain their structure.
Onion: Minced onion adds flavor and moisture for the best meatballs.
Spaghetti Sauce: I like using the Good and Gather brand of spaghetti sauce. It has pretty good ingredients, is organic, and doesn’t use any corn products. Use any spaghetti sauce you prefer!
Banza Spaghetti: Who knew chickpeas could be pasta!? This pasta is such a good stand-in for regular “pasta”. There are more and more grain-free pasta options becoming available, but Banza is easily available at Target so it is my go-to!
Salt/Pepper/Dried Basil/Parsley/Italian Seasoning: All of these delicious spices help create the flavor packed meatballs.
Fresh Parsley: Topping your gluten-free spaghetti and meatballs with fresh parsley really elevates the look and flavor of the dish, but is totally optional!
Olive Oil: For adding fat and flavor to the meatballs, as well as helping the pasta cook deliciously.
How to Make Gluten-Free Spaghetti and Meatballs:
Preheat the oven to 400. First, you are going to prepare the meatballs. The first thing to do is mince your onion. Then, add the onion and all remaining meatball ingredients to a large bowl. Gently mix until well incorporated. You want to mix as little as possible to ensure tender meatballs. Using a big cookie scoop, scoop out the meatballs onto a rimmed sheet pan (to contain fat released during cooking). Drizzle olive oil over the top of the meatballs, then place in the oven to cook for 12-14 minutes.
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare your spaghetti. Once your water is boiling, drizzle in a little olive oil, add a pinch of salt, and cook your pasta until tender. Drain the pasta, then add in your pasta sauce to the cooked spaghetti. Gently mix until the pasta is well coated. Once the meatballs are finished cooking, nestle them into the pasta and gently stir until they are well coated in the pasta sauce. Serve immediately and top with fresh parsley and dairy-free parmesan if you desire!
The Recipe For Gluten-Free Spaghetti and Meatballs:
Additional Grain-Free Dinner Ideas:
The Finished Product:
An easy remake of a traditional meal. This grain-free meal idea is satisfying, flavorful, and will leave you feeling not limited by your dietary restrictions!
Did You Try This Recipe And Love It?
Feel free to leave a review or tag @nocoast.kitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #nocoastkitchen. We would love for you to stay in touch by following us on social media at Instagram and Pinterest!