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Whole Food Makeovers: Spaghetti and Meatballs

While most versions of spaghetti are made with enriched pasta, a jar of spaghetti sauce, and ground beef with a side of garlic bread, we have transformed this American favorite into one healthy and dare I say, DELICIOUS homemade dish with at least 5 WHOLE FOOD INGREDIENTS. If you are wanting the best clean eating, easy, and family friendly dish this one's for you!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: dairy free, gluten free, ground turkey, healthy, meatballs, spaghetti, whole foods
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 308kcal
Cost: $9.00

Equipment

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup finely shredded zucchini [squeezed dry]
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning mix
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Spaghetti Sauce

  • 25oz jar spaghetti sauce
  • 1 small onion, diced

Pasta

  • 1 spaghetti squash and/or
  • 1 box 100% whole wheat thin spaghetti

Instructions

Meatballs

  • Preheat oven 400F. Grate zucchini over a kitchen towel and wring out as much water as possible. Place all meatball ingredients in a large bowl and combine.
  • Use a 2 Tbsp batter scoop to form small meatballs and place on silicone lined baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside.

Spaghetti Squash

  • Cut spaghetti squash in half. Place half of the spaghetti squash, cut side down, in an 8x8 glass pan. Put enough water in the pan to just barely cover the bottom. Cook in microwave for 10 minutes. The squash should be softened to the touch. Carefully, remove from pan, it will be hot. Place other half of squash in pan and repeat. You may need to add more water to glass pan.
  • Once the squash is cooked, allow to cool enough that you can handle it then take the tines of a fork and scrape the inside of the squash. Place “spaghetti strands” into a bowl.

Spaghetti Sauce

  • In a large saute pan, saute diced onion for 5 minutes over medium-high heat. Then pour in spaghetti sauce and reduce to low-medium heat.
  • Gently place the baked meatballs in sauce and allow the sauce and meatballs to cook for 10 minutes, covered. The sauce should come to a low simmer and then turn your heat off. Leave the lid on to keep the sauce warm until your pasta or spaghetti squash is done.

Pasta (optional)

  • While the spaghetti sauce is warming, bring a medium pot of water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions.
  • Place either spaghetti squash strands, pasta, or a mix of the two "pastas" on a plate and top with meatballs and ad additional spoonful of sauce. Add a little grated Parmesan cheese and sliced green onions if desired!

Nutrition

Calories: 308kcal