Low Carb Spaghetti And Meatballs

Low-Carb Spaghetti and Meatballs

This recipe offers a delicious twist on a classic Italian dish with minimal carbs.

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef (at least 80/20 fat ratio)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • ½ tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ⅓ cup almond flour or grated Parmesan cheese (additional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

• For the Low-Carb Spaghetti:

  • 1 package (9 oz) shirataki noodles, rinsed and drained
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (check label for low-carb options)

Cooking Guide:

1. Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, eggs, almond flour (or additional Parmesan cheese), salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. You can use a spoon or a cookie scoop to make this easier.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the meatballs and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned on all sides.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Once the meatballs are browned, pour in your marinara sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer and then reduce heat to low. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Prepare the Noodles: While the meatballs simmer, heat a separate pan over medium heat. Add the shirataki noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically just for a few minutes to heat them through.
6. Assemble and Serve: Divide the shirataki noodles among plates and top with the cooked meatballs and marinara sauce. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs (optional) if desired.

Tips:

• Meatball Variations: You can experiment with different ground meat combinations like pork and beef, or even ground chicken or turkey. Additionally, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
• Low-Carb Pasta Options: While shirataki noodles are a popular choice, there are other low-carb alternatives like zucchini noodles or hearts of palm noodles.
• Marinara Sauce: Choose a low-carb marinara sauce or make your own with low-sugar tomatoes, herbs, and spices.
• Leftovers: Store leftover cooked meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The shirataki noodles tend to lose their texture upon reheating, so it’s best to prepare fresh noodles for each serving.

Enjoy this low-carb take on a classic comfort food!