Paleo Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs In Red Sauce

Is is true, can you make great meatballs without breadcrumbs? In this recipe we test the theory and prove that it’s true, you can make great meatballs without breadcrumbs!

Paleo Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs In Red Sauce

Meatballs are delicious!  But what is one of the main ingredients in meatballs?… Breadcrumbs!  And breadcrumbs are a no-go for us Paleo folks – it’s definitely not on the food list.  But fear not fellow meatball lovers, this recipe tastes great and forgoes the evil breadcrumbs.  

So how do we do it?

The secret is in how you cook the meatballs. They will naturally be more apt to fall apart than the breadcrumb version, because they breadcrumbs are a common ingredient to help hold the meatballs together.

However, if you turn the meatballs slowly and often when you brown them on the stovetop, they will stay together and still give you the same great flavor you have come to love. 

Once the meatballs are fully cooked you simply add them to the savory and sweet, Italian style red sauce for a delicious main course. 

The added benefit, is that this is really like two recipes in one. The sauce is very versatile and can go with chicken, pork, or just about any protein source for some great flavor and an added benefit of a nice shot of lycopene.

A great accompianment to the meatballs are either our Super Spinach Salad or side of Garlic Spaghetti Squash with Kale.

Bering the meatballs and a side dish together and you have a meal fit for a king and queen!

Print

No-Breadcrumb Paleo Meatballs In Red Sauce

Calories 751 kcal

Ingredients

Sauce

• 28 oz can Tomatoes (diced)
• Tomato paste (small can)
• 2 tbs Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 Onion (medium, chopped)
• 3 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp Black pepper

Meatballs

• 1 lb Ground sirloin
• 1 lb Ground pork
• 2 Eggs
• 1/2 cup Almond meal
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 yellow onion (medium, chopped)
• 1/2 Carrot (shaved)
• 2 tsp Italian seasonings
• 1 tsp Red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, heat oil and then saute garlic and onion.
2. One the onion is translucent, add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir and cook on low heat.
3. In a large mixing bowl combine the ingredients for the meatballs. Use your hands and yes it will get a bit messy.
4. Once all ingredients are mixed well, form into balls about an inch or two around.
5. In a pan, brown the meatballs (add some olive oil to the pan if necessary).
6. Be sure to turn the meatballs slowly and often – they will be more apt to fall apart than the breadcrumb version. Making sure the meatballs are well browned before adding them to the sauce will help keep them from falling apart.
7. Once the meatballs are browned, add them to the sauce. Cook meatballs in sauce on low heat stirring occasionally for at least one hour – the longer the better.
8. Serve with large spinach salad or spaghetti squash.

Nutrition Facts

No-Breadcrumb Paleo Meatballs In Red Sauce

Amount Per Serving

Calories 751 Calories from Fat 522

% Daily Value*

Fat 58g89%

Saturated Fat 11g69%

Polyunsaturated Fat 4g

Monounsaturated Fat 16g

Cholesterol 82mg27%

Sodium 139mg6%

Potassium 350mg10%

Carbohydrates 10g3%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 50g100%

Vitamin A 10IU0%

Vitamin C 0.8mg1%

Calcium 90mg9%

Iron 2.9mg16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Photo credit: Mr. Usaji