Just like many kids, my son is a picky eater! So when he asks for gluten free spaghetti and meatballs, I jump at the chance to make it for him and watch him devour it. Who wouldn't want to feed their family this healthy spaghetti and meatballs?
When zucchini is in season, we love to make zucchini noodles using my spiral slicer. Make sure to watch my video here to see how it's done! When zucchini isn't in season, a nice alternative is spaghetti squash. I always say, I am fortunate enough that Asher is young enough to have never tasted grain-noodles. Thankfully he'll slurp either of these up with no complaint!
If your children are older, they can tolerate some grains, and you are transitioning them: maybe try starting with brown rice noodles and then gradually introducing them to the squash noodles. Or take the tough approach and purge your kitchen of anything grain-based and just start serving the grain-free noodles! I have you peel the zucchini and semi-dehyrate them so they are a bit softer and more closely resemble spaghetti noodles.
Don't let the fish sauce and coconut aminos in the ingredients scare you! My old favorite recipe for traditional Italian meatballs used to call for a splash of Worchestire and the combination of these mimics that flavor, but without the wheat and other additives.
I like to make a double batch of these meatballs and store them in the freezer. Once they have cooled, place them on a baking sheet and wrap with plastic wrap. Freeze them for a few hours, until firm, then transfer them to a resealable bag or container. Thaw your desired amount in the fridge over night, then just toss them into your sauce to heat through!
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Real @realfoodwholelife
I’ve been waiting for you to do a meatball for ages. My nearly-three-year-old is obsessed with them, but I haven’t found a grain free recipe that we love. I bet this will be the one. Thanks so much–can’t wait to make these!
Danielle
Hi Gina please see againstallgrain.com/events!
Colleen B
I made these meatballs and they were DELICIOUS!! I got lazy with my sauce and just took a jar of crushed tomatoes and sprinkled in some spices, but these will definitely be a go to meatball recipe for us! Maybe next time I will try the sauce as written! Thanks!
Danielle
Thank you!
Meagan
I want to make the sauce from scratch so bad! When I click the links to the 2 different Pomi tomato boxes the links are no longer valid. What is the ounce size of the Pomi boxes you use for the chopped and strained tomatoes???
Andrea M
Google Pomi tomato. Can be purchased through NaturaMarket.
Andrea Stickney Smith
I can’t find the Pomi tomatoes it calls for, so I might be taking your approach!
Sarah Gillespie
Looks amazing! And if I omit the cheese (boo!) It’s 21DSD compliant. I am staying away from tomatoes right now, but ill still eat it with zoodles, garlic butter and the meatballs. I have all your books and love that you did an AIP red sauce! Anyway, and most importantly my 4 yo will love this. My 1.5 yo still eats anything… but I’m sure you remember that! What is it with 3-5 yos? 🙂 Thanks, Danielle!
Danielle
It gives it a cheese flavor but would be fine if left out.
Andrea Stickney Smith
Where can I find the Pomi tomatoes?
Danielle
Hi Andrea – You can use any brand of strained tomatoes or tomato puree! Just make sure the ingredient list is just tomatoes.
Dahlena Kullman
This is so delicious! In case anybody asks (because I’m sure they will) the meatballs CAN be made without egg! I haven’t had them with it, but I can’t imagine them tasting any better than they were! The blend of flavors is fantastic. My kiddos (6 & 2) gobbled it up. My son didn’t even want spaghetti until he saw it had meatballs. Lol. Thanks for another great recipe Danielle!
Danielle
Thank you Dahlena!
Danielle
Yes, I talk about it on the post!
Danielle
Yes I use a lot of different veggies in my Meals Made Simple book – sweet potatoes, parsnips, and celeriac are my favorites!
Caitlin
Thanks!
Danielle
You can leave them out! They will be slightly more dry, but still great.
Colleen
Is this recipe SCD compliant? I just started the diet and can’t find a good resource to tell me if coconut aminos are legal or illegal? thanks!
Amy M
Did you find out. I am just starting this too. I thought garlic was a no but not sure of that or the aminos.
Danielle
So glad you both enjoyed it!
SuzanneD
Has anyone tried this with ground turkey instead of beef?
Emily
Can you bake these meatballs instead?
Danielle
If you’d like to – yes!
Cara
These were amazing! I have been making a version of meatballs from Cook’s Illustrated for years that is good but I have to say that this one is better. The meatballs came together quickly, were easy to cook, and my entire family LOVED them. This is my new meatball recipe. Thanks for another amazing grain free recipe that my whole family can enjoy.
Jessica
Is there any way to sub the eggs? Wondering if flax eggs might work?
Danielle
Yes! That will work.