Whole30 Baked Ziti with Meatballs

Transform your classic baked ziti into a wholesome, Whole30-approved delight with this 'Whole30 Baked Ziti with Meatballs' recipe. This dairy-free and grain-free twist on a comfort food favorite swaps traditional pasta for tender roasted spaghetti squash and layers it with juicy beef-and-pork meatballs and a robust homemade tomato-basil sauce. Nutritional yeast serves as the perfect cheesy topping substitute, adding a savory, creamy touch without dairy. Packed with flavor from dried Italian herbs, fresh basil, and garlic, this recipe is not only satisfying but also paleo-friendly and gluten-free. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep, this hearty baked dish delivers comfort food vibes while staying true to your Whole30 goals.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:85 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 0.5 lb Ground pork
• 1 Egg
• 0.5 cup Almond flour
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 2 tsp Dried Italian herbs
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 medium Spaghetti squash
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium, diced Onion
• 3 minced Garlic cloves
• 28 oz can Crushed tomatoes
• 0.5 cup, chopped Fresh basil
• 0.25 cup Nutritional yeast

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and place cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes until tender.

Step 3

While the squash is roasting, prepare the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, egg, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until combined.

Step 4

Form the meat mixture into small meatballs, roughly 1 inch in diameter.

Step 5

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 6

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 7

Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet, add the fresh basil, and stir well. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8

Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, use a fork to scrape out the 'spaghetti' strands into a large baking dish.

Step 9

Gently stir in the tomato sauce and meatballs, ensuring they are evenly distributed among the squash strands.

Step 10

Sprinkle the nutritional yeast over the top as a cheese substitute.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for another 15 minutes until everything is heated through and the top is lightly golden.

Step 12

Serve hot and enjoy your Whole30 Baked Ziti with Meatballs!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2778.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3067.1

Total Fat 216.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 64.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 13.2g
Cholesterol 741.2mg	0%
Sodium 4360.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 135.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.7g	0%
Total Sugars 56.6g
Protein 169.9g	0%

Vitamin D 48IU	0%
Calcium 650.1mg	0%
Iron 21.8mg	0%
Potassium 4386.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.5%

Protein: 21.4%

Carbs: 17.1%