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Spaghetti with Cheesy Meatballs

Gluten-Free Spaghetti with Cheesy Meatballs Bliss

Enjoy a delightful blend of flavors with Spaghetti with Cheesy Meatballs, a satisfying gluten-free recipe perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 500 g beef mince Choose high-quality meat for the best flavor.
  • 1 brown onion, grated Adds sweetness; don’t squeeze out the juices after grating.
  • 1 medium zucchini, finely grated Adds moisture and tenderness; grate finely for best results.
  • ¼ cup parsley, finely chopped Provides fresh flavor; can substitute cilantro if desired.
  • ½ - 1 cup basil, finely chopped More basil enhances freshness; essential for dish richness.
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely grated Adds depth; substitute with garlic granules as needed.
  • 2 slices gluten-free bread Acts as a binder; presoak for best moisture.
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese Adds saltiness; can be adjusted for a classic taste.
  • ½ cup tasty cheese, grated For added cheesiness; replace with any melting cheese if preferred.
  • 1 egg, whisked Essential for binding the meatball mixture.
  • Sea salt and freshly ground pepper Enhances all flavors; season generously.
For the Sauce
  • 400 g can of crushed tomatoes Forms the flavorful base; opt for high-quality varieties.
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste Intensifies tomato flavor; crucial for richness.
  • 3 - 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Adds flavor and moisture when frying the meatballs.
For the Spaghetti
  • 1 packet gluten-free spaghetti Serves as the dish's delightful base, ensuring a gluten-free experience.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Wide pan
  • pot
  • spatula
  • Grater

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 500g of beef mince, the grated onion, finely grated zucchini, chopped parsley, and basil. Add 2 grated garlic cloves, ½ cup parmesan, and optional ½ cup tasty cheese. Pour in the whisked egg, sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined, ensuring a uniform texture for your delicious meatballs.
  2. Take 2 slices of gluten-free bread, removing the crusts, and soak them in water for a few minutes. After soaking, squeeze out the excess moisture and crumble the bread into the meatball mixture.
  3. With clean hands, scoop out portions of the meatball mixture and shape them into balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them onto a plate while you prepare to cook.
  4. In a wide pan, heat 3–4 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Gently add the meatballs in batches, frying for about 6-8 minutes until they are browned and crispy on the outside.
  5. Return all the meatballs to the pan. Pour in the 400g can of crushed tomatoes and add 2 heaped tablespoons of tomato paste. Season generously with salt and pepper, then tear in some fresh basil.
  6. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
  7. While the meatballs are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
  8. Once cooked, drain the gluten-free spaghetti and plate it generously. Top with the cheesy meatballs and ladle some rich sauce over the top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow the meatballs to rest after cooking; this helps absorb flavors from the sauce. Use high-quality ingredients for better taste.

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