If you’re doing a whole30, one thing that will be a critical piece of your success is trying new recipes! The last time I attempted whole30, I threw in the towel because I had no desire to eat any of the compliant food that I had in the fridge after a long day of work and [solidcore] coach training. I literally don’t think I tried a single new recipe! How boringgg. This week, I’ve been doing things very differently. I would say I’m actually eating way more yummier foods now than when I wasn’t on whole30. The meals I’ve been eating are delicious and I’ve been super excited to eat them. I don’t feel deprived at all–that’s the key.
My slow cooker has also become my best friend! I’ve really enjoyed my time getting back in the kitchen making recipes from scratch. I find it therapeutic. The slow cooker helps with convenience. I made these slow cooker meatballs for my Pure Barre potluck last night. They were a hit! The recipe is from paleorunningmama.com. I found it on Pinterest, which is an amazing resource that I highly recommend utilizing.
Ovi approves 🙂
You’ll need:
- 1 and 3/4 lbs ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup blanched almond flour
- 3/4 tsp fine grain sea salt divided (I just used pink Himalayan salt)
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning blend
- generous pinch crushed red pepper adjust for spice preference
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley – optional (I didn’t use this)
for the sauce:
- 1 – 28 oz can crushed tomatoes with basil
- 1 – 14 oz can diced tomatoes with basil and garlic
- 1 – 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh garlic (You could use minced garlic for convenience
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano leaves (I used dried oregano to season instead)
- 2 bay leaves
- sea salt to taste
to make the meatballs:
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In a small bowl, mix together the almond flour, 1/2 tsp of the sea salt, onion and garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper.
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In a large bowl, add the ground beef and sprinkle evenly with the remaining sea salt. Add the egg and almond flour mix (plus parsley if adding) and gently mix with your hands until the mixture binds and is evenly distributed. It’s important not to work the meat too much or it becomes tough.
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Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your broiler. Form the meat mixture into 20 meatballs and arrange on the baking sheet.
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Broil 2-4 minutes just to lightly brown and release a small amount of fat (this avoids an overly greasy sauce) and remove promptly.
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Add the meatballs to the slow cooker, leaving behind any rendered fat. Top the meatballs with all sauce ingredients and give a gentle stir (careful not to break the meatballs!)
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Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, until meatballs are cooked through
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Serve when ready to eat with anything you want and garnish with your favorite fresh herbs.
These are great with zoodles, cauliflower rice or sweet potato noodles if you’re on whole30. If you’re not on whole30, they would be delicious with chickpea/lentil pasta! They go well with so many different things and because of that they are an excellent option for meal prep Sunday.
Don’t forget to get organized, move your body & do one thing for your mental health today like journal/meditate or even just relax. You deserve it. Have a dope Sunday, my friends.
xx
Carla