spaghetti (squash) and meatballs

comfort food made healthy was a perfect option for a cozy sunday dinner at home. spaghetti squash is so versatile... don't let the squash part scare you away... it basically tastes like whatever sauce you mix it with. so eat your vegetables... your mom will be proud. 

Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs (gluten free)

Meatballs: 

1 pound ground beef

1/4 onion, finely chopped

1/4 red pepper, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/4 cup gluten free breadcrumbs 

1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano/romano cheese

 1 egg

1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper 

2 tsp italian seasoning 

1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp salt 

Spaghetti Squash:

1 medium sized spaghetti squash

Olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste  

Extras:

Red sauce of your choice

Mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions for meatballs:

1. Sauté onions and red pepper in olive oil with a dash of salt and pepper until tender, then add garlic and sauté for an additional 2 minutes. 

2. Combine above mixture with remaining ingredients (use your hands!) and roll into 2 inch balls. Place on cookie sheet sprayed with olive oil and bake at 375F for about 20 minutes or until cooked through. 

3. Combine with warmed red sauce of your choice. 

Instructions for spaghetti squash:

1. Cut squash in half the long way and remove seeds with a spoon. 

2. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper and place on baking sheet. 

3. Bake at 375F for about 1 hour or until tender. 

4. Remove from oven and use a fork to shred squash. 

Happy eating!