Homemade Meatballs with Einkorn Spaghetti

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean or 80/20)

• 2 tbsp flax meal

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying or greasing the baking dish)

Ingredients for Einkorn Spaghetti:

• 12 oz einkorn spaghetti

• Salt (for boiling pasta)

• Olive oil (optional, for drizzling over the cooked pasta)

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Einkorn Spaghetti:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

   • Add the einkorn spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes or until al dente).

   • Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. Optionally, drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Meatballs:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet over medium-high heat if frying.

   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, flax meal, egg, garlic, Parmesan (optional), oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

   • Mix everything together until well combined.

   • Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter (about 16 meatballs total).

3. Cook the Meatballs:

   • Baking Option: Place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet or in a lightly greased baking dish. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until they are browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F).

   • Pan-Frying Option: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, for about 7-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:

   • Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to a pot with marinara sauce. Heat the meatballs in the sauce for 5-10 minutes, allowing them to soak up the flavors.

5. Serve:

   • Plate the cooked einkorn spaghetti and top with meatballs and marinara sauce.

   • Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor.

Calories Estimate (Per Serving):

• Meatballs (4 meatballs): ~400-600 calories

• Einkorn Spaghetti (3 oz dry, about 1 ½ cups cooked): ~200-250 calories

• Marinara Sauce (½ cup): ~70-100 calories

• Olive Oil (1 tbsp, optional): 120 calories

Total per Serving: ~700-1,000 calories depending on portion sizes and sauce choices.

This makes for a hearty, nutritious meal that incorporates the benefits of einkorn pasta while keeping everything simple and tasty.