“That’s a SPICY Meatball” Meatball

I can’t tell you the variety of ways I tried to say and spell Spaghetti growing up. Whether you were hooked on phonics, or hooked on spell check, this comfort food recipe is for all. My all-time favorite way to prepare spaghetti (formerly known as pasketti) is with a giant meatball on top, so that’s what I’m going to whip up for you today.

What follows is my adaptation of John Welbourn’s meatball recipe he posted a while back on Power Athlete HQ, a great site with a wealth of information as well as a rather entertaining podcast. I switched things up by going with a little less almond flour and more seasonings, particularly red pepper flakes (an optional ingredient). John played professional football in the NFL for nearly a decade and knows a thing or two about fueling for performance. Thanks for the inspiration Welbourn! So, without further ado…

“That’s a Spicy Meatball” Meatball

Ingredients:

1 lb ground pork (Italian sausage optional)
1½ lbs ground beef
¼ cup almond flour
2 tsp dried basil
2 tsp dried parsley
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1-2 tsp ground red pepper flakes
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 hefty pinch of kosher salt
2 large eggs, beaten

Directions:

1. Combine above ingredients with hands in a large mixing bowl, working thoroughly.
2. Roll the meat mixture into large balls, shooting for somewhere between golf and tennis ball sized meatballs. Keep in mind that anything bite sized isn’t a meatball!
3. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and intersperse the meatballs, leaving equal space between.
4. Place the baking sheet in the oven for 25 minutes at 350℉.
5. Once finished, remove from oven and let rest.
6. Serve immediately with pasta and marinara, veggies and alfredo, or eat them by themselves topped with parmesan.
7. Leftovers are easy to refrigerate or freeze making for great meal prep. Check out our article on 7 Tips for EASY Food Prep.

Taylor Gish is an Exclusive Coach at MSP Fitness and Lead Instructor to the Strength+Endurance Program. His individual training focus is on the sport of Olympic Weightlifting where he has been competing locally and nationally since 2013. Taylor enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, cooking, and lecturing on health and fitness as an adjunct professor at his alma mater.