Ingredients
The following ingredients have 5 Servings
- 1 cup fresh basil (packed (plus more for serving))
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup cashews (unroasted and unsalted )
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 2 strips of no sugar added bacon (finely diced (I like Applegate))
- 1 pound ground beef (85 percent lean)
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 large eggs (whisked)
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 32oz jar marinara (I like Rao's)
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley (for serving)
Instruction
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- In a food processor or blender, add the basil and garlic. Turn on and process until finely chopped, 15 to 20 seconds. Add the cashews and lemon zest and process until cashews are finely chopped. It should have a crumbly, dough-like consistency.
- Transfer the cashew-basil mixture to a large mixing bowl, add the bacon, ground beef, ground pork, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, eggs, and arrowroot flour. Using clean hands, mix the meat until well combined.
- In a 9x12 baking dish, use a paper towel to evenly coat the bottom of the dish with olive oil.
- Using an ice cream scoop, scoop out meat mixture and form into 2-inch round balls. Place meatballs in baking dish and repeat until all meatballs are formed and in a single layer in the baking dish. (It makes approximately 17 meatballs).
- Transfer dish to oven and cook, uncovered, until the meatballs are browned, about 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and decrease the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
- Pour marinara evenly over meatballs.
- Return meatballs to the oven and continue to bake, uncovered, until the meatballs are tender and the sauce is very hot and bubbly, about 45 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and basil.
- Serve as desired and enjoy!
