Big Ol' Meatballs

When you think of meatballs, I'm sure you think of them on top of a heap of pasta. These aren't! These paleo style meatballs have a different taste that are hard to explain unless you just try em yourself! You can use any ground meat that you have in the house, but I chose to use a combo of ground pork and ground beef. The key ingredient in this recipe is the apple cider vinegar - it adds a tangy flavor to the sauce!

Big Ol' Meat Balls

1 lb lean ground pork

0.5 lb lean ground beef 

1.5 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

3 carrots, peeled and finely chopped

1 can (28oz) crushed tomatoes (look for a BPA free can) 

2 tablespoons cumin

1 tablespoon of thyme, oregano, chili powder

Salt & Pepper to taste

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 bag frozen green beens

1-2 tablespoons coconut oil 

Optional Toppings for Garnish: 

Scallions

Goat Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, combine the meat, 1/2 of the onion, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of cumin until well combined. Make meatballs like you would make a hamburger, but make them rounded. You want to make them about the size of a tennis ball. Set these on a large plate, so you're ready to drop them into the oil. (Side note: Don't use this plate for later because you've set uncooked meat on it)

Heat the coconut oil in a pan on medium to high heat, drop the meatballs into the pan. Brown each meatball on each side (they do not have to be fully cooked). Remove the balls and set aside on a large plate. 

Add onions and carrots to your pan. You shouldn't need more oil because there should be plenty after cooking the meat. While these are cooking, add 1 tablespoon of the apple cider vinegar. Add in the rest of the spices. Feel free to add more spices depending on your liking...I always add more and even throw in some garlic powder :) 

Put your meatballs back into the pan with the sauce, cover, and let cook for 30 minutes on low. At the 20 minute mark, throw in the green beans. This way, they won't be mushy. 

Top with chopped scallions and some crumbled goat cheese.......enjoy!!