Gluten-free Spaghetti and Meatballs
Tender baked-style meatballs simmered in a garlicky tomato sauce over gluten-free spaghetti, finished with basil and parmesan.
- Celiac
- Hashimoto's
- Pregnancy
- Toddlers
- Gluten-free
- Crohn’s and colitis
- Kid-friendly
- One pan
- Gluten-free Italian
Ingredients
- 400 g gluten-free spaghetti
- 500 g ground beef
- ½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 40 g grated parmesan
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 700 g gluten-free marinara sauce, one jar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 10 leaves fresh basil, torn
Method
- Mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, half the parmesan and oregano.
- Roll into small meatballs and brown them in olive oil.10 min timer
- Pour in the marinara, cover and simmer gently.15 min timer
- Ladle out the kids' share of meatballs and sauce before seasoning.Kids’ plate comes out here
- Boil the gluten-free spaghetti until just tender.8 min timer
- Toss pasta with sauce, top with basil and remaining parmesan.
Kids’ plate: Spaghetti and meatball teeth
On the plate: Small meatballs in plain sauce over gluten-free spaghetti, parmesan on top.
Make it a game: Line the meatballs up like train cars along the spaghetti tracks before eating them one by one.
Set it aside at step 4, before the grown-ups’ sauce or spice goes on.
Why it works
- Celiac disease: Gluten-free spaghetti, breadcrumbs and marinara, so everyone shares the same bowl.
- Kid (4–12): Mild garlicky tomato sauce with soft meatballs and twirlable spaghetti.
Celiac check: watch for hidden gluten in soy sauce, stock, malt vinegar and seasoning blends, and oats that aren’t certified. Gluten gives food ideas, not medical advice: always check labels for allergens and cross-contact.
Cooking for more than one diet?
Add everyone you cook for, with their allergies, diets and ages. Gluten checks this recipe for each of them and tells you what to change for anyone who can’t eat it as written. It’s free.
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This recipe also fits: Hashimoto's recipes, Pregnancy recipes, Toddlers recipes, Gluten-free recipes, Crohn’s and colitis recipes, Kid-friendly recipes, One pan recipes, Gluten-free Italian recipes.