Craving a hearty, comforting meal that won’t weigh you down? These Spicy Turkey and Pork Meatballs are your answer! Packed with savory herbs and a kick of heat, they’re served over a bed of fresh zucchini noodles for a delicious, low-carb dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect satisfying weeknight meal!
Ingredients
• For the Meatballs
• 1 pound / 455 g ground turkey
• 1 pound / 455 g ground pork
• ½ cup / 70 g shredded mozzarella cheese (dairy-free or regular)
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
• 1½ teaspoons dried basil
• 1¼ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¾ teaspoon finely ground sea salt
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
• For the Pan
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil or coconut oil
• 4 medium zucchinis, spiral sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
1. Combine the Meats & Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, use your hands to thoroughly combine the ground turkey, ground pork, shredded mozzarella, hot sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and rosemary.
2. Form & Sear the Meatballs: Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Roll the meat mixture into approximately 18 balls (about 3 tablespoons each) and place them in the hot pan, fitting them snugly together.
3. Cook the Meatballs: Cover the pan and cook for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
4. Add the Zoodles: Gently stir the spiral-sliced zucchini and lemon juice into the pan with the cooked meatballs. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until the zucchini is tender-crisp.
5. Serve Immediately: Divide the zucchini noodles and meatballs among 6 plates and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
• Per serving (made with dairy-free cheese and avocado oil): 595 calories | 45.2 g total fat | 43.8 g protein | 3.6 g carbs | 2.6 g net carbs
Pro Tips
• & Variations
• For a dairy-free option, Daiya brand shredded cheese works wonderfully. If you tolerate dairy, feel free to use regular mozzarella, or omit the cheese entirely.
• To make this recipe AIP-friendly, simply omit the hot sauce and use an AIP-compliant cheese or leave it out.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 2 minutes or in a covered skillet over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these meatballs dairy-free
A: Yes, this recipe is easily made dairy-free. Simply use a dairy-free shredded mozzarella, like the recommended Daiya brand, or you can omit the cheese entirely.
Q: How spicy are these turkey pork meatballs
A: The level of heat comes from the hot sauce. You can easily adjust the amount used to match your personal spice preference. For an AIP-friendly version, you can omit the hot sauce completely.
Q: How should I store leftover meatballs
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or in a covered skillet over medium-low heat.
Q: What can I serve with these meatballs instead of zoodles
A: While zucchini noodles keep this meal low-carb, these meatballs are also delicious served with traditional pasta, quinoa, rice, or mashed cauliflower for another low-carb alternative.
