Who doesn’t love spaghetti? And casserole? I’m in. When going paleo, grain free, or just avoiding processed foods, sometimes spaghetti and casseroles are off limits, but not this one! There are plenty of options for the base – zoodles (zucchini noodles), sweet potato “noodles”, mashed sweet potatoes, or as the recipe calls for, mashed potatoes. Choose your own adventure here friends!
Paleo Spaghetti Casserole
Spaghetti and Casserole is comfort food times two! We substitute noodles for either sweet potatoes or white potatoes in this recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs grass-fed ground beef or other ground meat
- 2 large yukon gold potatoes cut into 1-in. half moons
- 32 oz tomato sauce Rao's or Otamot are my favorite
- 1½ tbsp Italian spice blend
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 med. onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp basil chiffonade
- 1 tbsp grass-fed butter
- 2 tbsp cooking fat ghee, butter, etc.
- 1 tsp sea salt
- shaved parmesan cheese optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350º F.
- Add the potatoes to a large pot and add enough water to cover the potatoes. Add a pinch of sea salt and bring to a boil. The potatoes are done when easily pierced with a knife, about 15-20 minutes.
- While the potatoes are cooking, add 1 tbsp. of the cooking fat to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Once the fat is hot, add the ground meat. Sprinkle with a small pinch of sea salt and the Italian spice blend. Use a spatula to stir and break up meat while browning.
- In a medium skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp. of cooking fat to the pan and heat over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until translucent. Turn the heat down to medium and add the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
- When the meat is cooked through, add the jar of tomato sauce and mix to combine.
- When the potatoes are done, drain and mash with a potato masher. Add a pinch of sea salt and a tbsp. of butter.
- In a large casserole pan, layer the mashed potatoes, the spinach/onion/garlic mix, and then meat sauce mixture. Put in the oven and cook for 15 minutes.
- Before serving, garnish with basil and parmesan cheese and serve.