From the Flat Belly Diet Family Cookbook ~ p 164

8 Servings / 410 Calories / MUFA: Olive Oil

Book Notes: This recipe makes a generous amount of tasty sauce, so if your family is not following the FBD servings exactly, feel free to make some extra pasta for them.  Simply measure out 1/2 cup of cooked pasts and 1/2 of sauce for yourself beforehand, and don’t forget the meatballs!

Book Notes: Prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and dinner’s ready in the time it takes to cook the pasta. (I would freeze containers to reheat later.)

Ingredients:

12 ounces mulitgrain spaghetti
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 slice whole wheat bread, torn into bit sized pieces
1/4 cup whole milk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon salt free Italian seasoning (the world wont end if you use regular…)
1 lb 95% lean ground beef (Could also use ground turkey)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (Trader Joe’s frozen cubes are a time saver!)
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil.  Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions.  Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon oil.  Cover to keep warm until the meatballs and sauce are ready.
2. Meanwhile, place the bread in a large bowl and cover with milk.  Wait until the bread absorbs most of the milk (about a minute), then add the egg and the Italian seasoning.  Mix with  a fork until smooth (few pieces of crust may remain).  Add the beef and mix until thoroughly combined.  With clean hands, shape into 24 meatballs.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add half the meatballs ad cook, turning to ensure even browning, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until cooked through.  Trnafer to a plate and repeat with the remaining meatballs and 1 Tablespoon oil.
4. Add the garlic and remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet.  Cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.  Add the tomatoes, reduce the heat, and cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Serve the spaghetti topped with the sauce and meatballs.  Sprinkle with parsley if desired.