Meatballs with a mission: Nourishing new parents. Welcome Home founder, Mandela, shares the recipe that started it all!

Born from a desire to provide comforting, wholesome meals for postpartum recovery, these hearty meatballs deliver. They're packed with protein and herbs, including a special tofu ricotta, and simmered in the most delicious tomato sauce. It's the perfect dish to warm your heart and nourish your body.

Ingredients

Makes one 8-inch cake
    Tomato Sauce
  • ¼ cup Avocado Oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 4 (28oz) cans of whole peeled tomatoes
  • 6 oil-packed anchovies (optional, adds depth)
  • Kosher salt (preferably Diamond Crystal)
  • 1 tsp Red pepper Flakes
  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • Meatballs
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 cup parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup basil
  • ½ cup chives
  • 14 oz tofu
  • Juice from 1 lemon
  • ½ tablespoon gluten-free miso paste
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 lb lean ground beef
  • ¾ cup almond flour
  • Kosher salt (preferably Diamond Crystal)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh parmesan cheese for serving
Cookware Used
Little Saucy
1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Saucier
$90
Shop Now
Little Sheet
Nonstick Quarter-Sheet Pan
$30
Shop Now
Full Steam Duo
Two Multitasking Essentials
$90
Shop Now

Prepare the Tomato Sauce: 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In an oven-safe saucepan over medium heat, heat avocado oil. Add onion and garlic and a pinch of salt and  red pepper flakes, cook for 2-4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  3. Add the canned tomatoes, crushing them with your hands. Stir in anchovies (if using) and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Increase heat to high and bring the sauce to a boil. Remove from heat, cover, and place in the oven.
  5. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15-20 minutes to prevent burning. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

       

      Make the Meatballs:

      1. While the sauce is cooking, make the meatball mixture. In a food processor, combine onion, garlic, herbs, tofu, lemon juice, miso paste, big pinch of salt, and couple of shakes of pepper. Blend until smooth.
      2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, almond flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Add the tofu mixture and mix well with your hands.
      3. With oiled hands, form the mixture into 16 large meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet.

         

        Cook the Meatballs:

        1. Remove the sauce from the oven and increase the oven temperature to broil.
        2. Broil the meatballs for 5-10 minutes, until lightly browned.
        3. Reduce oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
        4. Add the meatballs to the sauce, return the pot to the oven, and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

           

          Serve: 

          1. Divide the meatballs and sauce among plates.
          2. Top with fresh herbs preferably basil or parsley, and grated parmesan cheese.