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    Home » Recipes » Paleo and Whole30 Recipes

    Whole30 Meatballs in Sofrito Sauce (Puerto Rican, Paleo)

    Author: Rachel Rivera | Published: Jan 31, 2022 | Last Modified: Jul 19, 2022

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    Meatballs come in so many flavors, and these Whole30 Meatballs in Sofrito Sauce do not disappoint! They're bursting with traditional Puerto Rican flavors, and you'll be making them again and again!

    What is Sofrito Sauce Used For?

    Sofrito is the base for much of Puerto Rican cuisine. It is made from garlic, onion, peppers, culantro, and cilantro. Some Puerto Rican households may have a slighty different spin on it, but that's usually the basic ingredients.

    What flavor is Sofrito?

    Sofrito has a strong taste of garlic, and also cilantro. If you've had Puerto Rican food, chances are you've had sofrito even if you didn't know it!

    Why this Whole30 Puerto Rican Meatball Recipe is so Good!

    • I love that this recipe is so clean and healthy! It's made from all whole food ingredients, with no sugar, soy, or gluten added!
    • It's wildly flavorful.
    • It's not your traditional meatball recipe, and there aren't many recipes of this flavor available online!

    Is Sofrito Mexican or Puerto Rican?

    The sofrito I've used here is definitely a Puerto Rican style. However, many Caribbean cultures may have their own twist on it.

    There are some Mexican sofrito recipes, though it's mostly the islands, especially Puerto Rico that uses it.

    How to Serve these Whole30 Meatballs

    To Keep them Whole30, serve them with spaghetti squash! It goes so well with the sofrito sauce.

    Another delicious option is to stuff the meatballs into baked sweet potatoes. So yummy!

    Not doing a Whole30? Serve them with gluten free pasta!

    Ingredients You'll Need for Sofrito Meatballs

    • Ground Beef
    • Adobo
    • Sazon
    • Cassava Flour
    • Egg
    • Tomato Sauce
    • Sofrito
    • Sazon
    • Adobo
    • Almond Milk

    Directions for Whole30 Meatballs in Sofrito Sauce

    Mix the meatball mixture together. Form into small meatballs and set aside.

    In a large skillet or saucepan, mix together the sauce ingredients and heat over medium heat.

    Add the meatballs to the sauce and cook in a light simmer for 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

    If using the olives, add them at the end and let them heat. Serve and enjoy!

    Sofrito Meatballs and Sauce

    Rachel Rivera
    Puerto Rican flavored meatballs with a delicious sauce!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine American, Puerto Rican
    Servings 4 people

    Equipment

    • 1 large mixing bowl
    • Measuring spoons
    • can opener
    • measuring cup
    • Large Skillet or Dutch Oven

    Ingredients
      

    Meatballs

    • 1 lb ground beef
    • ½ Tbsp. adobo
    • ½ Tbsp. sazon
    • 2 Tbsp. cassava flour
    • 1 egg

    Sauce

    • 28 oz can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
    • 3 Tbsp. sofrito
    • 1 Tbsp. sazon
    • 1 Tbsp. adobo
    • 1 cup almond milk dairy is fine if not Whole30
    • 2.5 oz. Spanish olives drained, optional
    • 1 Tbsp. Tomato Paste optional, to thicken the sauce

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium size mixing bowl, mix together the meatball ingredients by hand. Divide the dough into golf ball sized pieces and roll into balls. Set aside.
    • Thoroughly mix the sauce ingredients over medium heat and bring to a light simmer.
    • Add in the meatballs and coat in the sauce. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Add the olives and tomato paste to the pan if using. Stir to mix, and let them heat through.
    • Serve and enjoy!
    Keyword meatballs, paleo meatballs, puerto rican, puerto rican meatballs, whole30 meatballs

    More Whole30 Puerto Rican Recipes You'll Love

    • Puerto Rican Picadillo Recipe
    • Tostones
    • Chuletas

    Did you make these meatballs? Leave me a comment below and let me know how you served them!

    Share a picture and tag me on Instagram @thecleanhappylife!

    Please note that some of these links may be affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission but at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

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    Hi, I'm Rachel! I'm a health food blogger who's currently obtaining a nutrition certification! My health journey started with hormonal issues and gut health, which eventually led to this blog!

    Here you'll find recipes that are practically all gluten free and soy free! Many are paleo and grain free also, but all are healthy and delicious!

    More about me →

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