Grilled Summer Veggies & Meatballs

Instead of your traditional Italian spaghetti and meatballs, I decided to make my own summer paleo version of the dish:  Grilled veggies w grain-free meatballs.  I had some fresh farmer's market tomatoes, zucchini and red bell pepper that I grilled up with some olive oil and sea salt.  Then I heaped a big mound of Italian meatballs and tomato sauce on top and a beautiful meal was served.  The best part is that start to finish it only took about 30 minutes to make.  De-lish!

A healthy version of your Italian favorite & just as satisfying!

Ingredients:
2lb ground beef
2tbs minced garlic
2tsp italian seasoning
2tsp salt
1/2tsp garlic powder
1/2tsp oregano
1tbs butter
1tbs extra virgin olive oil (plus more to coat the veggies)
2 red bell pepper, seeded and cut in half
6 large tomatoes, cut in half
2 zucchini, cut into 1/4" slices lenghwise
1 jar marinara (I used Ragu's "no sugar added" brand:  Cheap, healthy, & delicious!)
1/4c fresh basil, sliced thin

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, Italian seasoning and salt.  Using a very small ice cream scooper or melon ball scooper, make evenly formed meatballs and set them on a plate.
2. In the largest nonstick skillet you have, heat butter and oil over high heat.  Add meatballs in a single layer and cook until deep brown on each side (turning them and rotating them with tongs helps).  I sprinkled the tops of mine with garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch more salt.  Drain the excess fat.
3. Pour in your jar of marinara and toss making sure all of your meatballs are coated.  Stir in about 1/2 of your fresh basil (the rest is for garnish).  Bring to a boil, turn down heat, cover with a lid, and simmer about 15 minutes or until meatballs are tender and done.
4. Meanwhile, cook your veggies.  Heat your grill to medium high.  Using an olive oil sprayer (or your hands) coat each of the veggie pieces in olive oil.  Sprinkle them generously with sea salt.  Cook your veggies until charred on both sides and softened.  Remove.  Cut your tomatoes and bell peppers into quarters and your zucchini into little triangles.
5. In a pasta dish, place a heaping mound of veggies.  Top with some meatballs and marinara.  Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!