dairyfree

04.18.18

Homemade Meat Sauce Recipe

Posted on by Lexi , Views: 74666

This easy Italian meat sauce recipe is my probably my all-time favorite pasta sauce recipe! It’s an easy homemade meat sauce recipe that is hearty and flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight meal. Make this healthy meat sauce with ground turkey or ground beef, and let it cook nice and slow! It’s gluten-free, paleo-friendly, whole30 compliant, and so yummy! Serve it over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for low carb, or gluten-free pasta!

Italian meat sauce recipe

Homemade Meat Sauce Recipe

I LOVE Italian dishes. Especially a quick and delicious meat sauce! I often make my favorite Italian dishes into healthy versions that I love to dig into, weekly. This spaghetti meat sauce is delicious, always a hit and so versatile! Serve it over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, the options are endless! I often make a big batch to have for the week, and I never get sick of it!

How do you make meat sauce
If you love meat sauce, try this spaghetti sauce in these recipes:

Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce

Want other healthier pasta recipes? Try these favorites:

How Do You Make Meat Sauce

Lexi's Meat Sauce

Print shopping list
Prep Time 00:05 Cook Time 00:15 Serves 6

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 large organic carrot stalks, chopped
  • 1 lb. organic grass-fed beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 15 oz. can organic diced tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz. can organic tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, more for garnish
  • Optional: Serve with fresh parmesan
  • Optional: Garnish with fresh Basil

Directions

  1. In a medium sized saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add onion, carrots, and peppers to saucepan. Let cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until onions are translucent and the carrots begin to soften.
  3. Add meat to saucepan and let cook until brown and no pink remains.
  4. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, spices, and 1 tablespoon fresh basil to the pan and mix well.
  5. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes. Taste and remove from heat.
  6. In a large skillet, heat remaining tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in zucchini noodles and red pepper flakes and let cook for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Recipe Notes

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation, at no cost to you! However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use in my own home! Thank you for supporting Lexi's Clean Kitchen when you shop! See my privacy policy for more information about this, the information we save, and more!
03.18.18

Açaí Smoothie Bowl (Vegan & Gluten Free!)

Posted on by Lexi , Views: 22796
Acai Smoothie Bowls (Paleo-friendly, vegan-friendly, gluten-free) | Lexi's Clean Kitchen

This Açaí Smoothie Bowl is the perfect refreshing and nourishing treat for warm Spring and Summer days! Paleo-friendly, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free! We love topping ours with gluten-free granola, a mix of berries, and bee pollen for a pop of color and added protein!

Acai Bowl recipe

Açaí Bowl

Acai + mixed berries = the ultimate antioxidant treat! I made these bowls inspired by a favorite smoothie shop of mine, Robeks and absolutely love them! Get creative with the toppings for a fun, flavorful, and healthy breakfast!

What is an acai bowl made of?

  • Frozen Acai
  • Raspberries
  • Banana
  • Nut milk
  • Sweetener of choice
  • Optional: protein powder 
  • Toppings!

How do you make an acai bowl

If you like this smoothie bowl recipe, try this one, too!

Acai Bowl Toppings:

  • Chia Seeds
  • Bee Pollen
  • Crunchy Granola
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Shredded Coconut
  • Nuts or seeds of choice

How can I thicken my acai bowl?

Start with less milk, and add more as desired until it reaches your desired thickness. You want the base of the acai bowl to be thick & scoop able, definitely not watery.

How do you make an acai bowl

Açaí Smoothie Bowl

Print shopping list
Prep Time 5 minutes Cook Time 00:00 Serves 1, 16 ounce bowl

Ingredients

    Acai Bowl

    • 1 frozen organic unsweetened Açaí pack. *You can find this in the frozen fruit isle in your local grocery store! We got ours at Whole Foods Market.
    • 1/2 banana, frozen
    • 1 cup frozen organic mixed berries
    • 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk, more as needed
    • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
    • Optional: 1 scoop grass-fed whey protein powder (Use code LEXI for 10% off)

    Toppings

    • 1/4 cup paleo granola
    • 1 banana, sliced thin
    • 1 strawberry, sliced thin
    • Handful of raspberries
    • 1/2 teaspoon bee pollen

    Directions

    1. Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender.
    2. Blend until smooth.
    3. Pour into a bowl, garnish with desired toppings and devour!

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    There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation, at no cost to you! However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use in my own home! Thank you for supporting Lexi's Clean Kitchen when you shop! See my privacy policy for more information about this, the information we save, and more!

     

    03.06.18

    The BEST Gluten-Free Granola (Video)

    Posted on by Lexi , Views: 38669
    Gluten-free Granola | Lexi's Clean Kitchen

    This easy gluten free granola recipe is the perfect morning or mid-day treat loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and protein! It is a great refined sugar-free granola recipe that is a staple in our kitchen. You won’t spend money on store-bought granola again! Plus, you’ll get my secret for crunchy granola clusters!

    Gluten-free Granola

    Gluten-Free Granola

    Sick of store bought granola? I was definitely sick of reading labels and seeing so many forms of sugar and additives! I came up with this recipe and everyone who has made it raves about it! Crunchy and delicious; perfect on top of a smoothie bowl, a yogurt fruit bowl, or just as a snack! Plus it makes your kitchen smell AMAZING!

    Homemade gluten free granola in jar

    Everybody simply loves this gluten free granola recipe with honey recipe. It’s a family favorite, and great to gift, too!

    Are Oats Gluten-Free?

    Oats are naturally gluten-free, but stray wheat, rye, or barley can be introduced during the harvesting and transportation. Therefore I always buy gluten-free rolled oats.

    Granola Gluten Free

    Those chunky granola clusters are the BEST.

    Eat homemade granola with:

    • Nut milk and berries
    • Yogurt
    • Smoothie bowls
    • As a snack
    • On top of Ice Cream
    • With banana or an apple and nut butter

    Gluten free granola recipe with honey

    Like this easy granola recipe and want other breakfast recipes? Try these:

    How do you make homemade granola

    Watch the video: 

    Gluten Free Granola

    Chunky Gluten-Free Granola

    Print shopping list
    Prep Time 00:10 Cook Time 00:20

    Ingredients

    • 4 cups organic gluten-free rolled oats
    • 1 cup nuts/seeds (I use slivered raw almonds, chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and whole raw almonds)
    • 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
    • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
    • Optional: 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
    • Dash of salt
    • 1/4 cup coconut oil
    • 1/4 cup raw organic honey
    • 3 tablespoons organic pure maple syrup
    • 2 tablespoons organic molasses
    • 1 teaspoon organic vanilla extract
    • Optional: 1/2 cup dried fruit
    • 1 large egg white, whisked well until frothy

    Directions

    1. Preheat oven to 350 °F.
    2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or baking sheet liner and set aside.
    3. In a large bowl combine organic oats, nuts/seeds, and flaxseed meal, with cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice (if using), and a dash of salt.
    4. In a small saucepan heat the oil, honey, vanilla extract, and pure maple syrup, and molasses. Once the mixture starts to boil, take off heat and pour over nut mixture. Mix well.
    5. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the egg white until frothy. Add to the granola mixture and mix well.
    6. Pour onto baking sheet and bake, stirring occasionally, until slightly brown, about 15-20 minutes. Add the dried fruit of choice and stir well.
    7. Let cool, and store in an air-tight container.

    Recipe Notes

    • *I generally add the dried fruit as I eat. When mixed in during baking, and then stored I have found that the dried fruit gets hard after about a week. If you are serving the granola right away, feel free to mix them in.
    • **Adding whisked egg whites to the granola helps create clusters and make it extra crunchy!
    • *** Photos updated May, 2017.
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    There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation, at no cost to you! However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use in my own home! Thank you for supporting Lexi's Clean Kitchen when you shop! See my privacy policy for more information about this, the information we save, and more!
    02.12.18

    Turkey Chili (Stove-Top or Instant Pot)

    Posted on by Lexi , Views: 61259
    Healthier Classic Turkey Chili - Lexi's Clean Kitchen #turkey #chili #soup #intstantpot

    This is my classic go-to healthy turkey chili recipe all fall and winter long. I call it healthy comfort food in a bowl because it’s hearty and satisfying for all of those chilly days. It is perfect for a big gathering, football Sunday festivities, or for a good weekly meal prep option since there are tons of leftovers! Make it on the stove-top or right in your Instant Pot pressure cooker for an easy turkey chili recipe! Simply swap out turkey for beef to make the best beef chili recipe!

    Turkey Chili Recipe with toppingsHow to Make Turkey Chili

    The best part? You can customize this chili to your liking. Some days I’ll add more veggies based on what is in season. Make it on the stove-top, or in the Instant Pot pressure cooker! I’ve also perfected this chili to be equally delicious with or without the beans. Instant Pot directions included, and Whole30-approved!

    Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

    Ahhh… comfort food. I think I could make this recipe with my eyes closed at this point! It is always a huge hit and it’s one of my top rated recipes. Perfect for a big party, football Sunday, or for a good weekly meal prep (tons of leftovers). The best part of the chili is you can customize to your liking, some days I’ll add more vegetables based on what’s in season! For a beanless turkey chili, and to make this Whole30 compliant, simply omit the beans! They are optional!

    Healthy Turkey Chili

    How to Make Chili in the Instant Pot

    • Using the sauté function, sauté the veggies until soft.
    • Add meat and cook until brown.
    • Add in the spices, tomatoes, and water (reduce water to 1 cup)
    • Lock the lid and cook under manual -> high pressure for 15 minutes.
    • Turn the knob to venting and release the pressure manually or let the pressure naturally come down.
    • Open and taste the chili! Add beans here if adding. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
    • Notes: If you added too much water, use the sauté function for a few minutes to reduce the water down!

    Want more chili recipes?

    Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

    What do you top chili with?

    • Scallions
    • Avocado Slices
    • Cheese
    • Diced Onion
    • Cilantro
    • Diced Tomatoes
    • Guacamole
    • Tortilla Chips
    • Shredded Lettuce
    • Sour Cream
    • Additional red pepper flakes if desired for heat
    • and MORE!

    Turkey Chili

    Print shopping list
    Prep Time 00:15 Cook Time 03:00 Serves 6

    Ingredients

    Directions

    1. In a soup pot, heat the oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic, onions, peppers, carrots, celery, and sweet potato, if using, for 5 to 7 minutes, until soft.
    2. Add the meat to the pot and cook until browned, stirring often to break up the meat.
    3. Once the meat is browned, add the water, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and paste, salt, and all of the spices. Mix well to combine. If you are adding the beans and jalapeño, do so here.
    4. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat and let simmer, uncovered, until the chili is nice and thick, about 3 hours. Add additional water during this time if you want your chili more souplike. Towards the end of the cooking time, taste and adjust spices as desired. Add additional cayenne for an extra kick, and more salt and pepper as needed.
    5. Serve garnished with your favorite chili toppings, if desired. Mine are listed above.
    6. Store in refrigerator for 1 week or store in the freezer.


    Recipe Notes

    • *Omit beans to make this Whole30 compliant and paleo-friendly
    • How to Make Chili in the Instant Pot
      • Using the sauté function, sauté the veggies until soft.
      • Add meat and cook until brown.
      • Add in the spices, tomatoes, and water (reduce water to 1 cup)
      • Lock the lid and cook under manual -> high pressure for 15 minutes.
      • Turn the knob to venting and release the pressure manually or let the pressure naturally come down.
      • Open and taste the chili! Add beans here if adding. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
      • Notes:
        • If you added too much water, use the sauté function for a few minutes to reduce the water down!
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    There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation, at no cost to you! However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use in my own home! Thank you for supporting Lexi's Clean Kitchen when you shop! See my privacy policy for more information about this, the information we save, and more!
    04.26.16

    Chocolate Chip Banana Pancake Casserole

    Posted on by Lexi , Views: 46201

    This Chocolate Chip Banana Pancake Casserole is going to be the new hit of your brunch and weekend parties. It’s made with my popular fluffy paleo pancakes, and really, who doesn’t love a chocolate chip and banana combination?

    I think my new favorite thing is a meal made in casserole form. It’s like the new one-pan meals and bowls that I’ve been loving. Easy to transport and fun to eat. Plus, all the flavors come together in the most delightful way.

    Chocolate Chip Banana Pancake Casserole

    If you follow me on SnapChat (username: Lexiscleankitch), you know I’ve been cooking up a storm for my upcoming cookbook! I’ve been blogging less and I seriously hate not connecting with all of you more. BUT, there is light at the end of the tunnel and I’ll soon be back to our regularly scheduled programming!

    This breakfast casserole requires a tiny bit of extra work from your traditional pancakes, but it’s super delicious and so fun to eat– it’s worth it!Paleo Pancake Casserole

    Chocolate Chip Banana Pancake Casserole

    [yumprint-recipe id=’357′]


     Chocolate Chip Banana Pancake Casserole

    This is a sponsored post on behalf of Pacific Foods. All opinions on Lexi’s Clean Kitchen are always my own. My sponsors help make LCK possible!

    Are you on team casserole?

    01.17.15

    Homemade Guacamole

    Posted on by Lexi , Views: 54711

    Homemade Guacamole on EVERYTHING over here. Some favorites of ours are having it as an appetizer with veggies and homemade crackers on Football Sunday, sweet potato nachos, huevos rancheros, as a topping on a salad, taco night, morning breakfast skillets, sweet potato skins… the list goes on and on. You simply can’t deny the many uses for an easy and delicious homemade guacamole!

    Homemade Guacamole

     

    [yumprint-recipe id=’242′] 

    Homemade Guacamole

    Homemade Guacamolle

    Print shopping list

    Ingredients

    Directions

  • Cut avocado in half and remove the pit
  • Scoop out avocado and place into a bowl
  • Using a fork, lightly mash the avocado (leave some chunks!)
  • Add spices and mix well, taste and adjust spices to your liking
  • Right before serving, add onion and tomato and mix to combine (optional)
  • Place in serving bowl
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    There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation, at no cost to you! However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use in my own home! Thank you for supporting Lexi's Clean Kitchen when you shop! See my privacy policy for more information about this, the information we save, and more!