Spaghetti with Middle Eastern Meatballs

Transport your taste buds to a fusion of flavors with this Spaghetti with Middle Eastern Meatballs recipe, a vibrant twist on a classic comfort dish. Juicy, aromatic meatballs made from ground lamb or beef are seasoned with warm spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, then simmered in a rich and tangy tomato sauce infused with paprika, fresh mint, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Paired with al dente spaghetti, this dish seamlessly blends Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors for a truly unique, crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is quick to prepare and bursting with delicious, exotic flair. Serve it hot and garnish with fresh herbs for an unforgettable dining experience that’s as visually stunning as it is flavorful.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams ground lamb or beef
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons, finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 50 grams breadcrumbs
• 1 large, beaten egg
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 400 grams spaghetti
• 400 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 100 milliliters water
• 1 tablespoon, finely chopped fresh mint
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb or beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, and beaten egg. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 2

Using your hands, shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a walnut. You should get around 16-20 meatballs.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the cooked meatballs and set them aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, sugar, and water. Mix well and bring to a simmer.

Step 5

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 7

Stir the fresh mint and lemon juice into the tomato sauce with the meatballs, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8

Toss the drained spaghetti with a few spoonfuls of the tomato sauce to coat the pasta. Divide the spaghetti among serving plates and top with meatballs and additional sauce.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley or mint if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1777.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2685.1

Total Fat 144.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 48.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 619.5mg	0%
Sodium 4167.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 222.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.7g	0%
Total Sugars 40.2g
Protein 132.8g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 417.9mg	0%
Iron 27.0mg	0%
Potassium 3755.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.8%

Protein: 19.5%

Carbs: 32.6%