Spaghetti and Meatballs with a Zesty Citrus Twist

Discover a refreshing take on traditional spaghetti and meatballs with our Zesty Citrus Twist recipe. Perfectly seasoned meatballs combined with a tangy citrus-infused tomato sauce, offering a delightful burst of flavor with every bite. Ideal for family dinners or impressing guests, this unique variation is a must-try for pasta and meatball enthusiasts.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1/2 lb ground pork

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped parsley

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 egg

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp olive oil

1 lb spaghetti

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup orange juice

1 tsp orange zest

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 cup chopped basil

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

Extra grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Shape mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place on a baking sheet.

4. Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cooked through.

5. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain.

6. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add crushed tomatoes, orange juice, orange zest, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.

7. Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes.

8. Mix in chopped basil and cilantro.

9. Serve sauce and meatballs over cooked spaghetti. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese.

Storage

Store meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if needed.

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This recipe is for informational purposes only. Always follow proper food safety practices, cook foods to safe internal temperatures, and store leftovers appropriately. Results may vary.