Spaghetti and Meatballs with a Zesty Citrus Twist

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is not your everyday classic. With a zesty citrus twist, it takes a beloved comfort food up a notch, adding a bright and unexpected flavor profile that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Ingredients for Spaghetti and Meatballs with a Zesty Citrus Twist

Ground beef and ground pork: The combination gives the meatballs a rich flavor and moist texture. Breadcrumbs help bind everything together while keeping the meatballs tender. Parmesan cheese adds a savory, umami kick. Parsley and garlic provide fresh, aromatic notes.

An egg is essential for binding the mixture, while salt and black pepper season the meatballs perfectly. Olive oil is used for cooking the sauce, contributing a robust flavor. Crushed tomatoes form the base of the sauce, balanced by orange juice and orange zest for that zesty twist. Red pepper flakes bring a hint of heat, and basil and cilantro add freshness and complexity.

Tips & Tricks

  • Don’t skip the orange zest; it’s key to the citrus flavor.
  • If you like a smoother sauce, blend the crushed tomatoes before adding them.
  • Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to avoid tough meatballs.
  • For an extra kick, add more red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. A side of garlic bread also complements the citrusy sauce perfectly, adding a bit of crunch and a touch of buttery goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can form the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely, just bake them first, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat them in the sauce before serving.
Can I use all beef or all pork?
Sure, but the combination of both meats gives the best flavor and texture.

Spaghetti and Meatballs with a Zesty Citrus Twist Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. This will ensure it's hot enough to cook the meatballs through without drying them out. While it’s heating up, grab a large bowl and combine your ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until it’s just combined — you don’t want to overwork the meat.

Once mixed, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet, making sure they’re evenly spaced. Pop them in your preheated oven and let them bake for about 20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and have a nice color.

While the meatballs are baking, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain it well and set it aside. For the sauce, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the crushed tomatoes, orange juice, orange zest, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes so all the flavors meld together.

Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce and let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes. This helps the meatballs soak up some of that delicious sauce. Finally, stir in your basil and cilantro. Serve the sauce and meatballs over the cooked spaghetti, and don’t forget to sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The citrus twist adds a refreshing touch to a classic dish.
  • Combines beef and pork for perfectly tender meatballs.
  • Baked, not fried, for a healthier alternative.
  • Quick enough for a weeknight dinner, special enough for guests.

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

Step-by-step 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.

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