If you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine, look no further than these Spaghetti-Stuffed Meatballs. Combining the classic flavors of spaghetti and meatballs into one delicious and convenient package, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Perfect for lunch or dinner, these meatballs are not only fun to make but also incredibly tasty.
Ingredients
- 450 grams of ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 200 grams of shredded cabbage
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 100 grams of spaghetti
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add 450 grams of ground beef, one finely chopped onion, and two minced garlic cloves. Then, add 200 grams of shredded cabbage. The cabbage adds a delightful texture and helps keep the meatballs moist.
- Season the Meat: Add one tablespoon each of black pepper, salt, and paprika to the meat mixture. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Mixing with your hands ensures that the spices and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
- Form the Meatballs: Take a handful of the meat mixture and shape it into a ball. Flatten it slightly in your hand to make room for the spaghetti.
- Prepare the Spaghetti: Cook 100 grams of spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Stuff the Meatballs: Take a small bundle of cooked spaghetti and place it in the center of the flattened meatball. Wrap the meat around the spaghetti, ensuring that it is completely enclosed. Repeat this process until all the meat mixture is used.
- Secure the Meatballs: Make sure the meatballs are tightly packed to prevent them from falling apart during cooking. You should have around 8-10 meatballs, depending on the size.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat the Pan: Add a generous amount of olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the meatballs to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Place the meatballs in the skillet, seam side down. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Be gentle when turning them to avoid breaking the meatballs.
- Cover and Cook: Once all sides are browned, lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs cook for an additional 10 minutes to ensure they are cooked through. The steam created by covering the pan will help cook the meatballs evenly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Plate the Meatballs: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatballs more flavorful.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the meatballs on a plate, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. These meatballs are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a simple marinara sauce or a fresh salad.
- Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy your Spaghetti-Stuffed Meatballs. The combination of tender meat, flavorful spaghetti, and savory seasonings will make this a new family favorite.
Tips for Success
- Choosing the Meat: Use ground beef with a bit of fat content (around 80-85% lean) to keep the meatballs juicy.
- Even Cooking: Make sure the meatballs are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Spaghetti Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Angel hair or thin spaghetti work well, too.
- Extra Flavor: Add some grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
Variations
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Add a small cube of mozzarella cheese inside each meatball for a gooey, cheesy surprise.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for a bit of heat.
Spaghetti-Stuffed Meatballs are a fun twist on traditional meatballs that bring together the best of two classic dishes. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these meatballs are sure to impress. Enjoy the process of making and eating this delightful dish with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
