Description
A tender, juicy halal meatball dish paired with a rich garlic-and-tomato sauce. This one-pot Italian classic is customizable, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ground beef, 1 lb (85/15 fat for juiciness)
Ground turkey, 1 lb (optional for halal substitution)
Grated Parmesan, 1/2 cup (plus extra for serving)
Breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup
Large egg, 1 (room temperature)
Garlic, 4 cloves (minced for depth)
Chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup
Olive oil, 2 tbsp (for browning)
Diced onion, 1 large (yellow or sweet)
Crushed tomatoes, 28 oz (canned for consistency)
Diced tomatoes, 14 oz (for texture)
Oregano, 1 tsp (dried or fresh)
Spaghetti, 1 lb (for shoulder-shaped cut)
Instructions
Combine beef, turkey, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl
Mix gently to avoid overpacking the meatballs
Roll into 1.5-inch to 2-inch meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown meatballs in batches
Remove meatballs and sauté onion until softened
Add crushed and diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot
Return meatballs to the pot, simmer 30 minutes
Add spaghetti directly to the pot, tossing to coat and soften
Estimate 12 minutes for al dente pasta
Notes
Adjust meat mixture texture for easier shaping
Use Panko breadcrumbs for lighter consistency
Simmer sauce under lid for meatballs to absorb flavor
Freezes well for 2-3 months (separate cooked pasta)
Serve with steamed garlic bread or a side salad
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 60
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg