Tunisian meatball pasta recipe (makrouna salsa )

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

pasta

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: rice

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber, while rice is a budget-friendly alternative.

grated cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: cheese spread

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and lower in calories.

tomato sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade tomato sauce

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Homemade sauce can be fresher, while canned tomatoes are often cheaper.

Combine ground beef, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and 1/2 tablespoon bread crumbs in a bowl.

Mix until well combined, then form into medium-sized meatballs.

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and add 2 cloves of fresh garlic.

Add meatballs to the skillet and brown on all sides, about a few minutes each.

Remove meatballs and set aside on a plate.

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook briefly.

Add 2 teaspoons paprika, salt, 2 teaspoons coriander, 2 teaspoons cumin, and 2 teaspoons garlic powder to the skillet.

Add water and 2 bay leaves, then bring to a boil.

Once boiling, add the meatballs back to the skillet and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Cook pasta separately according to package instructions, then mix with the sauce and meatballs before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens