Pasta with Moroccan Meatballs
Pasta with Moroccan Meatballs is a flavorful fusion dish that combines tender, spiced meatballs with al dente pasta, enveloped in a rich tomato sauce infused with Moroccan spices. This healthy meal is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.

30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Moroccan
450 kcal
Ingredients
- Whole wheat spaghetti - 150 grams
- Ground lean beef - 200 grams
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
- Cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Cumin - 1 teaspoon
- Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
- Paprika - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
- Pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
- Egg - 1, beaten
- Tomato sauce - 400 grams
- Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
- Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
- Water - 500 ml
Steps
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, minced garlic, chopped onion, cilantro, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Mix well until fully combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 2.5 cm in diameter.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides.
- Once browned, add the tomato sauce and water to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Cover and let cook for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and set aside.
- After the meatballs have simmered, stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 55 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Total Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Water: 0.5 L
Health Benefits
- High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
- Rich in fiber from whole wheat pasta and vegetables, promoting digestive health.
Tags
MoroccanHealthyPasta Dish