Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsZAZA Italian GastrobarSpaghetti & Spicy Meatballs Recipe

Spaghetti & Spicy Meatballs Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

Spaghetti with spicy beef meatballs.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Meatballs

Spaghetti

Sauce

Method

Meatballs Preparation

  1. 1

    Mix the Meatball Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, red chili flakes, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix everything together until well combined.

  2. 2

    Form the Meatballs

    Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  3. 3

    Bake the Meatballs

    Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the meatballs for about 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.

Spaghetti Cooking

  1. 4

    Cook the Spaghetti

    In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water, then add the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Sauce Preparation

  1. 5

    Sauté the Aromatics

    In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

  2. 6

    Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning

    Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

  3. 7

    Combine the Meatballs and Sauce

    Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the sauce and gently stir to coat them. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes.

Serving

  1. 8

    Plate the Dish

    Serve the spaghetti on plates, topped with the spicy meatballs and sauce. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

More from ZAZA Italian Gastrobar