Albóndigas Guisadas con Espagueti Blanco

This delicious dish features tender meatballs simmered in a rich red tomato sauce and served alongside creamy white spaghetti. The combination of savory meatballs, flavorful tomato sauce, and lightly creamy pasta makes this a comforting and satisfying homemade meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
• Creamy white spaghetti makes the perfect side dish.
• Simple ingredients and easy preparation.
• A hearty and comforting meal for the whole family.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 500 g ground beef
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Paprika, to taste
• A little oil, for cooking

For the Red Tomato Sauce

• 2 cups fresh tomato juice
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic
• A little broth or water
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

For the White Spaghetti

• 1 package spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup cream or cooking cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Cheddar cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, crushed garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into medium-sized meatballs. Heat a little oil in a skillet and sear the meatballs until golden brown on all sides. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Red Tomato Sauce

Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened. Pour in the fresh tomato juice and add the tomato paste. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, placing them over the tomato sauce. Add a little water or broth, then cover the skillet and simmer over low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are completely cooked and the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti

Cook the spaghetti in salted water until tender. Drain well.

Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cream or cooking cream, grated Parmesan or Cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy.

Step 7: Combine the Spaghetti

Add the cooked spaghetti to the creamy sauce and toss quickly for a few seconds, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavor of the sauce.

Step 8: Serve

Place the white spaghetti on one side of the plate and serve the meatballs with the rich red tomato sauce beside or over the pasta. Garnish with fresh cucumber slices, as shown in the original presentation.

Recipe Tips

• Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to keep the meatballs tender.
• Brown the meatballs on all sides before simmering them in the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
• Simmer the meatballs gently so they cook evenly and remain tender.
• Do not overcook the spaghetti, as it will absorb some of the creamy sauce after draining.
• Adjust the salt and black pepper according to taste.

Variations

You can customize this dish with a few simple changes:

• Use ground chicken or turkey instead of ground beef.
• Use Parmesan or Cheddar according to your preference for the white spaghetti.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the tomato sauce for a spicy version.
• Replace the cream with a suitable cooking-cream alternative if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the creamy white spaghetti alongside the meatballs and spoon plenty of the rich tomato sauce over the meatballs. Fresh cucumber slices make a simple and refreshing garnish.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store the meatballs with their tomato sauce and the white spaghetti separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat the meatballs and tomato sauce gently in a skillet over low to medium heat. Reheat the spaghetti separately and add a small splash of cream or water if it becomes too thick.

Nutrition

Nutrition information will vary depending on the type of ground meat, cream, cheese, and portion sizes used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of meat?

Yes. Ground chicken or turkey can be used instead of ground beef.

Can I use Cheddar instead of Parmesan?

Yes. Grated Cheddar can be used in the creamy white spaghetti instead of Parmesan.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes. The meatballs can be shaped and refrigerated before browning and simmering them in the tomato sauce.

What can I use instead of cooking cream?

You can use a suitable cream alternative depending on what is available. The goal is to create a light, creamy sauce with the butter and grated cheese.

Final Thoughts

Albóndigas Guisadas con Espagueti Blanco is a comforting combination of tender meatballs simmered in a flavorful red tomato sauce and creamy white spaghetti. It is simple to prepare, satisfying, and perfect for a homemade family meal.

Serve the meatballs with plenty of tomato sauce alongside the creamy spaghetti, and finish with fresh cucumber slices for a refreshing touch.