Chilli Beef Balls and Fettuccine

Spice up your dinner with this hearty and flavorful Chilli Beef Balls and Fettuccine recipe. Juicy beef meatballs infused with a kick of chili are served over tender fettuccine, all coated in a rich tomato sauce. This dish combines comfort and spice, making it perfect for a cozy night in or an impressive meal for guests. Let’s dive into creating this delicious and satisfying dish!

Ingredients

For the Chilli Beef Balls:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Fettuccine:

• 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
• Salt, for the pasta water
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chilli Beef Balls:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
   • Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set aside.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
   • Cook the meatballs for 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
   • Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, add the olive oil and chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar (if using), oregano, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
4. Cook the Fettuccine:
   • While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
5. Combine and Serve:
   • Add the cooked meatballs to the tomato sauce, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat the meatballs through.
   • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
   • Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked fettuccine.
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Prepare

This Chilli Beef Balls and Fettuccine dish is a perfect blend of spice and comfort. The key to tender and flavorful meatballs lies in not overmixing the meat mixture and allowing the spices to infuse into the beef. The tomato sauce is simple but rich, complementing the meatballs perfectly. If you like it extra spicy, feel free to increase the chili powder or red pepper flakes. The fettuccine acts as a wonderful base, soaking up all the delicious sauce.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves 4 people.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   • Yes, spaghetti, linguine, or even penne would work well with this dish.
2. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
   • Absolutely. You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. They also freeze well.
3. How can I make the dish milder?
   • Reduce the amount of chili powder and omit the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
   • Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as these meats may cook faster.
5. What can I serve with this dish?
   • A fresh green salad and garlic bread would complement this meal nicely.