Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti, topped with succulent, herb-infused meatballs and a rich tomato sauce that whispers Mediterranean magic. This isn't just another pasta dish – it's a culinary journey that transforms your dinner table into a Greek taverna, bringing together the robust flavors of ground lamb, tangy feta, and aromatic oregano in one irresistible meal that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 500g ground beef or lamb
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef or lamb, breadcrumbs, egg, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into 16-20 evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1-inch in diameter. Set aside on a clean plate.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the meatballs into the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning on all sides.
- While meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- In the same skillet with meatballs, add the canned diced tomatoes. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and meatballs to cook completely.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and return to the pot. Gently fold in half of the crumbled feta cheese.
- Plate the spaghetti, topping with the Greek meatballs and tomato sauce. Sprinkle the remaining feta cheese over the top.
- Garnish with additional dried oregano if desired, and serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
Tips
- Meat Selection Matters: Choose ground beef with a 80/20 fat ratio or ground lamb for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Meatball Mixing Technique: Use your hands to mix ingredients, but don't overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Even Sizing: Use a small ice cream scoop or weigh each meatball to ensure uniform cooking.
- Skillet Secret: Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for better heat distribution and a beautiful golden-brown sear.
- Feta Finesse: Add feta cheese just before serving to maintain its crumbly texture and fresh flavor.
- Al Dente is Key: Test pasta doneness by biting a strand – it should have a slight resistance at the center.
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra oregano can elevate the dish's visual appeal and flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
