Balkan Spaghetti

Elevate your dinner routine with this hearty and flavorful Balkan Spaghetti, a comforting twist on classic pasta dishes that’s bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors. Featuring tender spaghetti coated in a rich, aromatic sauce made with ground meat, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne for subtle heat, this recipe is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and dried oregano creates a deeply savory base, while crushed tomatoes and tomato paste lend a luscious tangy finish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Serve this Balkan-inspired delight with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, Balkan Spaghetti is sure to impress with its comforting warmth and irresistible flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 pieces garlic cloves
• 300 grams ground beef or pork
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 400 grams crushed tomatoes
• 100 milliliters water
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the spaghetti aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 3

Finely chop the onion and garlic. Add the onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 4

Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the ground beef or pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Step 6

Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano, ensuring the meat is coated in the spices.

Step 7

Add the tomato paste and stir well to incorporate. Cook for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 8

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and water. Stir everything together and season with salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 10

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the noodles in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 11

Serve the Balkan Spaghetti hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1396 grams (1396.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1823

Total Fat 93.70g	120%
Saturated Fat 29.40g	147%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 240mg	80%
Sodium 2655mg	115%
Total Carbohydrate 165.70g	60%
Dietary Fiber 18.20g	65%
Total Sugars 24.70g
Protein 81.70g	163%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 250mg	19%
Iron 20mg	112%
Potassium 2509mg	53%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.0%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 36.2%