Spaghetti & Taco Meatballs

Total Time: 55 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 1 lb ground beef
• 3/4 cup shredded mexican blend cheese or 3/4 cup monterey jack cheese or 3/4 cup cheddar cheese or 3/4 cup queso quesadilla cheese or 3/4 cup asadero cheese
• 1 egg
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 scallions, chopped 1/4 cup
• 1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope taco seasoning, such as old el paso's
• 2 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 teaspoons grated lime zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 (26 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 12 ounces spaghetti
• sour cream (optional)
• additional cilantro (optional)

Recipe

• 1 in bowl combine beef, 1/2 cup cheese, egg, 2 tbs. cilantro, scallions, 3 tbs. taco seasoning, breadcrumbs, lime juice, 1 teaspoons zest, salt and pepper.
• 2 shape into 18 meatballs using scant 2 tbs. mixture per ball.
• 3 in large nonstick skillet heat oil over medium-high heat. add meatballs; cook, turning occasionally until browned, about 5 minutes. drain, if necessary.
• 4 add pasta sauce & remaining cilantro, taco seasoning and zest. cover; reduce heat to medium-low. simmer until meatballs are no longer pink in center, about 15 minutes.
• 5 meanwhile cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain. transfer to serving platter: top with meatballs and sauce. sprinkle with remaining cheese; garnish with sour cream and cilantro if desired.