Mexican-Style Spaghetti and Meatballs

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Spaghetti - 500 grams
2. Ground meat (beef or pork) - 500 grams
3. Red bell peppers - 2, diced
4. Onion - 1, chopped
5. Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
6. Tomatoes - 400 grams, chopped, or 1 can of tomato sauce
7. Chili powder - 2 tablespoons
8. Cumin - 1 teaspoon
9. Salt and pepper - to taste
10. Cheese or sour cream - for topping (optional)
11. Cooking oil - as needed for frying

Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes preparation and cooking time)

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot of boiling water, cook spaghetti until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix the ground meat, diced red bell peppers, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
3. In a separate pan, heat cooking oil and fry the meatballs until brown and cooked through. Set aside.
4. In the same pot used for cooking spaghetti, add the chopped tomatoes and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add the cooked meatballs to the tomato sauce and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Combine the spaghetti with the tomato-meatball mixture and toss until well combined.
7. Serve in a plate or bowl and top with cheese or sour cream if desired.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings) Calories: Approx. 500-600 calories per serving (depending on toppings) Fat: Approx. 25-30 grams Carbohydrates: Approx. 50-60 grams Protein: Approx. 25-30 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Unique Mexican flavor with a spicy kick from the chili powder and cumin.
• Combination of pasta and meatballs provides a hearty meal that is both comforting and flavorful.
• Can be customized with different toppings to suit individual preferences.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was a hit with my family! The combination of Mexican flavors and spaghetti was unexpected but delightful." - John Doe
2. "The meatballs were so juicy and flavorful. The spaghetti absorbed all the goodness from the sauce." - Jane Smith
3. "I added some extra chili powder for a spicier kick. This dish is perfect for a spicy food lover." - Robert Johnson

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin to suit your desired level of spice.
• Use fresh tomatoes or a good-quality canned tomato sauce for best results.
• Meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.
• Adjust the seasoning, especially salt and pepper, according to taste.