Spicy Italian Sausage Meatballs

With Spaghetti

 Jump to the Recipe

Sausages Italian Moderate
Spicy Italian Sausage Meatballs
A fantastical image to inspire you.

This recipe calls for a small amount of red pepper flakes and black pepper to give it a little spiciness. 

What You Will Need

Ingredients

  • For the Meatballs:
    • 1 egg, beaten
    • 1/4 cup finely chopped Italian parsley
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 teaspoons paprika
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon fennel seed, lightly crushed
    • 1/4 teaspoon anise seed, lightly crushed
    • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • 1/4 cup port or red wine with 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 1/3 cup bread crumbs
    • 1 pound ground turkey (93/7 Lean)
  • For the Sauce:
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 6 Roma tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
    • 1 bunch fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
  • For the Pasta:
    • Pasta of your choice, but spaghetti is preferred
    • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, either grated or shredded

NOTE

There is a difference between anise seed and star anise. While both anise seed and star anise share a similar licorice-like flavor, they are distinct spices with different origins and strengths. And while you can substitute one for the other, it's important to adjust the quantity due to the difference in flavor intensity. Generally, use half the amount of star anise when substituting for anise seed, and double the amount of anise seed when substituting for star anise.

Source: Star Anise vs. Anise Seed: How Are They Different? bhg.com

The Process


  1. Prepare the Meatballs:

    • In a large bowl, combine the egg, parsley, olive oil, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, fennel seed, anise seed, red pepper flakes, port or wine, bread crumbs, and ground turkey.
    • Mix thoroughly until well combined.
    • Form the mixture into 1-tablespoon meatballs and place them on a platter.


  2. Cook the Meatballs:

    • Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil.
    • Add the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and cook for 4 minutes, or until browned on the bottom.
    • Uncover, gently rotate the meatballs, and continue cooking until browned on all sides.
    • Add 2 peeled, seeded, and chopped Roma tomatoes to the skillet, cover, and cook over low heat for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the tomatoes have formed a sauce.
    • Keep the meatballs warm.


  3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

    • In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, but not browned.
    • Add the remaining 6 chopped Roma tomatoes and the basil.
    • Cook over medium heat until the tomatoes are soft and the sauce is thickened.
    • Keep the sauce warm.


  4. Cook the Pasta:

    • Cook your desired pasta according to package directions.
    • Drain the pasta and toss with 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.


  5. Assemble the Dish:

    • Arrange the cooked pasta around the rim of a large platter.
    • Spoon the meatballs and sauce into the center of the platter.
    • Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately and enjoy!