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Two Bowls of Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Black Bean Meatballs
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Spicy Southwestern Spaghetti with Avocado & Black Bean Meatballs
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
1 hr
 
Noodles are dressed in spicy tomato sauce and served with avocado and vegan black bean meatballs in this flavorful southwestern-inspired twist on an Italian classic.
Course: Entree
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 560 kcal
Author: Alissa
Ingredients
For the Black Bean Meatballs
  • ½ large red onion cut into 3-4 large chunks
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 jalapeño pepper seeded (or not, if you like heat)
  • 1 ¾ cups or 1-14 oz. can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 tbsp. lime juice
  • ½ tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. pepper
For the Sauce
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • ½ large red onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1-28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tsp. agave or sweetener of choice
  • 1-3 tbsp. cayenne pepper hot sauce or to taste
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
For Serving
  • 8 oz. dried spaghetti
  • 1 avocado sliced
Instructions
Make the Black Bean Meatballs
  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Place all ingredients into food processor bowl and pulse until well chopped and blended, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl as needed. Lightly oil a baking sheet. Put on some gloves. Roll mixture into 1 inch balls (you should get about 20) and arrange on baking sheet. Bake 40 minutes, flipping once, about half way through.
Make the Sauce
  1. Coat the bottom of a large saucepan with olive oil and place over medium heat. Add bell pepper and onion. Saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, agave, hot sauce, oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Stir to incorporate. Bring to a simmer and lower heat. Allow to simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro.
Prepare the Pasta and Serve
  1. When meatballs are about halfway done, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add spaghetti. Cook according to package directions. Drain into a colander and return to pot. Toss with a few dashes of olive oil.
  2. Divide noodles onto plates and top with sauce, avocado slices and black bean meatballs.
Nutrition Facts
Spicy Southwestern Spaghetti with Avocado & Black Bean Meatballs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 560 Calories from Fat 158
% Daily Value*
Fat 17.6g27%
Saturated Fat 3.1g16%
Sodium 1237mg52%
Potassium 910mg26%
Carbohydrates 85.7g29%
Fiber 14.5g58%
Sugar 13.1g15%
Protein 18.8g38%
Calcium 120mg12%
Iron 7.4mg41%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.