Try this delicious and healthy twist on the classic meatballs and spaghetti dish by using lean bison meat. These homemade bison meatballs are cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce and served over a bed of al dente spaghetti. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that your family will love. In addition to being delicious, bison meat is also leaner and lower in fat compared to traditional beef, making it a healthier option. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a flavorful twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground bison meat
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 package (16 ounces) spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground bison meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs of desired size, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir in the tomato paste, sugar, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Gently place the meatballs into the simmering sauce, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs cook in the sauce for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked spaghetti and set aside.
- To serve, place a portion of cooked spaghetti on a plate or in a bowl. Spoon some of the tomato sauce over the spaghetti, and then top with a few bison meatballs. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade bison meatballs and spaghetti!
Interesting Facts
Bison meat is lower in fat and calories compared to beef, making it a healthier option for meatballs.
Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C and other antioxidants.
Bison meat has a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the tomato sauce in this recipe.
Using dried herbs in the tomato sauce adds depth of flavor and complexity to the dish.
Homemade meatballs are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite spices and herbs.