Recipe: Dr. BBQ's BBQ Spaghetti and Meatballs

TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) - It's spaghetti and meatballs - with a twist! Dr. BBQ shares his recipe for Barbecue Spaghetti and Meatballs:

Meatballs
1 pound ground chuck
1 large Egg
1 teaspoon barbecue rub
1/4 cup finely grated cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Sauce
2 tablespoons Butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 28oz can Crushed Tomatoes
1 cup Barbecue Sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon BBQ rub

1 pound spaghetti

Prepare the grill or the oven to cook indirect at 325°. In a large bowl break up the ground beef. Top with the egg, rub, cheese, and parsley. Mix well. Add the bread crumbs and mix well. Divide and form into 8 meatballs all the same size. If you’re cooking on the grill place the meatballs on a perforated grid, or for the oven place them on a baking sheet. Cook the meatballs for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown. Set aside. In a large saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, jalapeno and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the tomatoes, barbecue sauce, brown sugar and rub. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered for 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Add the meatballs. Stir to coat and cook for 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Meanwhile cook the spaghetti as directed on the package. Drain the pasta and serve topped with the sauce and meatballs. Garnish with additional finely grated cheddar cheese and chopped parsley if desired. 

Makes about 4 servings