Hairy Bikers Meatballs In Tomato Sauce Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Meatballs In Tomato Sauce Recipe is a quick and comforting dish, which uses beef mince and chopped tomatoes. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 20 minutes.

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Hairy Bikers Meatballs In Tomato Sauce Recipe Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 200g beef mince
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil, for frying

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• A pinch of dried chili flakes
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 5 fresh basil leaves, shredded

How To Make Hairy Bikers Meatballs In Tomato Sauce Recipe

1. Mix the meatballs: Combine beef mince, thyme, and chopped spring onions in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly with hands until well combined.
2. Shape and prep: Divide into 10 equal portions. Roll into balls and flatten slightly for even cooking.
3. Fry the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry meatballs for 5–6 minutes, turning to brown evenly. Remove and set aside.
4. Start the sauce: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan. Add sliced garlic and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Simmer the tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Cook for 5 minutes to reduce slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine and finish: Stir in shredded basil. Add meatballs and toss gently in the sauce. Garnish with remaining basil. Serve hot over pasta.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use pork or turkey mince? Yes, both make great alternatives to beef.
• How to make the sauce thicker: Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until desired consistency.
• What pasta pairs best? Spaghetti, penne, or tagliatelle all work well.
• Can I freeze this dish? Yes, freeze meatballs with sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Can I make the meatballs ahead? Yes, prep and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

What To Serve With Meatballs In Tomato Sauce

This versatile dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides:

• Spaghetti or tagliatelle
• Garlic bread
• Mixed green salad
• Steamed vegetables
• Parmesan cheese, grated

How To Store Meatballs In Tomato Sauce

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave.

Freeze: Freeze cooled meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months. Defrost and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Meatballs In Tomato Sauce Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 30g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 200°C for 15–20 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Can I make this dish spicy?
Add more chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Ensure your canned tomatoes and seasonings are gluten-free, and serve with gluten-free pasta.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just scale up all ingredients evenly.

Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
No, use the full can for a saucier result.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Hungarian Goulash Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Easy Tarte Tatin Recipe