Meatball Pasta Bake

1h 15m
Serves 3
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Directions

  1. 1Add the meatball ingredients to a bowl and mix well, allow to sit for 10 minutes, then roll into balls (a bit smaller than a golf ball). Set these in a fridge for 20-30 minutes.
  2. 2Heat some olive oil in a pan and sear the meatballs all over, then remove from the pan.
  3. 3Add more olive oil, then the sliced garlic, chilli and basil. Cook until fragrant without colour, then add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. 4Add the passata and simmer on low for 45 minutes before adding the meatballs for 5-10 minutes to cook through, then remove, also removing the basil leaves.
  5. 5Meanwhile, cook the pasta until just al dente, then toss through the sauce with some pasta water. Taste for seasoning.
  6. 6Add to an ovenproof dish, top with the meatballs, fresh mozzarella and parmigiano, bake at 220c for 20-25 minutes or until oozing and golden.
  7. 7Top with fresh basil and black pepper.

Ingredients

  • 250 g beef mince
  • 250 g sausage meat
  • 2 eggs
  • 60 g panko
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 50 g grated parmigiano
  • 50 ml milk
  • 1 handful chopped flat parsley
  • 2 tbsp chilli flakes
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch pepper
  • 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves
  • 1 thinly sliced red chilli
  • 1 big glug olive oil
  • 1 few basil leaves
  • 4 tbsp tomato paste
  • 690 g passata
  • 200 g pasta
  • 1 fresh mozzarella
  • 1 parmigiano reggiano
  • 1 shredded fresh basil

Equipment

Mixing bowlBaking sheetFrying panChef's knifeLarge pot