Fridge Friend Recipes
Cheesy Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce recipe
Juicy mince meatballs are baked until golden, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce with garlic and onion. Finished with melted cheese, this is a comforting, family-friendly dish with plenty of flavour.
50 min · Medium · Italian-Inspired Jump to method
Ingredients
- 500g Mince
- 1 Egg
- 400g Tomatoes
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1 Yellow Onion
- 100g Cheese
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Plain Cooking Oil
| Nutrition | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 516 kcal |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 37 g |
| Saturated fat | 15 g |
| Fibre | 2.5 g |
| Sugar | 4.5 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Why this works
High in protein and energy, but also relatively high in saturated fat and sodium due to the mince, cheese and added salt.
Protein-rich. Mince, egg and cheese provide a substantial protein load to support satiety and muscle maintenance.
Tomato and onion antioxidants. Tomatoes, onion and garlic contribute vitamin C, plant compounds and some potassium, supporting overall nutrient density.
Sodium and saturated fat concern. Added salt plus cheese and mince make this dish fairly high in sodium and saturated fat, so it is less suitable for frequent everyday meals.
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (Fan 180°C, 392°F, Gas Mark 6). Finely chop the yellow onion and garlic, then place them in a bowl with the mince, egg, and a little of the cheese. Mix until just combined and shape into meatballs.
- Arrange the meatballs on a lined baking tray and bake for 15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until browned and nearly cooked through.
- Meanwhile, chop the tomatoes. Set a pan over a medium heat and cook the remaining onion and garlic until softened, then add the tomatoes and simmer until they break down into a rich sauce.
- Add the baked meatballs to the tomato sauce and cook gently for 10 minutes, stirring carefully so they stay intact.
- Scatter over the remaining cheese, cover briefly until melted, then serve hot.
Other Tomato Recipes
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30 min · Juicy seasoned mince patties are topped with melting cheese slices and paired with a tangy burger sauce for a satisfying, classic burger experience. Served with soft buns and a savoury onion note, they make a hearty meal for any day of the week.
Hearty Turkey Mince Tomato Ragu
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