Everybody Likes Meatballs

Meatballs are the ultimate healthy comfort food; hearty, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe can be made with a variety of vegetables, making it a nutritious and balanced meal. The best part? You can pre-make it and simply reheat when you’re ready to eat, perfect for those busy days when time is short but flavor is a must!

Serves 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children

Total Time: 25 min

Make-ahead cook time: 5 min (once prep is complete)

Ingredients:

(olive oil, salt and pepper)

• 500g beef mince

• 1 teaspoon ground garlic

• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs

• 1/2 onion, finely chopped (or 3 tablespoons frozen chopped onion)

• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon frozen chopped garlic)

• 400g chopped tomatoes

• 150ml (1/2 tea mug) vegetable stock (dissolve a small piece of a stock cube in a little boiling water)

• 150g frozen peas

• A handful of chopped herbs (basil, parsley, or any herbs you have - frozen herbs work perfectly too)

• 1/2 teaspoon oregano

  
  

Optional:

• A handful of sweetcorn (from a tin)

• A handful of green beans

Method:

1. Mix the minced meat with the ground garlic and breadcrumbs, then shape into small balls (around 18).

2. Heat a little oil in a frying pan and add the meatballs. Brown them evenly on all sides.

3. Lower the heat and add the onion. Cook until translucent, then add the garlic.

4. After a couple of minutes, add the chopped tomatoes and vegetable stock. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.

6. Once it starts bubbling, add the peas, any other vegetables, the chopped herbs, and oregano.

7. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes.

8. It's now ready to serve immediately or cool down and store in the fridge to be reheated later.

Serving Tips:

• We enjoy ours with wholegrain rice, topped with grated mozzarella and fresh chopped basil. I use my rice cooker to ensure the rice is ready right when we are.

• Try stirring it through freshly cooked spaghetti and finishing the dish with a little grated Parmesan.

• It also pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes.

Make-Ahead Meal Steps:

Reheat gently in a pan over medium-low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Because let’s be honest: everybody likes meatballs. And these ones tick all the boxes: healthy, tasty, and ready when you are.

Happy Cooking!