Hairy Bikers Meatballs In Tomato Sauce​ Recipe

This simple Hairy Bikers Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is made with savory beef mince, fresh herbs like thyme and basil, flavorful garlic, and rich chopped tomatoes. The result is a classic, comforting Italian-style dish that creates a perfect weeknight dinner. This recipe is designed to serve two people and is a wonderful, quick-to-prepare meal for any time of the year.

Hairy Bikers Meatballs in Tomato Sauce 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

1. Prepare the meatballs: In a medium bowl, combine the beef mince, dried thyme, and finely chopped spring onions. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until well combined.
2. Shape the meatballs: Divide the mixture into 10 equal-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then gently flatten them slightly. This helps them cook more evenly and quickly.
3. Cook the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the meatballs and fry for about 5-6 minutes, turning them once or twice, until they are golden-brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
4. Make the tomato sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over a medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and a pinch of dried chili flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
5. Simmer the sauce: Pour the can of chopped tomatoes into the saucepan. Increase the heat to high and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine and serve: Stir the shredded basil leaves into the tomato sauce, reserving a few for garnish. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t Overwork the Meat: When mixing the meatball ingredients, be careful not to overwork the beef mince. Mixing it too much can result in tough meatballs. Just combine until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Flatten the Meatballs: The Hairy Bikers’ recipe calls for slightly flattening the meatballs. This is a great tip because it allows them to cook faster and more evenly than perfectly round balls.
• Bloom the Chili Flakes and Garlic: Cooking the garlic and chili flakes in oil for just a minute or so before adding the tomatoes helps to “bloom” their flavor, releasing their aroma and making the sauce much more fragrant.
• Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is essential for the bright, Italian flavor of the sauce. Don’t substitute with dried basil, as the flavor will be completely different.
• Season as you go: Be sure to season both the meatballs and the sauce with salt and pepper. This builds layers of flavor and ensures the final dish isn’t bland.

What To Serve Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

These classic meatballs are perfect with fresh tagliatelle or spaghetti to catch all that delicious tomato sauce. You can also serve them with crusty Italian bread for dipping. For a side, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables would complement the rich flavors. A generous sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must for serving.

How To Store Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Leftovers

Refrigerate: Let the meatballs and sauce cool completely. Store them together in an an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freeze: This dish freezes well. Place the cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Hairy Bikers Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Nutrition Facts

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

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of mince? Yes, you can easily substitute the beef mince with pork mince or a mix of both. Lamb mince can also work, but it will give the meatballs a slightly different flavor.
• Can I make a larger batch? Absolutely. This recipe can be easily scaled up to feed more people. Just be sure to use a larger pan to brown the meatballs in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan and steam them instead of browning them.
• What kind of tomatoes should I use? The Hairy Bikers’ recipe suggests either tinned cherry tomatoes or chopped tomatoes. Both work well, but tinned cherry tomatoes can give the sauce a slightly sweeter, fresher flavor.

Hairy Bikers Meatballs In Tomato Sauce​ Recipe

Author: Alex Saidani Cooking Method:Stovetop Cuisine:British Italian Courses:Sauce

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 15 minutesRest time: minutesTotal time: 35 minutesCooking Temp: CServings:4 servingsEstimated Cost: $Calories:450 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

A quick and easy Hairy Bikers Meatballs in Tomato Sauce recipe for a delicious weeknight dinner. Tender beef meatballs are served in a simple, fresh tomato sauce with garlic, chili, and basil. This classic dish is perfect with pasta and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 200g beef mince
  
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil, for frying

For the Tomato Sauce:

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

Instructions

1. Prepare: Combine all meatball ingredients (except oil) in a bowl and mix. Shape into 10 flattened balls
   
2. Cook Meatballs: Heat oil in a pan and fry meatballs for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
   
3. Make Sauce: In a separate pan, heat olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, simmer for 5 minutes, and season.
   
4. Combine: Stir basil into the sauce, add the meatballs, and gently toss to coat. Serve immediately over pasta.