Name: Hairy Bikers Meatballs In Tomato Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 200g beef mince; 1 egg, beaten; 25g fresh breadcrumbs; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 2 spring onions, finely chopped; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil, for frying; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced; A pinch of dried chilli flakes; 400g tin chopped tomatoes; 5 fresh basil leaves, shredded; 1/2 tsp caster sugar (optional)

This easy meatballs in tomato sauce recipe is made with tender beef mince, egg, breadcrumbs, fresh thyme, and spring onions, all simmered in a rich garlic and basil tomato sauce. It is a simple, comforting dish that works perfectly for a quick weeknight dinner. Ready in 25 minutes and serves 2.

I make this at least once a fortnight when I want something filling but fast. It is one of those recipes where the leftovers taste even better the next day.

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Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

200g beef mince
1 egg, beaten
25g fresh breadcrumbs
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 chilli flakes
400g tin chopped tomatoes
5 fresh basil leaves, shredded
1/2 tsp caster sugar (optional)

Hairy Bikers Meatballs In Tomato Sauce Recipe

How To Make Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Mix the meatball ingredients: Combine the beef mince, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, dried thyme, and spring onions in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and mix until just combined. Do not overwork the mixture.
Shape the meatballs: Divide the mixture into 10 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Flatten them slightly so they cook more evenly in the pan.
Fry the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry the meatballs for 5-6 minutes, turning once or twice, until golden brown all over. Remove and set aside.
Make the tomato sauce: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and chilli flakes and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Simmer and combine: Pour in the chopped tomatoes and add the sugar if using. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the basil, add the meatballs, and toss gently to coat. Serve over your favourite pasta.

What Is the Secret to Perfect Meatballs in Tomato Sauce?

Handle the mince gently: Mix the meatball ingredients until just combined. Overworking the meat makes it tough and dense.
Flatten the balls slightly: This helps them cook faster and more evenly in the pan. You want golden colour on both sides.
Bloom the garlic and chilli: Cook the garlic and chilli flakes in oil for one minute before adding the tomatoes. This releases their flavour into the sauce.
Use fresh basil: Fresh basil gives the sauce a bright, Italian flavour that dried basil cannot match. Stir it in at the end for the best result.
Try a different twist: If you enjoy meatballs, try Hairy Bikers Spanish Meatballs for a smoky paprika version of this classic.

What Should You Serve on the Side?

Spaghetti or tagliatelle works best to catch all the tomato sauce. Fresh pasta is lovely here, but dried works just as well. A generous grating of Parmesan finishes the dish perfectly.

For something different, try serving the meatballs with crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness. If you fancy a bigger Italian spread, Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese and Hairy Bikers Lasagne make great companion dishes.

Does This Reheat Well?

This reheats brilliantly. Let the meatballs and sauce cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave until piping hot.

You can also freeze the meatballs in sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The meatballs actually taste better the next day once the flavours have had time to develop.

Nutrition Facts

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you brown meatballs before adding them to the sauce? Yes, browning gives the meatballs a golden crust and richer flavour. It also helps them hold their shape while simmering in the sauce.

How does the Hairy Bikers version compare to Jamie Oliver’s meatballs? The Hairy Bikers keep it simple with beef, thyme, and spring onions, while Jamie Oliver uses a pork and beef mix with Parmesan. Both are great, but this recipe is faster and uses fewer ingredients.

Can you make these meatballs ahead of time? Yes, shape the meatballs and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them raw on a tray, then bag them up for cooking straight from frozen.

What other Hairy Bikers meatball recipes are there? Try the Hairy Bikers Spanish Meatballs for a smoky paprika version. The Hairy Bikers Meatballs in Gravy is a British comfort food twist on the classic.

Can you cook meatballs in the sauce without frying first? You can, but they will be softer and may break apart more easily. Frying first gives a better texture and a golden colour on the outside.