Ingredients / Shopping List
12 – 16 ready-made beef mince meat balls1 tablespoon flour2 onions1 tin of plum tomatoes (cheaper than chopped tomatoes)150g chestnut mushrooms150g bacon lardons1 tsp sugarI shake of Tabasco sauceBunch fresh basil leavesSalt and black pepper4 tablespoon cooking oil
12 – 16 ready-made beef mince meat balls
1 tablespoon flour
2 onions
1 tin of plum tomatoes (cheaper than chopped tomatoes)
150g chestnut mushrooms
150g bacon lardons
1 tsp sugar
I shake of Tabasco sauce
Bunch fresh basil leaves
Salt and black pepper
4 tablespoon cooking oil
Prep to Cook: Pre-heat oven 190ºC or Gas Mark 5.
Large ovenproof dish with lid (or use foil), long handled spoon, large polythene bag, vegetable knife, choppinng board.
Prep:
1. Prep the meat balls:
Heat the cooking oil in a large frying pan (care!)
Put the meatballs in a large polythene bag and add the flour
Shake the meat balls in the flour and then put them in the hot oil to fry
Cook them until the surface looks browned and carefully remove them from the pan
Add the lardons and fry gently until the fat is browned a little
2. Prep the sauce:
Add chopped onions to the pan and stir until touches of brown can be seen
Add mushrooms that have been cut into two or four if they are big
Stir in a teaspoon of sugar and a shake of Tabasco sauce
Dice about 2 stalks of basil leaves and add to the cooking sauce
Now place the meatballs and any juice that has come from them into an ovenproof dish. Add the tinned tomatoes.
Adjust the amount of liquid so that the balls are covered
3. Prep to cook:
Cook for 35 minutes on 190ºC Gas Mark 5 OR use the microwave on gentle power level for 25 mins.
Stir well and if the mixture is too runny cook without the lid for a further 15 minutes
Serve sprinkled with any remaining basil leaves
Fresh and saucy meat balls uses bought ready-to-go raw minced beef meatballs. It therefore becomes a speedy way producing a satisfying dish that is reliable and tasty when served with any pasta you like to eat. This is so easy it is worth making a double batch and freezing some to make an easy meal another day.
Minced beef contains proteins and iron and alongside pasta, jacket potatoes or some rice makes a nourishing meal. Try and add vegetables for extra health.
Cooks Know How: When making this dish you will be able to 'fry off'' products knowing that you are bringing out the flavours by browning and this will result in a tasty dish. You will see how a little bit of flour will thicken the sauce so that it coats the meatballs. You will experience enhancing flavours by using basil and Tabasco and seasoning. You score well on knowing how to take basic products and turn them into really good grub. Keep cooking!