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Meat

Healthier Meatballs

These healthier meatballs are simmered in a rich red sauce packed with peppers and tomatoes and the warmth of smoked paprika. Serve with cooked brown rice, quinoa or a mixed salad.

Serves 4

Difficulty
Easy
Preparation Time
Less than 30 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes to 1 hour
Calories Per Serving
407
Bob's  Kitchen Recipe Card

Ingredients for  4  Servings

  • 400g
    Lean beef mince (5% fat)
  • 2
    Red onions, chopped
  • 2 tsp
    French mustard
  • 1 tsp
    Dried Italian mixed herbs
  • 1 tbsp
    Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp
    Smoked paprika

  • For the Sauce

  • 450g
    Passata
  • 4
    Large red peppers, thinly sliced
  • 4
    Fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • 3
    Red onions, finely chopped
  • 6
    Garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp
    Smoked paprika
  • 2 Sprigs
    Fresh rosemary
  • 4 tbsp
    Olive oil, plus extra for greasing
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Approximate Times

  • Preparation :
    Less than 30 minutes
  • Cooking :
    30 minutes to 1 hour

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients and mix together using your hands. Shape the mixture into about 24 small, compact meatballs. Place the meatballs on the baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes, until lightly browned.
  3. Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a large frying pan, gently heat the olive oil, add the onions and fry for 2–3 minutes until they have softened. Add the garlic, put the lid on and continue to fry over a gentle heat for 5 minutes.
  4. Add the passata, season with salt and pepper and then add the paprika and warm through gently for 1–2 minutes.
  5. Add the peppers, tomatoes and rosemary, stir, then cover the pan and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
  6. Add the meatballs and cook for 15 minutes over a very low heat. Turn off the heat and leave for 10 minutes for the flavours to blend.
  7. Serve hot with brown rice or quinoa and a mixed salad.