Meatballs and Garlic Bread

When I think of comfort food, meatballs paired with a side of garlicky, crusty bread instantly comes to mind. There’s something undeniably special about this dish that warms the soul and brings smiles to the dinner table. Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent, flavorful meatballs nestled in a thick, savory tomato sauce, with perfectly toasted garlic bread to mop it all up. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a more festive occasion, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and deliciousness.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Reasons to Try It

This recipe stands out for several reasons, making it a must-try for anyone craving a hearty, satisfying meal. First off, it’s quick to put together, which makes it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests. Plus, it’s budget-friendly! With basic ingredients like ground beef and canned tomatoes, you won’t break the bank.

There’s also the comfort factor: meatballs are universally loved, and this dish brings that nostalgic touch to the table. Pair it with a bright green salad, and you have a complete meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

"This dish has become my family’s go-to for Friday nights! The meatballs are so juicy, and the garlic bread is always a hit!" – Home Cook Review

Preparing Meatballs and Garlic Bread

Step-by-Step Overview

Creating this delicious dish involves a few simple steps that yield fantastic results. First, you’ll create a rich and aromatic tomato sauce that serves as a cozy bed for the meatballs. Next, combine the meatball ingredients and shape them into perfect rounds—this is where the magic happens! After browning the meatballs, they’ll bake with the sauce and garlic bread, resulting in a bubbling, golden dish that will leave everyone wanting more.

What You’ll Need

Here’s a handy list of ingredients to gather before you start cooking:

• 4 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp caster sugar
• Small handful basil leaves, finely chopped (reserve some whole to serve, if you like)
• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 1 garlic baguette (around 210g), sliced
• 125g ball buffalo mozzarella, drained and torn into pieces
• Green salad, to serve
• 50g dried breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 500g beef mince
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp mixed herbs

Feel free to use store-bought marinara sauce if you’re short on time, and you can substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking Method

1. Begin by heating half the olive oil in a flameproof oven dish or ovenproof frying pan over medium heat. Sauté the crushed garlic for about 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
2. Stir in the oregano, caster sugar, and chopped basil, followed by the chopped tomatoes. Rinse the tomato cans with a splash of water and pour that into the pan. Bring to a simmer and allow it to bubble for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Don’t forget to season it to taste!
3. In a large bowl, combine the dried breadcrumbs and milk, setting it aside for 5 minutes to absorb. Then, mix in the beef mince, onion, crushed garlic, egg, mixed herbs, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Shape this mixture into about 20 meatballs, roughly the size of golf balls.
4. Heat the remaining oil in another frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs, browning them all over. They don’t need to be cooked through—just enough to get a nice golden color!
5. Preheat your oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. In a baking dish, place half of the prepared tomato sauce as a base, layer the garlic bread slices and meatballs, then generously drizzle more sauce over the top. Add the mozzarella pieces scattered across and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of pepper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until everything is golden and bubbling. If you like, scatter some whole basil leaves over the top before serving it alongside a vibrant, green salad.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serving Suggestions

To beautifully plate this dish, serve the bubbling meatballs and garlic bread in rustic bowls, garnished with freshly torn basil leaves for a pop of color. Complement the meal with a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette. The brightness of the salad balances out the richness of the meatballs, creating a delightful dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the meatballs and sauce (without the garlic bread) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven until piping hot.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Extra Advice

Here are a few tips to enhance your meatball and garlic bread experience:

• For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
• If you want a crispy finish, pop the dish under the broiler for a minute or two after baking.
• Always ensure your meatballs are well-seasoned; taste the mixture before shaping to guarantee they’ll be delicious once cooked.

Creative Twists

Different Ways to Try It

Feel free to get creative! Here are some variations:

• Swap the beef for turkey or ground lamb for a different flavor profile.
• Add finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatball mixture for added texture and nutrition.
• Try using different cheeses, like ricotta or a sharp cheddar, for a unique twist on the mozzarella.

FAQs

Your Questions Answered

1. How long does it take to prepare this dish?
   Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking takes around 30 minutes, so you can have this meal ready in under an hour!

2. Can I make meatballs ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

3. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
   Yes, you can freeze the meatballs and sauce once cooled. However, it’s best to freeze the garlic bread separately, as it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Now that you have all the details, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and enjoy making this tempting meatballs and garlic bread dish. Bon appétit!

Meatballs with Garlic Bread

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Succulent meatballs served in a rich tomato sauce alongside garlicky, crusty bread, perfect for a cozy dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Tomato Sauce

• 4 tbsp olive oil plus extra for drizzling
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp caster sugar
• 1 handful basil leaves, finely chopped reserve some whole for serving
• 2 cans 400g chopped tomatoes

For the Meatballs

• 500 g beef mince can substitute with turkey or chicken
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 50 g dried breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp mixed herbs
• pinch salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

• 1 garlic baguette (around 210g), sliced
• 125 g buffalo mozzarella, drained and torn into pieces
• green salad to serve for a complete meal

Method

 

Making the Sauce

1. Heat half of the olive oil in a flameproof oven dish or ovenproof frying pan over medium heat. Sauté the crushed garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in the oregano, caster sugar, and chopped basil, followed by the chopped tomatoes. Rinse the tomato cans with a splash of water and pour that into the pan.
3. Bring to a simmer and allow it to bubble for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season to taste.

Preparing the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine the dried breadcrumbs and milk, setting aside for 5 minutes to absorb.
2. Mix in the beef mince, onion, crushed garlic, egg, mixed herbs, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Shape this mixture into about 20 meatballs, roughly the size of golf balls.

Browning the Meatballs

1. Heat the remaining oil in another frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown them all over. They don’t need to be cooked through.

Baking the Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
2. In a baking dish, place half of the prepared tomato sauce as a base, layer the garlic bread slices and meatballs, then drizzle more sauce over the top.
3. Add the mozzarella pieces scattered across and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of pepper.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until everything is golden and bubbling. Add whole basil leaves over the top before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10g

Notes

For a crispy finish, pop the dish under the broiler for a minute or two after baking. Always ensure your meatballs are well-seasoned before cooking.

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