American Style Meatballs

This is a meatball dish created in an American style. It has a fresh but slightly smoky flavour and goes well with pasta. The dish is dairy-free and gluten-free.

Preparation time - 30 minutes
Cooking time - 30 minutes

Ingredients (serves 4)

2 medium onions

5 tbsp oil

2 large cloves of garlic

3 tbsp tomato puree

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 tsp oregano

1 tsp chilli paste

250ml beef stock

2 400g tins of tomatoes

1 tsp brown sugar

1 tbsp fresh thyme

2 bacon rashers

350g steak mince

a handful of crushed tortilla chips

1 tsp mixed herbs

1 egg

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

fresh basil leaves for garnish

To cook

1. Chop the onions and garlic and fry in 3 tbsp of the oil till lightly browned.

 

2. Take half the onions and place in a bowl.

3. Add the tomato puree, balsamic vinegar, oregano and chilli paste to the remaining onions in the pan.

4. Add the stock, tomatoes, sugar, thyme,1/4 tsp of the salt and 1/4 tsp of the pepper. Leave on a low heat to simmer.

5. Finely chop the bacon and add to the onion mixture in the bowl.

6. Add the mince, crushed tortilla chips, mixed herbs, egg, 1/4 tsp of the salt and 1/4 tsp of the pepper.

7.  Mix by hand and roll into large meatballs, place in a pan with 2 tbsp of the oil.

8. Turn the meatballs regularly to brown them on all sides.

9. Add the meatballs to the tomato sauce and simmer for 20 mins, stirring occasionally.

10. Serve with pasta and a fresh basil garnish.

Alternatives

Before serving, grate some cheddar cheese over the meatballs and pasta and place under the grill until the cheese is bubbling and begins to brown.