This is a perfect midweek dinner. These meatballs in tomato sauce are packed full of flavour and the addition of the chickpeas not only adds great texture but also helps make the meal go further.
Prep Time 15 minutes (plus 15 minutes refrigeration)
Cook Time 30–40 minutes
Intermediate
Ingredients
Meatballs:
400g lean beef mince
2 Tbsp finely diced onion
½ tsp Gregg's Rubbed Oregano
Sauce:
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 Tbsp Wattie's Tomato Paste
400g can Wattie's Italian Style Tomatoes
1 Tbsp Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
400g can Wattie's Chickpeas in Springwater, drained
Handful of fresh basil or parsley leaves, chopped
NUTRITION INFORMATION: Average Quantity per Serving
Nutrition information is calculated using a recipe analysis program and is subject to variations you may make to the ingredients or cooking method. This nutrition information is intended as a guide only and excludes serving suggestions and swaps you may make.
Ripened on the vine under the Hawke's Bay sun, Wattie's Italian Style Tomatoes are blended with oregano, basil, thyme and marjoram.
Method
Step 1
To make the Meatballs: Mix together the beef mince, onion and Gregg's Rubbed Oregano. Season with a little salt and pepper. Roll the mixture into 16 meatballs. Place on a tray and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Step 2
To make the Sauce: Heat a dash of oil in a deep frying pan. Brown the meatballs over a high heat. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3
Reduce the temperature to medium-low, add onion and garlic and stir fry until the onion soften. Add the Wattie's Tomato Paste and stir while cooking for a further minute.
Step 4
Pour over Wattie's Italian Style Tomatoes. Add Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Sauce and ½ a can of water and stir. Add the drained Wattie's Chickpeas. Stir and bring to the boil. Return the browned meatballs to the pan. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked and sauce has reduced a little.
Step 5
Stir through the chopped basil or parsley and season with freshly ground black pepper. Serve over your favourite pasta accompanied with steamed green beans or courgettes.
Tips
This recipe gets the Healthy Pick for Main Meals.
If you don't want to make your own meatballs, purchase 400g pre-made meatballs from the butchery at your local supermarket.
*Soak the kebab skewers in cold water for at least 15 minutes to avoid them burning during cooking.
What do I need?
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1
400 g lean beef mince
2
2 Tbsp finely diced onion
3
½ tsp Gregg's Rubbed Oregano
4
1 onion, chopped
5
2 cloves garlic, crushed
6
2 Tbsp Wattie's Tomato Paste
7
400 g can Wattie's Italian Style Tomatoes
8
1 Tbsp Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
9
400 g can Wattie's Chickpeas in Springwater, drained