One Pan Meatballs with Cherry Tomato Sauce & Mozzarella

Ingredients:

serves 2

For the Balls:

• – 250g Beef Mince
• – Salt & Pepper
• – 1/2 Clove Garlic – smashed into a paste
• – Handful Fresh Parsley – rough chop (plus extra for garnish)

For the Cherry Tomato Sauce:

• – 150g Cherry Tomatoes
• – 1/2 Banana Shallot
• – 1/2 can of chopped tomatoes 
• – 1 Garlic Clove
• – 1/2 tsp Sugar
• – 1tbsp Olive Oil
• – Pinch of Chilli Flakes
• – Water

For the Garnish:

• – 1/2 ball of mozzarella, torn into pieces
• – a handful of shredded basil leaves

Method:

For the sauce:

1. Finely dice the shallot, crush the garlic into a paste using salt, and half the tomatoes.
2. Heat a small saucepan, add the oil and fry the shallots for one minute.
3. Add the garlic and fry for another minute. If the onions start to brown, turn the heat down and add a spoonful of water.
4. Add the tomatoes, sugar and chilli flakes and leave to cook until the tomatoes begin to break down.
5. Add 1/4 cup of water and leave to simmer until the sauce is thick.

Meatballs:

1. In a bowl mix the mince, salt and pepper, garlic (remember some is for the salsa) and parsley together. Divide into equal sized balls – approx 6
2. Heat your pan to medium high and pop the balls in, turning so all sides are coloured.
3. Transfer the meatballs to the saucepan, spoon over some of the sauce and place in a hot oven for 4 minutes.
4. Top the meatballs with sliced mozzarella and return to the oven for another three minutes.
5. In the meantime, slice the focaccia and toast in the meatball frying.