Baked Meatballs in Tomato and Pepper Sauce

Sometime last week my colleague mentioned meatballs then I realised it had been quite a while since I’d prepared any. One thing with food is that when you start thinking about something you just have to get it. I figured all that I needed was the minced meat which I was sure I’d get from our local butcher.

The beauty of this recipe over the previous one is that it’s less tedious since you just pop the meatballs into the oven and wait. Plus no frying involved hence it’s the healthier option.

Ingredients:

For the meat balls

1/2 kg minced meat

2 pork sausages – casings removed

2 cloves of garlic

Cheddar cheese – I had it in the fridge so I thought , why not use it – spontaneity

2 tablespoons dried parsley

4 tablespoons bread crumbs

Salt and pepper to taste

In a bowl, put the minced meat, sausage meat and grate over the cheese and garlic.

the minced meat, sausage meat , cheese and garlic

Mix with the fork till all the ingredients are well incorporated. Then add the breadcrumbs, parsley, salt and pepper.

Mix well and you are ready to bake. Well not just yet, make medium sized balls first.

Remember to pre heat the oven at 350ºF.

Oil your baking dish with some vegetable oil.

Place the meatballs onto the prepared baking dish then slightly press down with a fork.

all done- well half at least

Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes. Remove flip over and let the other side cook for 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

all cooked and crispy

You can freely enjoy your meatballs at this stage but I normally prefer them in a sauce.

Put the meatballs on a paper towel lined plate so as to drain the oil.

yummy

At this point, hubby had just walked in from work, without much thought, I quickly give him a bite of the meatball and his reaction says it all. Jackpot!!

This recipe yielded 30 meatballs. I decided to store half for later and cooked the remaining half.

For the sauce;

Fry the onions in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

1 onion chopped

Cubed 2 tomatoes and slice 1 half of green bell pepper.

colour blocking?

Once the onions are cooked, add the tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

tomatoes and tomato paste

Cover and let the tomatoes cook down. Add just about 2 tablespoons of water.

Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of rubbed basil leaves

the sauce

Finally add the bell pepper and meatballs.

swimming

I served over steamed white rice. You can also serve with spaghetti.

Verdict:

Best meatballs ever!! I kid you not. I dare you to try this recipe. You will not be disappointed.

 

20 Comments

  1. I was lucky to taste these delicious meat balls. I love everything about this recipe, no eggs and the meat balls are baked not deep fried. A MUST try. Kudos to chef Gatuiri wa Mwangi!

     
  2. I finally tried this. BEST meat balls recipe ever. You can blend 2 slices of bread to make the breadcrumbs. For the sauce, I grated the tomatoes & bell pepper to make a smooth paste. Didn’t add tomato paste and basil. Finger licking good!! Everyone should try this recipe. Absolutely delicious! Once again, kudos Gatuiri wa Mwangi.

     
    • Thanks.
      I’m glad you tried out the recipe and also arrived at the conclusion that they were indeed the best meat balls.
      Grating the condiments is also a good idea, it definitely makes for a smooth sauce for the meatballs.

       
  3. another recipe for me to try *katumbo dance*…absolutely love this blog esp the pics for guidance!!!kudos

     
  4. Tried this recipe over the Christmas weekend. It got sooo much raving reviews! Very easy and tasty.

     

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