Easy Mighty Meatball Bake
ID: 1cdba5a8...
A clever, budget-friendly midweek meal featuring juicy beef and lentil meatballs baked in a rich, sweet tomato sauce with charred peppers, fresh pesto, and a melted Parmesan crust.
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🍳 Cooking Flow
Blitz the drained lentils, bread, seasonings, and pesto in a food processor, then pulse in the minced beef. → Divide the mixture and roll into 12 smooth, golf-ball-sized meatballs using wet hands. → Char torn red pepper pieces in a dry pan, add olive oil, and sear the meatballs until golden. → Add hand-crushed plum tomatoes and a splash of water, top with a generous grating of Parmesan, and bring to a boil. → Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes, then garnish with pesto and extra Parmesan before serving with crusty bread.
Cooking Steps
Brief Cooking Order
Blitz the drained lentils, bread, seasonings, and pesto in a food processor, then pulse in the minced beef. → Divide the mixture and roll into 12 smooth, golf-ball-sized meatballs using wet hands. → Char torn red pepper pieces in a dry pan, add olive oil, and sear the meatballs until golden. → Add hand-crushed plum tomatoes and a splash of water, top with a generous grating of Parmesan, and bring to a boil. → Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes, then garnish with pesto and extra Parmesan before serving with crusty bread.
Introduction
A clever, budget-friendly midweek meal featuring juicy beef and lentil meatballs baked in a rich, sweet tomato sauce with charred peppers, fresh pesto, and a melted Parmesan crust.
Step 1
Drain 1 tin of green lentils. Prepare a food processor.
Step 2
Add the drained lentils, a generous pinch of black pepper, a pinch of salt, a few fresh basil leaves (if using), 2 slices of wholemeal bread, and 1 teaspoon of green pesto into the food processor. Blitz for about 20 seconds until combined.
Step 3
Add 250g of lean minced beef to the lentil mixture and pulse just until fully combined.
Step 4
De-stem a red bell pepper by pushing the stalk in with your thumb. Tear the pepper into chunks directly into a dry, hot pan over medium-high heat to toast and char them.
Step 5
Turn the meat mixture onto greaseproof paper. Roll it into a rough log, then divide it into 4 equal quarters, and divide each quarter into 3 portions to make 12 golf-ball-sized meatballs. Dip your hands in a bowl of water to keep them moist while rolling the meatballs to get a smooth finish.
Ingredients List
Important Notes
Mixing minced beef 50/50 with lentils is a great way to boost protein and fiber while cutting down on food costs and environmental impact.
Keeping your hands damp with water while rolling the meatballs prevents the mixture from sticking and yields a smoother, crispier exterior when seared.
You can swap the beef for minced pork, chicken, or any blend of mince according to your preferences.
This dish is highly versatile and can be served alongside pasta, rice, or baked potatoes instead of crusty bread.
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