Mary Berry Meatballs in Tomato and Basil Sauce Recipe

Mary Berry Meatballs in Tomato and Basil Sauce is a comforting, flavour-packed dish made with tender homemade meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with fresh basil. It’s hearty, simple to prepare, and perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. The balance of juicy meatballs and a fragrant sauce makes this recipe feel both homely and restaurant-quality. Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, and you’ll have a meal that satisfies every time.

What are Mary Berry’s Meatballs in Tomato and Basil Sauce?

Mary Berry Meatballs in Tomato and Basil Sauce is a dish featuring homemade beef or pork meatballs cooked gently in a fresh tomato-basil sauce. The meatballs remain soft and juicy, while the sauce adds brightness and depth—making it an ideal everyday recipe.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Turkey Crown
• Mary Berry Kedgeree Risotto
• Mary Berry Christmas Kedgeree

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Tender meatballs – Soft, juicy, and full of flavour.
• Rich tomato sauce – Fresh basil and tomatoes bring warmth and brightness.
• Versatile dish – Works with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
• Easy for batch cooking – Perfect for meal prep and freezing.
• Family favourite – Loved by adults and kids alike.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Meatballs in Tomato and Basil Sauce

For the meatballs:

• 500g minced beef or beef–pork mix
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 large egg
• 50g fresh breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

For the tomato and basil sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 400g tinned chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large frying pan – For browning meatballs evenly.
• Deep saucepan – Ideal for simmering the tomato sauce.
• Mixing bowls – Useful when preparing the meatball mixture.
• Wooden spoon – Helps stir the sauce without breaking the meatballs.
• Sharp knife – Essential for prepping herbs and vegetables.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Meatballs in Tomato and Basil Sauce

Step 1 — Prepare the meatball mixture

Combine minced meat, chopped onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.

Step 2 — Shape the meatballs

Roll the mixture into small, even-sized balls to ensure they cook uniformly.

Step 3 — Brown the meatballs

Heat olive oil in a frying pan and brown the meatballs on all sides. They don’t need to cook through at this stage.

Step 4 — Make the tomato sauce

Heat oil in a saucepan. Sauté onions and garlic until soft, then add tomatoes, tomato purée, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Step 5 — Simmer the sauce

Let the sauce cook gently for 10–12 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 6 — Add meatballs to the sauce

Gently place browned meatballs into the sauce. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until they become tender and fully cooked.

Step 7 — Finish with basil

Stir in fresh basil leaves just before serving for a fragrant, fresh finish.

Step 8 — Serve warm

Pair the meatballs with pasta, potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Meatballs falling apart – Adding enough breadcrumbs and egg kept them firm.
• Meat too dense – Overmixing made them tough; mixing lightly gave tender meatballs.
• Sauce too acidic – Adding a small amount of sugar balanced the tomatoes.
• Dry meatballs – Browning quickly over high heat prevented overcooking.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Meatballs in Tomato and Basil Sauce

• Replace beef with turkey or chicken mince for a leaner option.
• Bake meatballs instead of frying to reduce oil.
• Use whole tomatoes instead of tinned for a fresher sauce.
• Reduce salt slightly and boost flavour with herbs instead.
• Add finely grated courgette or carrot to the meat mixture for moisture and nutrients.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Meatballs in Tomato and Basil Sauce

• Replace breadcrumbs with oatmeal for extra fibre.
• Swap basil with parsley for a different herbal note.
• Use passata instead of chopped tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
• Add chilli flakes if you prefer a spicy version.
• Swap beef for lamb mince for a richer flavour.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Meatballs in Tomato and Basil Sauce

• Creamy mashed potatoes – Soft, smooth, and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Butter-coated spaghetti – Classic pairing for meatball lovers.
• Crusty garlic bread – Ideal for dipping into the tomato sauce.
• Steamed rice – A lighter, simple base.
• Fresh green salad – Adds crispness and freshness to the meal.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Meatballs

• Wet your hands before shaping – Prevents sticking and gives smooth meatballs.
• Do not overmix the meat – Keeps the texture soft and tender.
• Brown lightly – Adds colour and flavour without drying them out.
• Simmer gently – Avoid boiling to keep meatballs intact.
• Use fresh basil at the end – It maintains flavour and aroma.
• Taste the sauce before adding meatballs – Adjust seasoning early.
• Rest the meatballs briefly before serving – Helps flavours settle.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Meatballs in Tomato and Basil Sauce

• Add mozzarella cubes inside the meatballs for a molten centre.
• Mix in spinach to increase nutrients.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes in the sauce for deeper flavour.
• Add olives or capers for a Mediterranean twist.
• Top with parmesan to create a cheesy finish.
• Make jumbo meatballs for serving over pasta.

Storing Mary Berry Meatballs in Tomato and Basil Sauce the Right Way

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freeze for up to 2 months, sauce and meatballs combined.
• Store meatballs separately to maintain texture if freezing for longer.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Meatballs in Tomato and Basil Sauce (If Needed)

• Warm gently in a saucepan for 8–10 minutes.
• Microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
• Add a splash of water or stock if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~360
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 22g
• Fibre: 2g
• Sugar: 6g

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FAQs

How do I stop meatballs from falling apart while cooking?

Use the right ratio of breadcrumbs and egg to bind the mixture. Mix the meat gently and shape the balls firmly but not too tightly. Browning them before simmering also helps them hold their shape.

Why are my meatballs tough instead of tender?

Tough meatballs come from overmixing the meat mixture. Combine ingredients just until they come together and avoid compacting the meat too much when shaping.

How do I thicken the tomato and basil sauce?

Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Tomato purée also helps create a thicker, richer consistency without altering the flavour too much.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This helps them firm up and improves their texture when cooked.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Meatballs in Tomato and Basil Sauce is a comforting, flavour-rich recipe that’s easy to prepare and perfect for everyday family meals. With tender meatballs and a fragrant basil-tomato sauce, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Follow the steps, try the tips, and enjoy a classic recipe that feels both simple and special.