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Mary Berry Meatballs in Tomato and Basil Sauce Recipe

Mary Berry Meatballs in Tomato and Basil Sauce
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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.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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.

Find it online: https://maryberrycooks.co.uk/mary-berry-meatballs-in-tomato-and-basil-sauce/