Meatball & garlic bread traybake

Method 1

Ingredients

350g turkey thigh mince

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp fennel seeds

1½ tbsp olive oil

1 large onion

chopped

3 garlic cloves

crushed

1 tbsp tomato purée

2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes

2 tsp sugar

150g ball mozzarella

torn into pieces

4 garlic breadsticks

or garlic bread slices, torn or chopped into chunks

25g cheddar

grated

green salad

or spaghetti, to serve

step 1

Combine the mince, oregano, fennel seeds and some seasoning in a bowl. Take walnut-sized pieces of the mixture and roll into balls. Heat half the oil in a large, shallow ovenproof pan and cook the meatballs until browned all over – don’t worry if they’re not cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.

step 2

Heat the remaining oil in the pan and add the onion. Cook until softened, about 10-12 mins, stirring regularly. Stir in the garlic for another minute, then the tomato purée, chopped tomatoes and sugar.

step 3

Simmer for 10-15 mins, then season to taste. Place the meatballs on top of the sauce, then add the mozzarella, garlic bread and the cheddar on top. Bake for 15-20 mins until golden and crisp.

Method 2

🍝 Ingredients

Meatballs

500 g ground beef (or beef/pork mix)

1 egg

½ cup breadcrumbs

¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

Salt & black pepper

Sauce & base

2 cups tomato pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 small onion (finely chopped)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Garlic bread

1 loaf crusty bread (baguette or ciabatta)

3 tbsp butter (softened)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

2 tbsp chopped parsley

Pinch of salt

Topping

1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella

Extra parmesan (optional)

🍲 Instructions

1. Prep the oven

Preheat to 200°C.

2. Make the meatballs

In a bowl, combine beef, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.

Roll into golf ball–sized meatballs.

3. Start the traybake

In a large baking dish, spread onion and drizzle with olive oil

Place meatballs on top

Bake for 10–12 minutes to start browning

4. Add sauce

Remove from oven, pour tomato sauce over meatballs, and gently stir.

Return to oven for another 10–15 minutes until cooked through.

5. Prepare garlic bread

Mix butter, garlic, parsley, and salt.

Slice bread and spread the garlic butter generously.

6. Add bread & cheese

Nestle garlic bread pieces around the meatballs in the tray

Sprinkle mozzarella and extra parmesan over everything

7. Final bake

Bake for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Optional: grill (broil) 2–3 minutes for golden, crispy tops.

🍽️ Serve

Scoop meatballs with sauce and cheesy garlic bread

Add a simple green salad for balance

🔥 Tips

Use a mix of beef and pork for juicier meatballs

Add a splash of milk to the meatball mix for extra tenderness

Don’t overcrowd the tray—use a large dish for crispier edges

Add fresh basil on top before serving for extra flavor

Comments

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