Cheesy Spaghetti & Beef Meatball Bake

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

reheat the oven to 200°C/ 180°C (fan)/ gas 6 Boil a kettle

Step 2

Peel and grate the garlic

Step 3

Combine the beef mince with half of the grated garlic (you'll use the rest later!) and a very generous pinch of salt and pepper

Step 4

Give everything a good mix up until fully combined

Step 5

Divide the beef mince into 6 [12] and shape into meatballs

Step 6

Heat a large, wide-based pan (preferably non-stick) with a drizzle of vegetable oil over a medium-low heat

Step 7

Add the beef meatballs to the pan and cook for 4-5 min, turning frequently, until they're browned on all sides

Step 8

Once browned, transfer to a plate and reserve the pan for later (these will finish cooking in the oven later)

Step 9

While the beef meatballs are browning, peel and finely dice the red onion[s]

Step 10

Return the reserved pan to a medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt

Step 11

Once hot, add the diced red onion and remaining grated garlic and cook for 6-7 min or until softened and slightly caramelised

Step 12

Dissolve the beef stock mix in 200ml [350ml] boiled water

Step 13

Once the onion has softened, add the dried oregano and tomato paste and cook for 1 min

Step 14

Add the chopped tomatoes, beef stock and half of the balsamic vinegar (you'll use the rest later!) and cook for 2-3 min or until the sauce has slightly thickened

Step 15

Meanwhile, chop the basil roughly, including the stalks

Step 16

Once the sauce has slightly thickened, add half of the chopped basil (save the rest for garnish!) with a pinch of salt and a very generous crack of black pepper

Step 17

Roughly break the spaghetti up into thirds, add it to the pan and mix everything together – this is your tomato & basil sauce

Step 18

Add the tomato & basil sauce to an oven-proof dish with 150ml [250ml] boiled water and press down on the broken spaghetti so that it's submerged in the sauce

Step 19

Place the browned beef meatballs on top and put the dish in the oven for an initial 20 min – this is your spaghetti & beef meatball bake

Step 20

While the meatballs are cooking, grate the cheddar cheese

Step 21

Remove the dish from the oven after 20 min and top with the grated cheese

Step 22

Return the cheesy spaghetti & beef meatball bake to the oven and cook for a final 5 min or until the cheese has melted

Step 23

Wash the rocket, then pat it dry with kitchen paper

Step 24

Add the rocket to a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, the remaining balsamic vinegar and a crack of black pepper

Step 25

Set the cheesy spaghetti & beef meatball bake in the centre of the table, ready to share

Step 26

Serve the dressed rocket in a bowl to the side and garnish with the remaining chopped basil