Budget Meatballs

Budget Meatballs is a simple recipe that produces a filling tasty main dish everybody loves. The recipe contains only 8 ingredients, most of which most people will have in the larder and fridge. This includes the beef mince, Spaghetti, onions and garlic. An ideal meal for the entire family.

In the world of home cooking, few dishes can rival the comforting appeal of a plate of meatballs. They are versatile, satisfying, and, most importantly, can be made on a tight budget without sacrificing flavour. Budget meatballs are a brilliant option for families and individuals alike, offering a hearty meal that is both cost-effective and delicious.

At the heart of this dish is beef mince, an economical ingredient that serves as a blank canvas for a range of flavours. The key to making your meatballs stand out is the thoughtful use of seasonings and aromatics. A simple combination of garlic and dried mixed herbs works wonders in enhancing the taste of the beef, adding depth and a touch of Mediterranean flair to the dish.

One of the secrets to making these meatballs flavourful is to not skimp on the onions and garlic. Finely chopped white onions bring sweetness and texture, while garlic infuses the meatballs with a robust aroma. These everyday ingredients are affordable and widely available, making them ideal for budget-conscious cooking.

To bring everything together, a beef stock cube is dissolved in water to create a rich, savoury sauce. This not only adds moisture but also intensifies the beefy flavour of the dish. Using a stock cube is an excellent way to add depth to the sauce without the need for expensive or time-consuming ingredients.

While the meatballs simmer in the sauce, the flavours meld together, creating a dish that feels far more luxurious than its cost might suggest. Served atop a bed of spaghetti, this meal becomes a filling and comforting classic that appeals to both adults and children alike. The simplicity of spaghetti paired with meatballs in a rich sauce is a timeless combination that never fails to satisfy.

Olive oil is used to sauté the onions and brown the meatballs, providing a subtle yet distinct base flavour. Though olive oil can sometimes be seen as a premium ingredient, a little goes a long way, and its presence in this dish is well worth the investment.

When it comes to seasoning, salt and pepper are your best friends. They may seem basic, but these simple seasonings are crucial in bringing out the flavours of the other ingredients. Adding salt to taste ensures that the dish isn’t bland, while pepper gives it a gentle kick.

In conclusion, budget meatballs are a fantastic example of how frugal cooking can be both delicious and satisfying. By using everyday ingredients like beef mince, garlic, dried herbs, and stock cubes, you can create a hearty meal that delivers on both flavour and comfort. Served with spaghetti, these meatballs are sure to become a regular feature on your dinner table, proving that great food doesn’t have to be expensive.

Budget Meatballs

Amazing recipe that creates perfect meatballs on a budget

4.50 from 102 votes

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Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Beef, Budget Meatballs, Pasta, Sauce, Spaghetti, Vegetables

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 People

Calories: 740kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

The Meatballs

• 400 g beef mince
• 1 clove garlic finely chopped
• ½ tsp dried mixed herbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil

The Sauce

• 400 g chopped tomatoes tin
• 1 clove garlic finely chopped
• 1 large white onion peel and chop
• 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
• 500 ml beef stock from a cube
• 400 g spaghetti
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste

Instructions

• Place a large saucepan over a medium heat and add the olive oil.
  1 tbsp olive oil
• When the oil is hot, and the chopped onion and fry until soft and translucent.
  1 large white onion
• Add the garlic and fry for about 2 minutes.
  1 clove garlic
• Add the mixed herbs, stock and the tin of chopped tomatoes and stir well.
  ½ tsp dried mixed herbs, 400 g chopped tomatoes, 500 ml beef stock
• Bring up to a rolling simmer and then reduce the heat until it simmers gently.
• Time to make the meatballs.
• Using a large mixing bowl, add the beef mince, chopped garlic, herbs and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Combine thoroughly. Place your hands under a cold tap and then mix the mince etc. The wet hands will help you mix without getting covered.
  400 g beef mince, 1 clove garlic, 1 tsp dried mixed herbs, salt, pepper
• When mixed, remove any mixture from your hands into the bowl, rinse your hands again start to roll the meatballs. This quantity of mixture should make 20 meatballs.
• Place a new frying pan again over a medium heat and add the olive oil.
  1 tbsp olive oil
• When hot, add the meatballs and fry them gently. Remember to keep turning the balls so the brown on all sides but make sure you do not burn them.
• I do these in batches of about 6 – 8 meatballs so there is space to move them in my frying pan.
• When browned, remove the balls from the pan and add them to the sauce. Test the sauce for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
• Continue to simmer the sauce for a further 10 – 12 minutes until the balls are thoroughly cooked.
• Whilst the sauce is simmering, add a large pan to a high heat. Add water and a good pinch of salt.
• When boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the packet instructions.
  400 g spaghetti
• Bring a large saucepan water to the boil, add a pinch of salt and cook the spaghetti according to the packet
• instructions.
• When the spaghetti is cooked, drain well and transfer to the meatball and sauce pan and mix well to combine.
• Serve hot with a grating of cheese in warmed bowls.

Nutrition

Calories: 740kcal | Carbohydrates: 85g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 469mg | Potassium: 986mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 131IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 5mg