These vegetarian meatballs are really easy to make and tasty too. Using Quorn mince, mix all the ingredients together and shape with your hands. Cook in a rich, sweet red pepper sauce and serve on a bed of freshly cooked spaghetti. Sprinkle with a little cheese and ta-dah, it’s ready to be served! These delicious meat-free meatballs can be ready to serve in just 40 mins. This recipe serves 4 people and is perfect for kids too. These meatballs are perfect served with a variety of pasta. Try penne or bows to encourage the kids to tuck in. You could also hide veggies in the rich tomato sauce, add in mushrooms, spinach or sweetcorn.

Vegetarian Meatballs with Red Pepper Sauce and Spaghetti

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Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Total Time 40 mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

For the meatballs

• 500 g 18oz pack Quorn/vegetarian mince
• 1 small onion very finely chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 thick slice white bread made into breadcrumbs
• salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 red peppers roughly chopped
• 1 clove garlic crushed
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• 400 g can chopped plum tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 500 g spaghetti
• Olive oil

Instructions

 

• First make the sauce: heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the onions and red peppers for about 5 mins, until starting to soften. Add the garlic and fry for another minute.
• Then stir in the tomato purée, chopped tomatoes and seasoning. Cook on a gentle heat, uncovered for about 15 mins, until sauce is thick. Remove from heat and blend for a smooth sauce or leave chunky. Check seasoning then set aside.
• For the meatballs, combine the turkey mince, onion, oregano and mix well with your hands. Tip in enough breadcrumbs to allow the mixture to bind. With damp hands, roll the mixture into little balls until it is all used up, makes about 16.
• Heat about 2tbsp olive oil in a frying pan and fry the meatballs in two batches for about 15 mins until cooked, turning frequently to brown all over.
• Reheat the red pepper sauce in a saucepan and add the meatballs to warm through.
• Meanwhile cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions. Drain the spaghetti and divide between four bowls. Spoon the sauce and meatballs on top and serve with a little grated Parmesan if liked.

Notes

When adding the breadcrumbs, remember you may not need all of them - just enough to make the mixture bind.