Delicious ‘Meat’ball Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Meat-Free Balls

1. Heat Oil:

   • In a deep frying pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.

2. Cook Meat-Free Balls:

   • Add 12 Tesco Plant Chef Meat-Free Balls to the pan. Fry for about 10 minutes, turning them often until they are golden and crisp.

3. Set Aside:

   • Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the meatballs and transfer them to a plate. Set aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

4. Add More Oil:

   • In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp of olive oil.

5. Cook Onion:

   • Add 1 finely chopped onion and fry for 6-8 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.

6. Add Garlic and Spice:

   • Stir in half of the crushed garlic (from 2 cloves) and a pinch of chili flakes. Fry for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

7. Add Tomato Purée and Herbs:

   • Stir in 1 tbsp of tomato purée and half of the dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute until the purée darkens slightly.

8. Add Remaining Ingredients:

   • Pour in 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar, 500 ml of passata, 1 tsp of sugar, and the finely chopped basil stalks. Add some of the torn basil leaves.

9. Simmer:

   • Add 200 ml of water to the mixture and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

10. Boil Water:

    • Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

11. Cook Pasta:

    • Add 350 g of pasta shapes of your choice and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until just tender but still slightly undercooked. Drain the pasta.

Step 5: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping

12. Mix Breadcrumbs:
    • In a bowl, combine 100 g of blitzed sourdough breadcrumbs, the remaining garlic, remaining dried oregano, and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Combine and Bake

13. Combine Ingredients:

    • In the pan with the sauce, gently stir in the cooked pasta, the meat-free balls, and 20 g of halved black olives (if using) until well combined.

14. Transfer to Baking Dish:

    • Pour the mixture into a lasagna dish, spreading it evenly.

15. Add Breadcrumb Topping:

    • Scatter the garlic breadcrumbs over the top of the pasta mixture.

16. Bake:

    • Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas 7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the topping is golden and crisp, and the pasta is al dente.

Step 7: Serve

17. Garnish:

    • Once baked, scatter the remaining torn basil leaves over the top.

18. Enjoy:

    • Serve the pasta bake hot alongside a refreshing green salad for a complete meal!

This hearty and flavorful dish is sure to be a hit at the dinner table!