Bacon and Herby Meatballs Linguine

In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, roasted spice and herb blend, half the garlic, water and salt for the breadcrumbs (see pantry for both amounts), then add the beef mince.

Season with pepper and mix together with your hands. Roll into evenly-sized balls, 5 per person. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw mince.

Pop the meatballs onto a large baking tray. When the oven is hot, bake on the top shelf until browned on the outside and cooked through, 12-15 mins. IMPORTANT: The meatballs are cooked when no longer pink in the middle.

Meanwhile, when your pan of water is boiling, add the linguine and bring back to the boil. Cook until tender, 12 mins.

Once cooked, drain in a colander and pop back into the pan. Drizzle with oil and stir through to stop it sticking together.

While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bacon lardons and stir-fry until golden, 4-5 mins. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw meat. Cook bacon thoroughly.

Once cooked, stir in the remaining garlic and cook for another 30 secs.

Add the chopped tomatoes, red wine stock paste, sun-dried tomato paste, sugar and water for the sauce (see pantry for both amounts). Stir to combine, then lower the heat and simmer until the sauce has thickened, 5-6 mins. 

When everything's ready, add the cooked meatballs and linguine to the pan and toss to coat, 1-2 mins.

Stir through the cheese and butter (see pantry for amount) until melted. Taste, and season with salt and pepper if needed.