Mama's Spaghetti and Beef Meatballs

While the pasta cooks, in another large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, salt and water for the breadcrumbs (see pantry for both amounts).

Then, add the beef mince and half the garlic. Season with pepper and mix together with your hands.

Roll into evenly-sized balls, 5 per person, and pop onto a large baking tray. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw mince.

When the oven is hot, bake the meatballs 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, once the pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and pop back in the pan. Drizzle with oil and stir through to stop it sticking together.

Heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the remaining garlic and fry for 30 secs. 

Then, stir in the passata, red wine stock paste, mixed herbs, sugar and water for the sauce (see pantry for both amounts). 

Bring to the boil then lower the heat and simmer until thickened, 3-4 mins. 

Once thickened, stir in the butter (see pantry for amount) until melted. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat. 

Once the meatballs are ready, pop the sauce back on medium heat and stir in the meatballs. Cook until piping hot then remove frm the heat. 

Next, stir in half the cheese, then toss the cooked spaghetti through the sauce so it is nicely coated. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.