SAUSAGE MEATBALL PASTA BAKE

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 8 sausages of choice (pork, beef, chicken or lamb)

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 brown onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed or finely chopped

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

• 600g crushed tomatoes

• 2 cups chicken stock (500ml)

• 2 bay leaves

• 350g dried short pasta (spirals, penne, bow ties)

• 450ml water

• Sea salt flakes

• Cracked black pepper

• 1.5 cups grated mozzarella cheese

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees fan force.

2. Squeeze the meat from the sausage casing to create rustic meatballs.

3. Place a large fry pan onto high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat. Add the sausage meatballs and brown each side for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

4. Place the same fry pan back onto medium heat. Add the remaining olive oil and let it heat. Add onion and cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and stir through for 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and combine. Then add the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock and bay leaf. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.

5. In a large roasting tray, add the uncooked pasta and the water. Pour the tomato sauce on top and then add the meatballs to the sauce. Stir through. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

6. Remove from the oven, turn the heat up on the oven or use the grill, add the mozzarella cheese and bake for 10 minutes (until bubbly and golden).