Easy Meatloaf with Spaghetti & Tomato Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This easy meatloaf served with spaghetti and rich tomato sauce is a comforting meal perfect for weeknights. It combines flavorful pork mince with aromatic herbs and creamy feta for a satisfying twist on a classic dish.

The image shows a white saucepan filled with spaghetti coated in a bright red tomato sauce, with the pasta strands twisting and piled loosely inside it. The saucepan has a wooden handle and rests on a yellow and white checkered cloth, placed on a white marbled surface. Next to the saucepan, on the right side, is a sliced meatloaf with a golden-brown crust, topped with two green leaves for decoration. Part of a white bowl with some spaghetti is visible on the right edge of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing and drizzling
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 500g pork mince
  • 1 large egg
  • 75g fresh breadcrumbs
  • 15 sage leaves, roughly chopped
  • 100g feta, crumbled
  • 3 bay leaves, 1 finely chopped
  • 680g jar passata
  • 600g spaghetti

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/gas mark 4 and grease an ovenproof dish with olive oil.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Remove half the onions and place them in a large bowl.
  3. Step 3: Add the pork mince, egg, fresh breadcrumbs, chopped sage, crumbled feta, and finely chopped bay leaf to the bowl with the onions. Season well with salt and pepper, then mix everything thoroughly.
  4. Step 4: Shape the mixture into a long sausage shape and place it in the greased ovenproof dish. Arrange the remaining whole bay leaves on top, drizzle with a little olive oil, and bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Step 5: While the meatloaf cooks, keep the remaining onions in the frying pan on low heat for 2 minutes. Then increase the heat and add the passata along with 70ml of water. Simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring often, until thickened and flavorful. Season to taste.
  6. Step 6: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and toss the spaghetti in the tomato sauce until well coated.
  7. Step 7: Slice the meatloaf and serve it alongside the spaghetti with tomato sauce, letting everyone help themselves.

Tips & Variations

  • For a leaner version, substitute pork mince with turkey or chicken mince.
  • Add a pinch of chili flakes to the tomato sauce for a subtle heat.
  • Use dried herbs if fresh sage or bay leaves are unavailable; halve the quantity.
  • If you prefer, bake the meatloaf in a loaf tin for a more traditional shape.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Cooked spaghetti should be stored separately to avoid sogginess and can be reheated with a splash of water or sauce.

How to Serve

The image shows a white saucepan filled with cooked spaghetti covered in a red tomato sauce, with the pasta strands slightly glossy and tangled together. The saucepan has a wooden handle and is placed on a white tray with a yellow and white cloth underneath. Next to the saucepan, there is a sliced meatloaf topped with melted, golden brown cheese and garnished with two green bay leaves. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with part of a white plate visible on the right edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture the day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Shape and bake it fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.

Can I use dried breadcrumbs instead of fresh?

Yes, dried breadcrumbs work well too. Use about 50g and soak them briefly in a little milk or water to keep the meatloaf moist.

Print
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Easy Meatloaf with Spaghetti & Tomato Sauce Recipe


  • Author: Luna
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This easy meatloaf recipe pairs a flavorful pork mince loaf with a rich, homemade tomato and onion sauce served over spaghetti, making for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf

  • 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing and drizzling
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 500g pork mince
  • 1 large egg
  • 75g fresh breadcrumbs
  • 15 sage leaves, roughly chopped
  • 100g feta, crumbled
  • 3 bay leaves, 1 finely chopped

Tomato Sauce

  • 680g jar passata
  • 70ml water

To Serve

  • 600g spaghetti

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan, gas mark 4) and grease an ovenproof dish with olive oil. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
  2. Sauté Onions and Split: Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Remove half of the cooked onions and place them into a large mixing bowl for the meatloaf mixture, leaving the remaining onions in the pan on low heat.
  3. Make Meatloaf Mixture: To the bowl with onions, add the pork mince, large egg, fresh breadcrumbs, chopped sage leaves, crumbled feta, and finely chopped bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper, then mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Shape and Bake Meatloaf: Form the mixture into a long sausage shape and transfer it to the greased ovenproof dish. Lay the remaining bay leaves on top, drizzle with a little extra olive oil, and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
  5. Prepare Tomato Sauce: While the meatloaf cooks, keep the onions remaining in the pan on low heat for 2 minutes, then increase to medium heat. Pour in the jar of passata along with 70ml water, stirring well, and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring often until reduced and flavorful. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
  6. Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well once cooked.
  7. Combine and Serve: Toss the drained spaghetti into the tomato sauce ensuring it is well coated. Slice the meatloaf and serve alongside the spaghetti with sauce, allowing everyone to help themselves.

Notes

  • For a leaner option, you can substitute pork mince with lean beef or turkey mince.
  • Fresh breadcrumbs add moisture; if unavailable, use fine dried breadcrumbs but soak them briefly in milk.
  • Adjust seasoning of the sauce at the end to enhance flavors as needed.
  • Allow the meatloaf to rest 5 minutes before slicing for better texture and easier cutting.
  • Reserve some pasta water in case the sauce needs loosening before combining with spaghetti.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Keywords: meatloaf, pork mince, spaghetti, tomato sauce, easy dinner, baked meatloaf, Italian-style, family meal

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