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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well once cooked.
- 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
