Meatball & Garlic Bread Traybake Recipe

Introduction

This meatball and garlic bread traybake is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy turkey meatballs simmer in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar, alongside crispy garlic bread chunks. Serve it with a fresh green salad or spaghetti for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 350g turkey thigh mince
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1½ tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 2 tsp sugar
• 150g ball mozzarella, torn into pieces
• 4 garlic breadsticks or garlic bread slices, torn or chopped into chunks
• 25g cheddar, grated
• Green salad or spaghetti, to serve

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the turkey mince, dried oregano, fennel seeds, and some seasoning. Roll the mixture into walnut-sized balls.
2. Step 2: Heat half the olive oil in a large, shallow ovenproof pan over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until browned all over but not fully cooked through. Transfer them to a plate.
3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6.
4. Step 4: Add the remaining olive oil to the same pan and cook the chopped onion for 10–12 minutes until softened, stirring regularly.
5. Step 5: Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Then add the tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, and sugar. Simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes, seasoning to taste.
6. Step 6: Return the meatballs to the sauce, then scatter the torn mozzarella and garlic bread chunks over the top. Finish by sprinkling the grated cheddar.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden and the garlic bread is crispy.
8. Step 8: Serve hot with a green salad or cooked spaghetti on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For a fun twist, try making cheesy meatball hot dog buns by splitting hot dog buns, grilling them lightly, stuffing with leftover meatballs and sauce, then topping with cheese and grilling again until melted.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The meatballs and sauce can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use beef or pork mince instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute turkey with beef, pork, or a mix of both. Cooking times are similar, but adjust seasoning to your taste.

What can I use if I don’t have fennel seeds?

If fennel seeds aren’t available, you can omit them or replace with a pinch of anise seeds or ground fennel for a similar flavor.

Meatball & Garlic Bread Traybake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 55 reviews

• Author: Luna
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A comforting and flavorful meatball and garlic bread traybake featuring succulent turkey meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and crispy garlic bread for a perfect one-pan meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 350g turkey thigh mince
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• Salt and pepper, to season
• 1½ tbsp olive oil, divided

Sauce & Toppings

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 2 tsp sugar
• 150g ball mozzarella, torn into pieces
• 4 garlic breadsticks or garlic bread slices, torn or chopped into chunks
• 25g cheddar, grated

To Serve

• Green salad or spaghetti

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Instructions

1. Prepare Meatballs: In a bowl, combine the turkey thigh mince, dried oregano, fennel seeds, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Take walnut-sized portions and shape them into meatballs.
2. Brown Meatballs: Heat half the olive oil (¾ tbsp) in a large, shallow ovenproof pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned evenly on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove meatballs and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pan, heat the remaining olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook gently for 10-12 minutes until softened, stirring regularly. Add the crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Make Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, and sugar. Simmer the sauce gently for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Assemble Traybake: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Nestle the browned meatballs into the tomato sauce. Scatter the torn mozzarella pieces on top, then evenly distribute the garlic bread chunks and sprinkle grated cheddar over everything.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the garlic bread is crisp and toasted.
7. Serve: Serve the traybake hot with a side of green salad or cooked spaghetti as preferred.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey mince with a plant-based mince alternative.
• Leftover meatballs and sauce make a delicious filling for hot dog buns topped with cheese—grill until cheese melts.
• You can use store-bought garlic breadsticks or slices to save time.
• Adjust the seasoning according to taste and dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Keywords: meatball traybake, garlic bread, turkey meatballs, tomato sauce, cheesy meatball bake, easy oven recipe