flat-leaf parsley — finely chopped to serve1 bunch
Method
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, milk, egg, paprika and onion powder. Set aside for 2 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid. Add the beef mince and salt and gently mix until just combined. Roll the mixture into bite-sized meatballs.
Cooking for a different diet?
Swaps that keep this dish what it is. The prices on this page are for the recipe as written.
Vegetarian
Crispy Chilli Plant-Based Meatball Noodles
500 g Plant-based minceinstead of beef mince
Plant-based mince has little fat to render, so add a splash of oil to the pan and brown the meatballs for 6 to 8 minutes.
Vegan
Crispy Chilli Plant-Based Meatball Noodles
60 ml Oat milkinstead of milk
Leave outthe egg
500 g Plant-based minceinstead of beef mince
Leave out the egg and chill the meatballs for 10 minutes so they hold; brown in a little oil for 6 to 8 minutes.
Gluten-free
50 g Gluten-free breadcrumbsinstead of dried breadcrumbs
150 g Wide rice noodlesinstead of dried knife-cut noodles
Cook the rice noodles per the packet and toss them gently, as they are more delicate than knife-cut noodles.
Dairy-free
60 ml Oat milkinstead of milk
Nothing changes in the cooking.
Swaps are suggestions — check labels if you are cooking for an allergy.
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dried breadcrumbs · 50 g
milk · 60 ml
egg · 1 item
paprika · 2.5 g
onion powder · 1 tsp
salt · 6 g
beef mince · 500 g
dried knife-cut noodles · 150 g
crispy chilli oil · 60 ml
canned crushed tomatoes · 240 g
flat-leaf parsley · 1 bunch
Arrange the meatballs in a cold non-stick frying pan without adding any oil. Place the pan over medium-low heat and cook gently to render the fat. Increase the heat to medium, then turn the meatballs until browned all over and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of water to the boil. Cook the knife-cut noodles according to the packet instructions until tender. Drain well and set aside.
Add the crispy chilli oil to the same frying pan, followed by the crushed tomatoes. Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any caramelised bits from the base of the pan.
Return the meatballs to the pan, then add the drained noodles. Toss gently over low heat for 1-2 minutes, or until everything is hot and evenly coated in the crispy chilli tomato sauce. Divide among serving bowls and finish with chopped parsley.