Crackin’ Kiwi Cheesy Baked Meatballs with Creamy Kumara Mash

Serves: 4:

Juicy baked meatballs meet creamy kumara mash in this deliciously comforting dish. Featuring our flavorful Crackin’ Kiwi Rub, these cheesy meatballs are perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Pair them with the rich, velvety kumara mash for a meal that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients:

• 500g beef mince
• 1 red onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon Crackin’ Kiwi Rub
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic
• ½ cup fresh breadcrumbs (about 3 slices, grated or blitzed)
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves picked
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 400g crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup stock
• 2 large kumara, peeled and chopped
• ½ cup cream (or Greek yoghurt or sour cream)
• 2 teaspoons Crackin’ Kiwi Rub
• 1 teaspoon Smokey Garlic Salt
• 1½ cups grated cheddar cheese

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Chop the kumara into small pieces, then place in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until easily pierced with a fork (about 15 minutes depending on the size of pieces). Remove from heat and drain.
3. Finely dice the red onion. In a large bowl, combine the mince, half of the onion, Crackin’ Kiwi Rub, egg, garlic, breadcrumbs, and thyme leaves. Use your hands to mix well.
4. Roll the mixture into balls and place them on a lined tray. Bake for 15 minutes until browned. Remove from the tray and place in an oven-safe casserole dish.
5. Heat a large fry pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Add the remaining onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Then, add the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Add the crushed tomatoes and stock, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes until thickened.
6. Pour the sauce over the meatballs, cover with grated cheddar cheese, and sprinkle with additional Crackin’ Kiwi Rub and Smokey Garlic Salt.
7. Bake for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
8. To the kumara, add the cream and season well. Mash with a potato masher or fork. Serve the mash with plenty of saucy meatballs and an extra dollop of sauce!