Oct 18, 2024

Paul Flynn's baked meatball casserole with paprika beans: Today

This meatball casserole is sweet and smokey, with a hint of spice.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 12 ready-made meatballs
  • 125g smoked bacon lardons
  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 x 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
  • 150ml concentrated chicken stock
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 x 400g tin of baked beans
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • a few dashes of Tabasco (the smoked chipotle version if possible)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 185°C.

2. Heat the oil in a wide, shallow, heavy-based casserole over a high heat.

3. When it's gently smoking, add the meatballs and bacon and colour for 5 minutes or so. Add the garlic and give it a gentle swish around the casserole,

4. Then add the tomatoes, stock and paprika.

5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes or so.

6. Add the beans, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco.

7. Season and bring to a simmer again, then pop in the oven to cook for 25 minutes, until a light crust starts to form.

8. Serve with rice, mash or even toast.