Cheesy melting middle meatballs with broccoli mash

Ingredients

• 500g M&S 12% fat British beef mince
• 30g cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• For the mash
• 700g Maris Piper potatoes, cut into 2cm chunks
• broccoli, roughly chopped into 1cm pieces (stalk included)
• For the sauce
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 tbsp dried oregano (or any herb of your choice)
• 400g chopped tomatoes
• pinch of chilli flakes (optional)
• 30g cheddar cheese, grated

Method

1.  First, make the meatballs. Using your hands, mix the mince with a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper in a large bowl, until well combined. With slightly wet hands this time, roll the mixture into approx 16 small balls (golf ball-sized). Take a pinch of the grated cheese and push into the centre of the ball. Close the meat around it and make sure it’s completely sealed.

2.  Add the potatoes to a large pan of boiling water and simmer for 15 mins. Add the chopped broccoli and simmer for a further 5 mins, until tender. While the potatoes are cooking, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Tip the meatballs into the pan and fry for 3-5 mins until brown all over. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3.  Turn down the heat to medium and add 2 tbsp of olive oil to the same pan. Fry the onion and garlic for around 5 mins until softened. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then add the oregano (or your choice of dried herb). Next, stir in the chopped tomatoes and bring to the boil before returning the meatballs to the pan. Simmer on a low heat for 10-15 mins until the meatballs are cooked through. Check seasoning to taste.

4.  Once the potatoes and broccoli are cooked, drain the water and allow them to steam dry for 2 mins in the colander/strainer before returning to the pan. Add a drizzle of olive oil and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mash to your desired consistency. Serve a spoonful of the mash onto a plate and top with the meatballs and grated cheese.