Liver Loaded Meat Balls

These meatballs are a favourite in my kitchen! Rich, hearty, and secretly boosted with nutrient-dense beef liver (don’t worry, you can’t taste it!). They’re perfect for busy mums, pregnancy, or preconception, when your body needs that extra iron. I love making a big batch and freezing half for those nights when you can't be bothered cooking!

Ingredients

Meat Balls

• 500g Beef mince
• 1x Onion diced finely
• 1/2 cup Parsley chopped
• 1/2 cup Bread crumbs
• 1x Garlic Clove minced
• 1x Eggs
• Sprinkle of Beef liver (optional) I use freeze dried beef liver powder
  
• Salt and Pepper

*I normally double the meat balls and freeze half for an easy meal, you just need to make the easy sauce (this is what I did in the reel on instagram) 

Sauce

• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1x Onion diced finely
• 2x Garlic cloves minced
• 700g Passata
• 400g Crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1/2 cup Water 
• 1 tsp Chilli Flakes (optional) Adjust for spiciness tolerance 
• 1 tsp Basil dried
• 1 tsp Thyme dried
• 2 tsp Oregano dried
• 1 tsp Parsley dried 
• Salt and pepper

Method

1. In a large bowl, combine beef mince, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, liver powder (if using), salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Roll mixture into small balls (around 50 mini meatballs, or make them larger if you prefer, just cook longer).
3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches until golden (they don’t need to be fully cooked through). Remove and set aside.
4. For the sauce: add another 1 tbsp olive oil to the pot. Sauté the onion for a few minutes until softened.
5. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
6. Stir in passata, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, chilli flakes, dried herbs, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
7. Return the meatballs to the pot. Cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
8. Serve with your favourite pasta and finish with a sprinkle of pecorino.

Notes & Tips

Freezer friendly: Freeze uncooked meatballs, just defrost and cook as per recipe.

For kids: Leave out the chilli flakes for a milder version.

Boost it: Add extra veggies like grated zucchini or carrot into the meatballs for a hidden nutrient hit.

Liver: https://wearechief.com/products/organic-beef-liver-powder