Ingredients

Meat and Pasta

• Minced Meat – 600 g
• Eggs – 3
• Salt, Sweet Paprika, Curry Powder, Lemon Pepper – to taste
• Black Pepper – to taste
• Breadcrumbs – 1 tbsp
• Onion – 1, finely diced
• Potato – 1, grated
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Olive Oil – for frying
• Pasta or Noodles – 300-400 g

Tomato Sauce

• Cherry Tomatoes – 450 g, halved
• Mayonnaise – 1 tbsp
• Ketchup – 1 tbsp
• Salt and Black Pepper – to taste
• Fresh Basil – 1 tsp, chopped
• Thyme – 1 tsp
• Sugar – 1 tbsp
• Water – as needed for simmering

Fresh Salad

• Cucumbers – 2, sliced
• Tomato – 1, sliced
• Paprika – 1, sliced
• Arugula – 1 handful
• Olives – a handful
• Salt and Black Pepper – to taste
• Balsamic Vinegar – 1 tsp
• Olive Oil – to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Meat Mixture

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with eggs, breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, grated potato, minced garlic, and seasonings (salt, paprika, curry, and black pepper with lemon extract).
2. Form Meatballs or Patties: Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, then shape the mixture into small meatballs or patties.
3. Fry the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and fry until they are golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Making the Tomato Sauce

1. Cook Cherry Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes, a tablespoon of mayonnaise, and ketchup. Season with salt, black pepper, basil, thyme, and sugar.
2. Simmer: Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer the tomatoes for 5-7 minutes until they begin to break down and release their juices. Add a splash of water to prevent the sauce from drying out.
3. Combine with Meatballs: Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the Noodles: Stir in the pasta or noodles, adding a little more water as needed to help the sauce coat the noodles. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the noodles are fully cooked and have absorbed the sauce.

Preparing the Fresh Salad

1. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, tomato, paprika, and arugula. Add a handful of olives.
2. Dress the Salad: Season with salt and black pepper, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar and a splash of olive oil. Toss gently to coat all ingredients.

Serving

Serve the Mediterranean-Style Minced Meat Pasta warm, topped with extra fresh basil if desired, and a side of the fresh salad.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Sugars: 9g

Servings

• Serves: 4-5 people

Explanation: Why This Recipe is Timeless

Mediterranean-Style Minced Meat Pasta with Fresh Salad & Tomato Sauce is a timeless dish because it combines universally loved ingredients in a way that feels both comforting and elegant. The recipe is built on classic Mediterranean flavors like fresh tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and basil, which come together to create a rich, savory sauce. Additionally, it’s versatile and adaptable: you can switch out proteins, adjust the spices, or incorporate seasonal vegetables, making it suitable for every time of year.

The fresh salad adds a crisp, refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta, balancing out the richness of the meatballs with vibrant, clean flavors. This balance of textures, colors, and flavors is part of what makes Mediterranean cuisine so enduring and popular around the world.

Tips for Making the Best Mediterranean-Style Minced Meat Pasta

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, basil, and thyme elevate the flavor and make the sauce more aromatic.
2. Control Simmering Time: Be sure to simmer the sauce and pasta together for just the right amount of time, so the noodles absorb all the flavors without becoming mushy.
3. Balance the Sweetness and Acidity: The sugar in the tomato sauce helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a harmonious flavor.
4. Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other fresh vegetables to the salad, such as bell peppers or radishes, to increase texture and flavor.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the sauce from drying out.
• Freezing: The pasta and sauce (without the salad) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the minced meat with a plant-based meat alternative, or use mushrooms for a savory twist.

2. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, spaghetti, or fusilli would all work well with this recipe.

3. How can I make it spicier?
If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.

4. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh basil and thyme add wonderful flavor. If using fresh herbs, double the quantity, as fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried.

5. What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce is too thick, add a little more water, broth, or even a splash of red wine to thin it out and intensify the flavors.

Conclusion

Mediterranean-Style Minced Meat Pasta with Fresh Salad & Tomato Sauce is a meal that brings together vibrant, wholesome ingredients in a dish that feels both comforting and refined. It’s a perfect example of how Mediterranean cuisine can create extraordinary flavors out of simple ingredients. The combination of tender meatballs, hearty noodles, rich tomato sauce, and crisp salad is satisfying and complete, appealing to all ages and tastes.

This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or a cozy meal at home. It’s also versatile enough to adapt to what you have on hand, so you can make it your own with seasonal ingredients. Each layer of flavor—the savory minced meat, sweet tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and fresh salad—contributes to a balanced, memorable dish. Embrace the simplicity and freshness of Mediterranean flavors, and let this timeless recipe bring joy to your table.