Easy Meatloaf with Spaghetti & Tomato Sauce Recipe
This easy meatloaf recipe combines flavorful pork mince with fresh herbs and feta, baked to perfection and served alongside spaghetti tossed in a rich, homemade tomato passata sauce. A comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing and drizzling
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 500g pork mince
- 1 large egg
- 75g fresh breadcrumbs
- 15 sage leaves, roughly chopped
- 100g feta, crumbled
- 3 bay leaves, 1 finely chopped
Tomato Sauce
- 680g jar passata
- 70ml water
Pasta
- 600g spaghetti
Instructions
- Prepare and cook onions: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sizzle for 5 minutes. Remove half of the onions and place them in a large bowl for the meatloaf mix; keep the remaining onions in the pan on low heat.
- Make meatloaf mixture: To the bowl with onions, add the pork mince, egg, fresh breadcrumbs, roughly chopped sage leaves, crumbled feta, and finely chopped bay leaf. Season the mixture well with salt and pepper, then mix thoroughly until combined.
- Form and bake meatloaf: Shape the mixture into a long sausage shape and transfer it to a greased ovenproof dish. Place the remaining whole bay leaves on top, drizzle with a little olive oil, and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4) for 40-45 minutes until cooked through.
- Cook tomato sauce: While the meatloaf bakes, keep the onions in the pan on low heat and cook for 2 minutes. Then increase the heat, pour in the passata and 70ml water. Let the sauce bubble gently for 30 minutes on low heat, stirring often, until thickened and flavorful. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Cook spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti following the package instructions until al dente. Drain well once cooked.
- Combine and serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti in the prepared tomato sauce to coat evenly. Slice the meatloaf and serve alongside the spaghetti, allowing everyone to help themselves to this hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Make sure to finely chop the onions for better mixing and smooth sauce texture.
- Using fresh sage and bay leaves boosts the aromatic flavor profile of the meatloaf.
- If you prefer, you can substitute pork mince with beef or a mixture of beef and pork.
- For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of red wine or a pinch of sugar if the passata is too acidic.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keywords: meatloaf, spaghetti, tomato sauce, easy dinner, pork mince, baked meatloaf, Italian cuisine
