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Nanna’s Fettuccine with Meatballs Recipe

This recipe is rated 4.9 out of 5.

Gluten-free option

Protein-packed

Soy-free option

Refined sugar free

Nut-free option

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Fettucine with meatballs in Napoli sauce served on a white plate with a red and white checked tablecloth
Fettucine with meatballs in Napoli sauce served on a white plate. One meatball has been cut to reveal the centre,
Fettucine with meatballs in Napoli sauce served in a white serving dish with a red and white checked tablecloth

Ridiculously hearty, saucy, and flavour-packed, these plant-based meatballs prove you don’t need meat to honour traditional flavours — just a Nanna who knows her way around the kitchen.

You will need

Serves 6

  • 1 zucchini, grated
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 medium onion, grated
  • 1 large clove of garlic, grated (optional)
  • 600g of plant-based mince or burger patties (we used Beyond Meat)
  • Parsley, chopped (to taste)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornflour
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 50g of vegan parmesan (we used Green Vie)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
  • Olive oil, for shallow-frying (or any neutral tasting oil)
  • 1.4kg Napoli sauce (store-bought or make your own)
  • 1-2 packets fettucine (gluten-free if needed)

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Directions

20 mins to prep

35 mins to cook

  1. Step 1

    Grate the zucchini, carrot, onion and (optional) garlic into a large bowl. Add the plant-based mince, parsley, salt and pepper; mix well. Whisk together cornflour and water and stir it in.

  2. Step 2

    Add the vegan parmesan and 1 cup breadcrumbs. Mix until combined, adding extra breadcrumbs only if the mixture feels too soft. Shape into balls (an ice-cream scoop gives even portions).

  3. Step 3

    Heat the 1.4 kg Napoli sauce in a wide pot large enough to hold all the meatballs.

  4. Step 4

    Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to the boil for the fettuccine.

  5. Step 5

    Shallow-fry the meatballs in olive oil over medium heat, turning, for about 15 minutes or until golden.

  6. Step 6

    Transfer the meatballs to the simmering sauce and cook for a further 15–20 minutes.

  7. Step 7

    Cook the fettuccine according to packet directions. Drain.

  8. Step 8

    Serve the pasta topped with plenty of sauce and meatballs.

Variation

Nanna loves fettucine but any pasta works just as well.

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