Meatballs...well, they're just really good when you make them yourself and you can easily make a sauce with fresh or tinned tomatoes. Just try and get some good quality mince because that will really make a difference. In terms of getting your kids involved in the kitchen this is the perfect dish, as they'll love forming the polpette and what kid doesn't like to eat meatballs and spaghetti...? -even the fussy ones!

take 500g good quality beef mince
add an egg, finely chopped onion, some breadcrumbs, herbs & garlic
now get your hands in & really mix it all up -this sort of tenderises the mince
form your meatballs...bite size are best I think
on a medium/high heat large pan pour a little oil & brown the meatballs
add a tin of tomatoes & some tomatoe puree or a jar of passata
salt, pepper & fresh basil leaves
a splash of red wine -make sure to boil off the alcohol
cook away on a simmer for at least 30 mins....but the longer the better!
serve with spaghetti & dress with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese ...do not wear white clothes when consuming these...!