Christmas Meat Rolls with Tomato and Mustard Sauce with Jason's Hill Merlot

Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients for the Meat Rolls:

  • 500 g beef mince
  • 500 g pork mince (or use all beef if preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp dried mixed herbs (or 1 Tbsp fresh parsley and thyme)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 6 slices of streaky bacon (optional, for wrapping)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil (for browning)

Ingredients for the Tomato and Mustard Sauce:

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (400 g) chopped tomatoes
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard (or wholegrain mustard for texture)
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp vinegar (apple cider or white wine vinegar)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Prepare the Meat Rolls:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef and pork mince, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, herbs, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined (use your hands for best results).
  • Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each portion into a small log or roll.
  • If using bacon, wrap each roll with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
  • Brown the Rolls:
  • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  • Brown the rolls on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side) until golden.
  • Transfer the browned rolls to the prepared baking dish.

Prepare the Sauce:

  • In the same pan, add 1 Tbsp olive oil and sauté the onion until soft and translucent.
  • Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, mustard, brown sugar, and vinegar.
  • Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bake:

  • Pour the tomato and mustard sauce evenly over the browned meat rolls.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes until the rolls are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.

Serve:

  • Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.
  • Serve warm with creamy mashed potatoes, roast vegetables, or festive rice.