Step 1: Make the Meatballs
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix everything together until well incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat to avoid tough meatballs.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-25 meatballs, depending on the size.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C). Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Cheese and Dill Sauce
- Make the Roux: In the same skillet you used for the meatballs, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes. This will create a roux, which helps thicken the sauce.
- Add the Cream and Cheese: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Keep whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and the cream cheese fully melts. Once the cream is incorporated, add the shredded cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Dill and Season: Stir in the fresh dill, and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness if you like. If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra cream or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 3: Combine the Meatballs with the Sauce
- Simmer the Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently spooning some of the sauce over them. Lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the meatballs to soak up some of the sauce and become even more flavorful.
- Check for Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or dill, if necessary. The sauce should be rich, creamy, and slightly tangy from the mustard.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are tender and coated in the creamy cheese and dill sauce, serve them hot. Pair with your favorite side—mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta all work wonderfully to soak up the rich sauce.
- Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch, garnish with more fresh chopped dill and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy cheese and dill sauce will perfectly complement a side of creamy mashed potatoes, making for a comforting meal.
- With Pasta: Serve over a bed of buttered egg noodles or any pasta you prefer. The sauce will coat the noodles beautifully, creating a deliciously creamy bite with each forkful.
- With Rice: Fluffy white rice or even brown rice is an excellent choice to soak up the savory sauce.
- On a Bed of Greens: For a lighter option, serve the meatballs over sautéed spinach or a fresh green salad, allowing the creamy sauce to drizzle over the top.
Why You’ll Love Savory Meatballs with Creamy Cheese and Dill Sauce:
- Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The cheese sauce is not just creamy—it’s packed with flavor, thanks to the dill, Dijon mustard, and the richness of the cream and cheese. It’s the perfect complement to the savory meatballs.
- Tender, Juicy Meatballs: These meatballs are perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy, with just the right amount of seasoning. The breadcrumbs and egg ensure they don’t dry out while cooking.
- Comfort Food: There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a rich, creamy sauce smothering tender meatballs. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy family meals.
- Versatile and Easy: Whether you’re serving this dish with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, it’s adaptable to whatever you have on hand, and the recipe is simple to follow.
Tips for Perfect Meatballs:
- Don’t Overmix: When making the meatball mixture, be careful not to overmix the ingredients, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Use Lean Ground Meat: While ground beef works best, using a mixture of lean beef and a little bit of pork will give the meatballs more flavor and tenderness.
- Double the Sauce: If you love sauce (and who doesn’t?), double the sauce ingredients for a more generous coating over the meatballs.
Savory Meatballs with a Creamy Cheese and Dill Sauce is a dish that’s bound to become a favorite in your household. The combination of rich, tender meatballs and a smooth, cheesy sauce will leave your taste buds satisfied and your stomach full. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and flavor that’s sure to please everyone at the table!