Easy Creamy Homemade Meatballs

These creamy homemade meatballs are the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights and cozy gatherings. With a flavor-packed beef and pork mixture that bakes up tender and juicy, plus a luscious tomato-cream sauce, this is a recipe that always wins smiles at my dinner table. It is the kind of dish I crave on chilly evenings and love serving to family and friends.

My first batch of these meatballs disappeared so fast that now it is a regular in my rotation especially when I want to impress without much fuss.

Ingredients

• Italian or French bread: adds moisture and structure to keep meatballs light go for a fresh loaf rather than pre-sliced sandwich bread if possible
• Whole milk: enriches the mixture and helps soak the bread you can use any milk but whole gives a richer result
• Yellow onion: for sweetness and balance choose a firm onion with shiny skin for best flavor
• Grated carrot: brings subtle sweetness and moisture to the meatballs pick carrots with vibrant color and crisp texture
• Garlic cloves: provide savory punch fresh garlic is best for the truest flavor
• Ground beef: for hearty flavor use 80 percent lean for juicy texture
• Ground pork: adds richness and tenderness if you skip pork use all beef
• Egg: acts as a binder for hold
• Garlic powder: for extra flavor support opt for fresh powder that is fragrant
• Smoked paprika powder: delivers smoky depth and beautiful color Spanish smoked paprika gives richer taste
• Parsley seasoning: for a fresh herbal note you can also use freshly chopped parsley
• Black pepper: gives subtle heat grind fresh for best aroma
• Salt: essential for seasoning use a good quality kosher or sea salt
• Olive oil: helps the browning
• Avocado oil spray: for nonstick roasting it is neutral and withstands high heat
• Tomato sauce: forms the tangy, rich base choose a good quality low-sugar sauce
• Heavy cream: is key for the creamy texture and lush sauce
• Freshly chopped parsley: gives herby brightness add just before serving for color
• Salt and pepper: always season to taste
• Mashed potatoes or rice: are tasty bases for soaking up every bit of sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Soak the Bread:

Tear the bread into pieces and soak in whole milk for five minutes until soft This mixture creates incredibly soft meatballs and makes a big difference so do not skip it

Mix the Meatball Ingredients:

In a large bowl combine mashed soaked bread finely chopped onion grated carrot minced garlic ground beef ground pork egg garlic powder smoked paprika parsley seasoning black pepper and salt Use clean hands to mix until everything feels evenly blended but do not overmix for the most tender meatballs

Shape and Bake the Meatballs:

Line a baking tray with parchment and spray well with avocado oil Scoop out about one tablespoon of mixture for each meatball and gently roll between your palms Place them evenly on the tray Bake in a hot oven at 400 F for twenty minutes until just cooked For extra flavor broil for two minutes at the end to brown the tops

Make the Sauce:

While the meatballs bake heat a large skillet over medium Add tomato sauce heavy cream garlic powder smoked paprika and freshly chopped parsley Let the sauce gently simmer and thicken stirring now and then for fifteen to twenty minutes Finish with salt and pepper to taste

Combine and Simmer:

Transfer cooked meatballs to the bubbling sauce Make sure every meatball is coated then cover the skillet and let it simmer for five minutes This melds the flavors and ensures super tender results

Serve:

Serve the creamy meatballs spooned over fluffy mashed potatoes or rice The sauce soaks in and makes every bite extra comforting

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My favorite part of this dish is using fresh parsley I remember my grandmother always adding a big handful from her garden and now I do the same My kids go wild for these meatballs especially when they get to help roll them out

Storage Tips

This recipe stores beautifully in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days The sauce thickens as it rests so you might want to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating Leftovers freeze well in a sealed container for up to two months and taste just as good after thawing

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have ground pork all beef works fine Try ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version Substitute gluten free bread and dairy free milk to meet dietary needs You can swap fresh parsley for basil or chives for a new flavor twist

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs pair perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed rice For a lower carb version serve with sautéed greens or roasted cauliflower A simple crisp green salad or steamed broccoli rounds out the meal

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Cultural Notes

Creamy meatballs are a beloved comfort dish in many European and Scandinavian households The mix of beef pork and tender veggies echoes classic Swedish köttbullar with an Italian-style creamy tomato sauce That combination is what makes this recipe feel both familiar and special on any table

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use only ground beef instead of a beef and pork mix?

Yes, using only ground beef will work, though the classic blend adds extra flavor and tenderness. Adjust seasoning to your preference.

→ How can I make the meatballs extra tender?

Soaking bread in milk and mixing gently helps create light and moist meatballs. Avoid overworking the mixture to maintain softness.

→ What side dishes pair best with these meatballs?

Mashed potatoes and rice are both excellent choices, as they absorb the rich creamy sauce, enhancing every bite.

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the creamy tomato sauce can be made in advance and gently reheated, making meal prep more convenient.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Place cooled meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.