Parmesan Meatballs in Mozzarella Basil Cream Sauce
Try this Parmesan Meatballs in Mozzarella Basil Cream Sauce recipe.
Try this Parmesan Meatballs in Mozzarella Basil Cream Sauce recipe.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 4-6 garlic cloves minced
- fresh basil
- fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoons dried parsley
- freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 small shallot
- freshly squeezed lemon juice
- garnish (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/3 cup dry chopped onion
- a couple splashes of milk
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup frozen petite peas thawed
- 1/4 cup loosely packed flat leaf parsley minced
- 1 1/2 cups milk (i use lowfat)
- 12 oz. orzo pasta
- parmesan meatballs
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs*
- 1 cup finely freshly grated parmesan
- mozzarella basil cream sauce
- 10 basil leafs chiffonade**
- Carbohydrate 22.4148177292627 g
- Cholesterol 633.578338138363 mg
- Fat 129.041734643957 g
- Fiber 2.87004913095764 g
- Protein 166.134882296626 g
- Saturated Fat 44.942080030176 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 (942g)
- Sodium 1161.50597796413 mg
- Sugar 19.5447685983051 g
- Trans Fat 11.1329380691569 g
- Calories 1950 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Add all Parmesan Meatball ingredients to a large bowl and mix until evenly combined.
- Form meatballs into heaping 1 tablespoon balls (approximately 40 meatballs).
- Lightly coat a large nonstick skillet with olive oil and heat to medium-high heat.
- Brown meatballs on all sides, drain on paper towels, then line on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, cook orzo pasta in generously salted water.
- Whisk cornstarch with milk, set aside.
- Melt butter in olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet.
- Add shallots and garlic and sauté for 60 seconds.
- Sprinkle in flour and cook while stirring for 3 minutes, then turn heat to low.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then milk, then heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Turn heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a simmer while stirring constantly.
- Stir in Dijon and dry spices and continue to simmer until almost thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Add peas and continue to simmer until thickened and peas are cooked through.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, followed by mozzarella cheese until melted.
- Stir in fresh basil and fresh parsley, followed by orzo and meatballs, adding additional milk if necessary.
- Taste and season with additional salt, pepper and/or red pepper flakes to taste.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley/basil, and lemon (optional).
Parmesan Meatballs in a Creamy Mozzarella Basil Sauce: A Weeknight Delight
As a busy working mom, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This Parmesan Meatball recipe fits the bill perfectly. It's elegant enough for a dinner party, yet simple enough for a busy weeknight. The creamy mozzarella basil sauce adds a touch of sophistication, making it a meal that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen. The secret? Smart planning and a few simple shortcuts!
The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking. Don’t have fresh basil? Dried basil works just fine. Prefer a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Feeling adventurous? Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage. The possibilities are endless!
What I love most about this recipe is how it comes together effortlessly. While the meatballs bake, I whip up the creamy sauce. It's a multitasking marvel! The result is a comforting, flavorful dish that the whole family will devour. And let’s be honest, a meal that can be mostly prepped ahead of time is a lifesaver on a busy day. I often prepare the meatballs and sauce components in the morning, so all that’s left to do at dinner time is combine everything and heat it through. This method allows me to spend quality time with my family rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
Meatball Magic: Tips and Tricks for Perfection
To ensure perfectly browned and tender meatballs, I highly recommend browning them in a skillet before baking. This step adds a delicious crust and prevents them from becoming dry. Don't overcrowd the skillet; work in batches to achieve even browning. Also, a light touch with the seasoning is crucial; don’t over-salt the meatballs – the sauce will add plenty of flavor. The beauty of these meatballs lies in the simple, yet effective, combination of ingredients. No need for fancy cheeses or exotic spices; just classic Italian flavors executed perfectly.
Creamy Sauce Secrets for Success
The mozzarella basil cream sauce is the star of the show. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. The key to a luscious sauce is using high-quality ingredients. Fresh basil adds a vibrant, herbaceous note; and using a combination of Parmesan and mozzarella delivers the perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess. Start with a good roux (butter and flour) and let it cook for the appropriate time. This step may seem insignificant, but it significantly enhances the sauce’s texture and taste. Remember, low and slow is the key to a creamy, smooth sauce. Don't rush the process; patience is essential. Gently simmering the sauce allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a magical experience in every bite.
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Meal
For a truly indulgent meal, serve these meatballs over a bed of freshly cooked orzo pasta. The orzo absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly, creating a dish that's both comforting and elegant. A side salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the meatballs and sauce. A simple green salad, dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette, complements the rich flavors of the meatballs and sauce wonderfully. For a more substantial meal, serve with a side of roasted vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini. These add color and texture to the plate, making it visually appealing as well as delicious. Don’t be afraid to experiment; a side of crusty bread is also a fantastic addition for dipping into the leftover sauce.
Make Ahead Magic: For the Busy Home Chef
To make life easier, the meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Similarly, the sauce can be prepared a day or two in advance, allowing you to have a delicious dinner ready in minutes. When you're pressed for time, just heat everything through and enjoy! This is perfect for busy weeknights. Making the components ahead saves precious time, which allows you to spend more quality time with your family.
This Parmesan Meatball recipe has quickly become a staple in our home. It's a meal that never disappoints, always satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and I'm sure it will become one of your family’s favorites too. It's perfect for both special occasions and busy weeknights. The comforting flavors, the ease of preparation, and the delicious results make it a winner in my book!
