Beef meatballs in sour cream sauce with parmesan

Beef Meatballs in Cream Sauce with Parmesan

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Total time: 45 minutes Number of servings: 4

Who doesn't love the aroma and delicious taste of meatballs? This simple yet impressive recipe brings together meat, spices, and a rich cream sauce to create a comforting and savory dish. Plus, it's a great idea for a family dinner or a meal with friends. Let's dive into making these beef meatballs in cream sauce with parmesan and discover the secrets of a perfect recipe!

A Brief History of Meatballs

Meatballs have a long tradition in kitchens around the world. From pork, veal, or chicken variants, each culture has reinterpreted this dish, adding its own spices and sauces. Today, we will explore a classic recipe but with a modern twist thanks to the rich cream and parmesan sauce.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 400 g minced beef (or chicken/pork, depending on preferences)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tablespoon of rice
- 1/2 teaspoon of vegeta (or salt, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric (if you want a more exotic taste)

For the sauce:
- 2-3 tablespoons of cream
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/2 tablespoon of flour
- 50 g grated parmesan
- Fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons of butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the meatballs
Start by preparing the meatballs. In a large bowl, add the minced beef, egg, rice, vegeta, pepper, and turmeric. Use your hands to mix the ingredients well, ensuring everything is homogeneous.

Helpful tips:
- If you want a healthier option, choose minced chicken or pork. These will give a different yet equally delicious note to the dish.
- The rice helps keep the meatballs juicy and tender.

Once you have a uniform mixture, shape equal-sized meatballs (about the size of a ping-pong ball) and place them on a plate. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. This step is essential to help them maintain their shape during cooking.

2. Preparing the sauce
In a deep pot, add the olive oil and butter. Sauté the finely chopped onion and grated carrot over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and translucent.

Tip: Add a pinch of salt at the beginning of sautéing the onion. This will help the onion release moisture faster and become softer.

3. Cooking the meatballs
After the onion and carrot are ready, add enough water to the pot to cover the meatballs. Take the meatballs out of the fridge and carefully add them to the pot. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, adding water if necessary.

4. Finishing the sauce
In a separate bowl, mix the cream with the flour and add a little water to thin it out. Once the meatballs are cooked, pour the cream mixture into the pot. Add the grated parmesan and torn basil leaves. Let simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes, stirring gently.

Serving suggestion: These meatballs are delicious served with creamy mashed potatoes or steaming rice. Add freshly chopped dill at the end for an extra flavor boost.

Possible Variations
- Cheese meatballs: Add pieces of mozzarella cheese inside the meatballs for a delicious surprise.
- Spicy meatballs: Include chili flakes in the meatball mixture for a more intense flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use minced meat from another type?
Yes, this recipe works well with chicken or pork. Choose what suits you best.

2. Is it possible to boil them separately in water?
Yes, the meatballs can be boiled separately in water. This can be useful if you want to reduce calories in the sauce.

3. How can I store leftover meatballs?
You can keep the meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze them for a later meal.

Nutritional Benefits
This beef meatball recipe is an excellent choice for a balanced meal, providing quality protein, vitamins from vegetables, and calcium from parmesan. One serving (about 3-4 meatballs) contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients.

Conclusion
Beef meatballs in cream sauce with parmesan are an excellent choice for a comforting and tasty meal. With every bite, you will feel the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Experiment with the ingredients and find the combination that suits you best. So, get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious recipe!