Growing up in a small village, Sundays were a day of gathering, laughter, and feasting. My grandmother’s house was the heart of our community, and her kitchen was its soul.
The aroma of her cooking would waft through the air, drawing everyone in like a moth to a flame.
One of her most beloved recipes was the Creamy Minced Meatballs Delight. This dish has a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of those joyful family gatherings and the warmth of home.
Today, I’m excited to share this cherished recipe with you, hoping it brings as much joy to your home as it did to ours.
How to Make Creamy Minced Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Main Dish:
- 2 eggs
- 800 g minced meat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
- 60 g breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 70 g cheese, grated
- 35 g melted butter
- 1 kg potatoes
- 120 ml warm milk
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 400 ml cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preparing the Potatoes:
Peeling and Chopping: Start by peeling the potatoes. Once peeled, chop them into evenly sized chunks to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Boiling: Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Place the potato chunks in the pot and bring it to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are soft, which should take about 15-20 minutes. You can check their doneness by piercing them with a fork; they should be tender.
Mashing: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the melted butter and warm milk to the potatoes. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Preparing the Minced Meat:
Mixing Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, Italian herb blend, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Sautéing: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
Cooking Meat: Add the minced meat mixture to the skillet and cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Adding Cheese: Once the meat is cooked, stir in the grated cheese and mix until it melts into the meat mixture. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preparing the Cream Sauce:
Making Roux: In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
Adding Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and stir well to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
Adding Cream: Gradually add the cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, about 10 minutes.
Seasoning: Season with salt to taste and add the chopped parsley. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assembling the Dish:
Layering: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large baking dish, spread a layer of the mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom. Add a layer of the minced meat mixture on top of the potatoes.
Pouring Sauce: Pour the cream sauce over the meat layer, spreading it evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Cooling: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Serving the Dish:
Garnishing: Garnish the dish with some extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch. This adds color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Serving: Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and hearty meal with your loved ones. Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Notes
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
You can substitute the minced meat with ground chicken or turkey if preferred.
For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a meat substitute like soy or mushroom mince.
The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tips
Quality Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh parsley and good-quality cheese can make a significant difference.
Creamy Potatoes: To achieve the creamiest mashed potatoes, ensure the milk is warm before adding it to the potatoes. Cold milk can cause the potatoes to become gummy.
Flavor Boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the minced meat mixture for an extra umami kick. This adds depth to the flavor.
Perfect Sauce: Stir the cream sauce continuously to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it with a little more cream or milk.
Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A side of crusty bread also complements it well.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Twist: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the minced meat mixture for a spicy kick. If you love heat, this is a great way to enhance the flavor.
Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle extra grated cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy crust. Who doesn’t love more cheese?
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to customize the flavor profile. Herbs can elevate the dish and add unique aromas.
Customizing the Recipe
Feel free to get creative and customize this recipe to suit your tastes. Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added texture and nutrition. You can also experiment with different cheeses or herbs to create.
I hope you enjoy preparing and eating this delicious Minced Meat and Potato Delight!
Cooking is all about experimenting and finding joy in creating something wonderful. So, cook with love and share it with your loved ones.
Try More Delicious Recipes
Pandan Cream Coconut Milk Dessert Without Oven
Chicken Lasagna With Creamy White Sauce
