These hearty Meatballs in Cream Sauce are a family favorite. My dad’s aunt created this recipe, lovingly referred to our family as “Aunt Bessie Meatballs”. They’re packed with delicious beef and all sorts of vegetables. So not only does it make a pound of beef stretch farther, you can feel good about feeding them to your kids. They’re easy, delicious and so good for you!
Ingredients in Meatballs in Cream Sauce
This hearty dish is sort of like Swedish meatballs, where the balls are covered in a rich, creamy gravy. You can serve them as an appetizer or alongside your favorite veggies as a healthy and delicious dinner. Here’s all you need:
For the Meatballs:
Ground beef – You can use ground turkey meatballs, Italian sausage, ground veal or ground pork, or combine ground beef with a mixture of any meat. Carrot – for this recipe you’ll need about three large carrots, shredded Potato – I like to use one large russet potato, and use a box grater to shred it raw. Yellow onion – one large onion, also finely grated Egg – one large egg is needed to bind the meat mixture together with the rest of the ingredients. Bread crumbs – use your favorite flavor or plain bread crumbs. Red pepper flakes – to taste. A little bit goes a long way so start with just a pinch and go from there. Salt and pepper – about a teaspoon salt and half teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
For the Sauce:
Cream of chicken soup – one can of condensed soup, or make your own with our yummy homemade cream of chicken soup recipe. Cream of mushroom soup – want homemade? We got you covered with this yummy homemade cream of mushroom soup that tastes better than any condensed canned variety. Sour cream – half cup of your favorite brand, or you can substitute plain Greek yogurt. Milk – whole or 2% works great, or for a more creamy texture, you can add in a splash of heavy cream. Paprika – I love to stir in paprika for a smoky flavor and beautiful color in the sauce. You can also add a dash of allspice, Salt and pepper – to taste Fresh parsley – for garnish
What to Serve with Meatballs
You can serve a bowl of these tasty meatballs in sauce all on their own as an appetizer or alongside your favorite veggies or side dishes:
Serve over egg noodles or plain rice. Pasta or rice round out this meal perfectly. Easy Garden Vegetable Rice, or Lemon Rice for an added zip of flavor. Maybe you’re in the mood for a quick Stovetop Rice Pilaf with Orzo. The possibilities are endless. You can serve with a side of Dijon mustard for dipping.
Swedish Meatballs vs. Meatballs in Cream Sauce
This recipe is very similar to our Swedish Meatballs made in the Instant Pot. However with this recipe, the sauce is more like a country gravy in flavor and texture, where the Swedish meatballs recipe is more of a rich brown gravy made with Worcestershire sauce, beef broth and other spices to make it more savory than this creamy meatball sauce.
Steps to Perfectly Shaped Meatballs
How to Store Leftovers
Make sure the meatballs are cooled completely before storing. Then pack them in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can freeze the meatballs too! They’ll stay fresh in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw completely in the fridge before heating in a saucepan or in the oven in a baking sheet.
Additions and Substitutions
To make Italian meatballs, add a handful of parmesan cheese and crushed tomatoes into the meatloaf mix. Use tomato sauce or a little tomato paste to add extra flavor. Simmer in the crockpot to keep them warm for a long period of time. If you need a thicker gravy, whisk a little butter and a couple tablespoons of flour together in a sauce pan to create a roux, then add to the milk mixture and simmer and stir until thickened.
Read more: 25+ Traditional (& Easy) Sunday Dinner Ideas (+ meal plans)
More Meatball Recipes
Several of our delicious meatball recipes can incorporate Aunt Bessie’s version of meatballs. Check out some of these options, and consider the substitution to make the meal even healthier and more filling.
Sweet and Spicy Slow Cooker Meatballs are sure to be a crowd favorite. Sweet with a little kick, they’re perfect for game day or any day! Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs are great for a weeknight meal when you don’t have a lot of time but you want to make something your family is going to love. Easiest Instant Pot Meatballs definitely live up to their name. No browning or sautéing. Just throw them in and be amazed by the results.
How to Make Meatballs in Cream Sauce
Cocktail Meatballs
Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Instant Pot Meatballs
Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs
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