There’s something undeniably satisfying about a light and healthy dinner, like a refreshing salad or a comforting brothy soup. But sometimes, your taste buds yearn for a rich and indulgent experience, and that’s where our Savory Herb and Cheese Infused Meatballs come to the rescue. These meatballs are a delightful blend of cheesy and creamy goodness, all while boasting the nuanced flavors of aromatic herbs and garlic. They’re the kind of dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug for your taste buds, and you won’t regret going for that second helping.
Now, you might think these meatballs are overwhelmingly rich and heavy, given their cheesy appearance, but here’s the twist: the sauce is primarily crafted from chicken stock, keeping the creaminess perfectly balanced. These meatballs aren’t dense either, thanks to a clever use of breadcrumbs soaked in milk, which ensures a light and fluffy texture. The baking process also helps them cook through without becoming soggy, as they are baked separately from the sauce.
The sauce is a breeze to whip up and can be used in a variety of dishes beyond these meatballs – think chicken, baked pasta, or even roasted squash! If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can elevate the sauce with a dash of chili flakes or your favorite herbs.
To make the sauce, begin with a classic roux made from butter and flour, then gradually whisk in chicken broth. An essential element is a smashed garlic clove, infusing its subtle flavor into the sauce as it simmers. Don’t worry; you’ll remove that clove before pouring the sauce over the meatballs to ensure a perfect balance of flavors.
A final touch of creamy mozzarella cheese crowns the dish, becoming irresistibly browned and melty as it spends time in the oven. This, my friends, is comfort food at its finest, and you absolutely must give it a try.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small onion, finely minced
- 1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 clove garlic, smashed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set it aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the milk and breadcrumbs and set aside, allowing the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk until they become soggy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, parsley, and oregano. Add the ground beef and blend the mixture thoroughly using your hands.
- Incorporate the minced onions, garlic, and soaked breadcrumbs into the meat mixture, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- Shape the meat into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the meatballs over and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- While the meatballs are baking, let’s make the sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the smashed garlic clove. Once the butter is fully melted, whisk in the flour and cook for a minute.
- Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and bring it to a boil, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, stir in the cream and parmesan cheese, and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes. Don’t forget to remove the smashed garlic before pouring the sauce over the meatballs. If needed, drain any excess fat from the baking dish.
- Top the meatballs with mozzarella cheese and return the dish to the oven. Bake until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Allow the dish to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your unique and delectable creation!
Feel free to add your own twist to this recipe and make it truly your own. Happy cooking!
image source : 99 easy recipes
