How to Put Together a Meatball Bar

The classic meatball can be transformed in so many ways. This in mind, why not make a party out of it?

Becky Low shares the recipe for perfect meatballs, and how to put together a meatball bar.

Classic Meatballs in Cream Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 slices bread
• ¼ cup milk, or buttermilk
• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ pound ground sausage or pork
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2-3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Dash nutmeg, to taste

Method

Tear bread into pieces and place in food processor; pulse until reduced to crumbs. Place crumbs in a large mixing bowl. Add milk and toss to mix.

Add meats, sprinkle with cheese, salt, pepper, parsley, and garlic; beat egg with a fork and add. Gently mix with hands until blended, but not over mixed.

Dampen hands; use a cup or scoop, shape into 12-24 meatballs (depending on size preference). Place meatballs on baking sheet and refrigerate 20-30 minutes.

Brown meatballs either by pan frying over medium heat in 2 tablespoons oil until browned and cooked through; or place meatballs on baking sheet with sides and bake at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until browned and cooked through. EXCEPTION – brown the surface of the meatballs then place them in sauce of choice and simmer covered for 10-15 minutes, or until meat is cooked through.

Cream Sauce: If meatballs are pan fried, remove meatballs from pan and set aside to keep warm. Form a roux, drain excess fat from the pan and add butter; melt over medium heat. Stir flour into melted butter and cook until golden brown.

Whisk beef broth into butter roux and bring to a boil; stir in cream; add Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to taste. Place meatballs in sauce and simmer until heated through. Serve over rice or pasta. Serves 6

Becky Low represents The Dairy Council of Utah/Nevada a partner of Dairy West. For delicious dairy recipes and nutrition information go to: https://dairywest.com/recipe/