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Creamy Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes

Tender beef meatballs in rich creamy sauce served over fluffy homemade mashed potatoes. Perfect comfort food ready in 40 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 778

Ingredients
  

  • 1.1 lbs ground beef
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper divided
  • 1 onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 4/5 cup heavy cream
  • 2/5 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 handful fresh parsley chopped
  • 3.3 lbs starchy potatoes peeled and cut into equal pieces
  • 3.5 oz butter
  • 2/5 cup milk
  • 2/5 cup potato cooking water reserved
  • 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Potato masher or ricer
  • Large pot for boiling potatoes
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Peel the potatoes and cut into equal-sized pieces, about 2 inches each. Place in a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes until fork-tender. Reserve 2/5 cup of cooking water before draining.
  2. In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix just until combined, avoiding overworking the meat.
  3. Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter, keeping them uniform in size for even cooking.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides for about 10 minutes total. Remove to a plate and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, saute the diced onion for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Stir in tomato paste and toast for about 1 minute to intensify the flavors.
  7. Pour in heavy cream and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Season with remaining salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Return meatballs to the skillet, cover with a lid, and simmer over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and meatballs are cooked through.
  9. Add butter, milk, and reserved cooking water to the drained potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
  10. Serve meatballs over mashed potatoes, spooning plenty of sauce on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

For the most tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Toast the tomato paste to develop deeper flavors. Use starchy potatoes like Russets for the fluffiest results. Reserve potato cooking water for the creamiest mashed potatoes.
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