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White sauce meatballs are an elegant take on a comforting favorite. Picture juicy, tender meatballs served in a rich, velvety Parmesan sauce that feels extra-special yet feels like home. It’s the perfect meal to impress guests or to enjoy as an indulgent weeknight dinner. Below, you’ll find a luscious recipe that brings classic meatballs into new territory with just the right balance of creaminess, cheese, and savory flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the meatballs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk (2% or whole)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything with your hands until it comes together. Take care not to overwork the mixture—this helps keep your meatballs tender. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
Warm the olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, leaving a bit of space between them, and brown for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set them aside. Don’t worry if they aren’t cooked through yet—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to form a pale roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously, ensuring no lumps remain. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Carefully place the meatballs back into the sauce. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, and allow them to cook for about 10 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.
To serve, ladle the creamy white sauce over the meatballs, and pair them with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or crusty bread—anything that helps mop up every last bit of the sauce.
This dish is wonderfully versatile, welcoming variations like turkey instead of beef, fresh herbs in the mix, or a swirl of light cream. Whether you’re feeding a family craving a comforting meal or hosting friends who’ll love the elegant twist, these white sauce meatballs deliver flavor and satisfaction. The recipe is straightforward, and you can easily swap in low-fat milk or gluten-free flour to fit dietary needs. With its irresistible aroma and luxurious creaminess, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.
