Creamy Horseradish And "Dill Meat Balls"
Creamy horseradish and dill meatballs offer a flavorful, comforting dish with a tangy, herbaceous sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Served over noodles, it's both hearty and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 cups whole wheat bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons horseradish ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons chopped dill or 3 teaspoons dried dill weed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup no-fat sour cream ⓘ
- hot, cooked egg noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, water, horseradish, chopped dill or dried dill weed, and salt in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into sixteen 2-inch meatballs.
- Place the meatballs 1/2 inch apart on a broiler pan.
- In a 5-quart pan, add vegetable oil and whisk in flour, cooking and stirring for 2 minutes.
- Whisk in beef broth, remaining dill, salt, and pepper; cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Add the meatballs to the sauce.
- Simmer, covered, basting occasionally for 15 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Stir in no-fat sour cream and remaining horseradish.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over hot cooked egg noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, mix in some grated Parmesan cheese or finely chopped garlic to the meatball mixture. If you're short on time, pre-made meatballs can be used as a substitute. Consider using ground turkey for a lighter option, or whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier twist. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Beef recipes that include rich sauces.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the creamy horseradish meatballs over hot cooked egg noodles for a comforting meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad complements the dish nicely. For a heartier option, try pairing it with garlic bread or crusty rolls, making it a great addition to any buffet or family gathering.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm them gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Horseradish And "Dill Meat Balls" contains roughly 466 calories, with 15g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (265% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (108% of the Daily Value), and iron (63% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1256mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
Yes, feel free to substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the ground beef. Each will bring a different flavor profile, and the cooking times may vary slightly. Ensure the meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
What if I don't have horseradish?
If you don't have horseradish on hand, you can use prepared mustard or a dash of hot sauce as a substitute. This will provide a similar level of heat and tanginess to the dish, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just reheat the sauce and meatballs before serving, and cook the egg noodles fresh for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).