Italian Meatballs With Herb Sauce
Juicy Italian meatballs simmered in a flavorful herb sauce, served over fluffy rice—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/2 c. soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 c. hot beef broth ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 3 c. hot cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, chopped onions, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and egg; mix thoroughly.
- Form into 12 meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches each.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides in oil in a skillet.
- Drain off excess fat from the skillet.
- In a small saucepan, blend cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, and garlic powder over low heat until smooth.
- Add hot beef broth to the sauce and stir well.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, stir 2 tablespoons water with cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the sauce and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or oregano to the meatball mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a leaner option. If you don’t have cream cheese, ricotta can work as an alternative, though it will change the texture slightly. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
These Italian meatballs pair beautifully with hot cooked rice, but can also be served over pasta for a comforting meal. Consider a side salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. For a heartier option, serve alongside garlic bread or a slice of Lori's Baked Spaghetti.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to keep them moist. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Meatballs With Herb Sauce contains roughly 921 calories, with 9g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1543mg per serving (67% 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 freeze the meatballs and sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs and sauce together or separately. Just ensure they are cooled completely before placing them in airtight containers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I substitute for beef broth?
If you don't have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as suitable substitutes. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still create a delicious sauce for the meatballs.
Can I add vegetables to the meatball mixture?
Absolutely! Finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can be added to the meatball mixture for added nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to remove excess moisture from any vegetables to maintain the right 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).