Meatballs In Lemon Sauce With Mashed Potatoes
Juicy meatballs in a tangy lemon sauce paired with creamy mashed potatoes and peas, perfect for a comforting family dinner with bright citrus flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 c. fresh bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. grated lemon rind ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 envelopes instant beef broth ⓘ
- 2 lb. boiling potatoes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 c. milk ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water
- 1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen peas ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Beat eggs slightly in a large bowl; add ground chuck, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, lemon rind, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Combine gently and form into 24 meatballs.
- Heat 3 cups of water with beef broth in a Dutch oven; add meatballs.
- Lower heat and poach gently for 15 minutes, turning once.
- Cook potatoes in salted water until tender.
- Drain potatoes and reserve some cooking liquid.
- Mash potatoes with margarine and milk, adding some reserved liquid to make them creamier.
- Stir flour with water to make a smooth mixture.
- Remove meatballs to a heated platter and skim off any fat.
- Add the flour mixture slowly to the broth, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook peas, drain, and arrange on a platter with meat and potatoes.
- Spoon sauce over the meat and pass remaining sauce, garnished with parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter meatball, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground chuck. You can substitute fresh bread crumbs with crushed crackers or panko for added crunch. If you want more flavor, add garlic or onion powder to the meat mixture. Additionally, adjusting the lemon juice can enhance the brightness of the sauce based on your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with chopped parsley for freshness. Pair with steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with 'Leftovers' Monday'S Meat Pie, making it great for dinner parties or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, covered, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatballs In Lemon Sauce With Mashed Potatoes contains roughly 320 calories, with 12g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (123% of the Daily Value), iron (47% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1568mg per serving (68% 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 make the meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Shape them and store uncooked meatballs in the refrigerator for up to a day or freeze them for up to three months. Just cook them directly from the freezer, adding extra poaching time as needed.
What can I substitute for the frozen peas?
If you don't have frozen peas, you can use fresh peas, green beans, or even broccoli for a different twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the vegetable you choose for optimal tenderness.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of flour in the mixture or let it simmer longer to reduce. Another method is to mix cornstarch with cold water and add it to the sauce while stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.
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).