Quebec Meatball Ragout
A hearty Quebec-style meatball ragout featuring tender meatballs flavored with warm spices, served over boiled potatoes for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh lean minced pork ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. minced beef ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. minced veal
- 1 small minced onion ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 2 slices bread
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3 cups water ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. browned flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the minced pork, beef, and veal well.
- Add the minced onion, parsley, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and dry mustard to the meat mixture.
- Soak the bread slices in milk, then blend them into the meat mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Fry the meatballs in butter or vegetable oil until browned.
- Pour 3 cups of water over the meatballs, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Mix together 4 tablespoons of browned flour with 1/2 cup of water.
- Pour the flour mixture into the broth and cook, stirring, until it thickens to a good consistency.
- Serve the ragout over boiled potatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. You can substitute the veal with additional minced beef or pork if necessary. If you're short on time, pre-made meatballs can be used, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Adding some diced carrots or celery to the broth can enhance the ragout's flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ragout over boiled potatoes, which absorb the delicious sauce perfectly. A side of steamed green beans or a simple salad can complement the dish nicely. This hearty meal pairs beautifully with Creamy Beef Stroganoff for a comforting dinner or can be enjoyed as leftovers for lunch the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Quebec Meatball Ragout can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. It's also suitable for freezing; just ensure it's in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quebec Meatball Ragout contains roughly 2281 calories, with 17g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 207g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (108% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2824mg per serving (123% 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 different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the traditional recipe uses pork, beef, and veal, you can experiment with turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just keep the proportions similar to maintain the texture and flavor balance.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Quebec Meatball Ragout gluten-free, substitute the bread with gluten-free bread or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure the flour used for thickening is also gluten-free, such as rice flour or cornstarch.
What can I serve with Quebec Meatball Ragout?
This dish pairs well with boiled potatoes, but you can also serve it over rice or pasta for a different twist. A crusty bread on the side is great for soaking up the sauce, making it a hearty meal option.
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).