Creamy Skillet Meatballs Carrots (Printable Version)

Juicy meatballs and diced carrots in creamy skillet sauce make a cozy dish perfect for casual family dinners.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the meatballs

01 - 450g ground beef or ground turkey
02 - 1 egg
03 - 60ml breadcrumbs
04 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
05 - 1 clove garlic, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
08 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
09 - 15–30ml oil or butter, for browning

→ For the sauce

10 - 1 tablespoon butter
11 - 1 small onion, finely diced
12 - 1 cup (130g) diced carrots
13 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 1 tablespoon flour
15 - 360ml chicken or vegetable broth
16 - 120ml heavy cream or half and half
17 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
18 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or a splash of lemon juice (optional for brightness)

# Steps To Follow:

01 - In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), minced garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just incorporated.
02 - Form the mixture into 2.5cm balls, yielding approximately 20 small meatballs. Heat oil or butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and brown evenly on all sides. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrots. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
04 - Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Slowly add the broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
05 - Introduce cream to the sauce, season with salt, pepper, and add Dijon mustard or lemon juice if desired. Return browned meatballs and any juices to the skillet. Cover and simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
06 - Present directly in the skillet. Let steam rise and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. Suitable accompaniments include crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.

# Notes and Tips:

01 - Using a combination of beef and turkey delivers both flavor and tenderness to the meatballs.
02 - Cream can be substituted with half and half for a lighter consistency.
03 - Searing the meatballs before simmering enhances flavor and helps them retain shape during cooking.