Ready for a delicious dinner that is on the table in under half an hour? I have had this recipe ready to go for some time, but just haven’t had the time to get to it.  It is so good that I’ve made it several times already and My Sweet Babboo thinks it is a winner.  With only 15 minutes to prep, and 15 to cook, it comes together really fast.  I really like the delicate flavor of veal for these meatballs, but I know veal is expensive, and I don’t buy it unless it is a bargain.  I made it just a few days ago with ground turkey, and it was delicious with that too.   The choice of protein is better with a delicate flavor with this light sauce, rather than a strong one like beef or pork. I paired the turkey meatballs with rice.

First, as usual for me, gather the ingredients and measure in a mis-en-place.

Combine breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons milk, mix then let sit until milk is absorbed – about 10 minutes.  This is the secret to moist meatballs, called a panade, and works with meatloaf too. This mixture holds in moisture so the meat doesn’t dry out.

While it sits, cut the fresh basil into chiffonade, and chop the parsley.  If you are using dried instead of fresh, use double the amounts given in the recipe.

Combine veal, garlic salt, lemon pepper, breadcrumb/milk mixture and egg, mix well.

Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, make meatballs.

Place a large pan over medium heat, and add grapeseed oil.  Grapeseed oil is a neutral oil, and doesn’t add any flavor to the dish like olive oil would.   See my post on Flavored and Specialty Oils. When oil is shimmering, add meatballs.

Brown meatballs on all sides.

Remove to a plate. They will not be completely done at this stage.

You should have about one tablespoon still, depending on how much fat is in the meat. Pour off excess if needed.  Add onions to oil remaining in pan and saute until softened.

Add mushrooms and saute briefly.

Add flour and saute for one minute stirring constantly.  If you need more oil, feel free to add a small dollop. All the flour should be incorporated into the oil.

Add milk, continuing to stir until mixture thickens, then add half and half.

Stir in basil and parsley.

Return meatballs to sauce.

Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until done. Meatballs are done when the internal temperature reaches 150 degrees for veal, or 160 degrees for poultry on a digital thermometer, or until no longer pink.

If sauce is too thick, thin with additional half and half.

Serve over rice or noodles as desired.  I served the veal meatballs with wide egg noodles.

Veal (Turkey) Meatballs with Basil Cream Sauce

1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons milk
1 lb ground veal (or ground chicken or turkey)
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp lemon pepper
1 egg
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup sliced or quartered mushrooms (optional)
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup fat free half and half
6 large fresh basil leaves, cut in chiffonade
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Combine breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons milk, mix then let sit until milk is absorbed – about 10 minutes. Combine veal, garlic salt, lemon pepper. Add breadcrumb/milk mixture and egg, mix well. Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, make meatballs. Place a large pan over medium heat, and add grapeseed oil. When oil is shimmering, add meatballs and brown on all sides. Remove to a plate. They will not be completely done at this stage. Add onions to oil remaining in pan and saute until softened. Add mushrooms and saute briefly.  Add flour and saute for one minute stirring constantly. Add milk, continuing to stir until mixture thickens, then add half and half.  Stir in basil and parsley. Return meatballs to sauce, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until done. Meatballs are done when the internal temperature reaches 150 degrees on a thermometer for veal or 160 for poultry, or until no longer pink.  If sauce is too thick, thin with additional half and half. Serve over rice or noodles as desired.

Served with a side salad, you have dinner in less than 30 minutes.  Leave the mushrooms out if you don’t like them.

Yum!  These don’t last long at our house, dinner one night then lunch the next day and they are gone. Download the pdf recipe – Veal Meatballs in Basil Cream Sauce

Special enough for a holiday meal, perhaps the night before Thanksgiving, but easy enough for everyday.  Have you made your own meatballs before?

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