This Meatballs in Creamy Sauce with Mashed Potatoes recipe is the perfect comfort food combination. Tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy sauce, paired with creamy mashed potatoes—what’s not to love? This dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty, delicious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Savory meatballs: Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and aromatic spices like paprika, these meatballs are juicy and full of flavor.
-
Creamy sauce: The creamy sauce, made with cream, tomato paste, and vegetable stock, adds richness and a perfect complement to the meatballs.
-
Perfect mashed potatoes: The buttery, creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that makes the dish extra comforting and satisfying.
-
Simple and comforting: With just a few ingredients, this dish comes together easily, perfect for a family meal or dinner with friends.

Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Meatballs:
-
500 g minced beef
-
1 egg
-
80 g breadcrumbs
-
1 tsp sweet paprika
-
1.5 tsp salt
-
1 tsp pepper
For the Sauce:
-
1 diced onion
-
2 cloves garlic, chopped
-
1 tbsp tomato paste
-
200 ml cream
-
100 ml vegetable stock
-
Salt and pepper (to taste)
-
1 handful of parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
-
1.5 kg floury potatoes
-
100 g butter
-
100 ml milk
-
100 ml potato cooking water
-
1 pinch of nutmeg
-
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Tips for Success
-
Potato variety: Use floury potatoes like Russet or Maris Piper for the best mashed potatoes texture. They mash beautifully and absorb the butter and cream well.
-
Season the potatoes: Make sure to season the mashed potatoes well with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavor.
-
Meatball size: Form the meatballs to a consistent size (about 25g each) for even cooking. You can use a spoon or your hands for uniform meatballs.
-
Rest the meatballs: Allow the meatballs to rest in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors of the creamy sauce.
Directions
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
-
Peel the potatoes and cut them into equal-sized pieces.
-
Cook the potatoes in salted water for about 20-30 minutes or until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork.
-
Mash the cooked potatoes together with the potato cooking water, milk, butter, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk and butter to reach your desired consistency.
2. Make the Meatballs
-
In a large bowl, mix the minced beef, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and sweet paprika until well combined.
-
Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 25g each).
-
Fry the meatballs in a bit of oil over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce
-
In the same pan, fry the diced onions for a few minutes until softened and translucent.
-
Add the chopped garlic and cook briefly for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Stir in the tomato paste and roast it for about 1 minute to bring out the flavors.
-
Deglaze the pan with cream and vegetable stock, stirring to combine.
-
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Add the meatballs back into the pan and let everything simmer, covered, on medium heat for about 5-10 minutes to allow the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
4. Serve
-
Sprinkle the meatballs with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
-
Serve the meatballs and creamy sauce alongside the mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Storage
Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

FAQ: Meatballs in Creamy Sauce with Mashed Potatoes
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a leaner version of the meatballs. Just be sure to season them well to maintain flavor.
2. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time, refrigerate them, and then cook them later. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, just thaw and fry.
3. Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cream with a non-dairy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. The flavor will slightly change but still be delicious.
4. Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Mashed potatoes can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently on the stovetop with a little extra milk or butter to restore their creamy texture.
5. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
While fresh mashed potatoes are the best option for this dish, you can use instant mashed potatoes in a pinch. Just follow the package instructions and season them well.
6. How can I make the meatballs juicier?
To keep the meatballs juicy, make sure not to overcook them. Also, adding a little bit of milk or grated cheese to the meatball mixture helps keep them moist.
7. What else can I serve with this dish?
This dish is great with a side of steamed vegetables, roasted carrots, or green beans for extra color and flavor. A fresh salad would also complement the meal nicely.
Conclusion
This Meatballs in Creamy Sauce with Mashed Potatoes is a truly satisfying meal. The rich, flavorful meatballs paired with the creamy, comforting mashed potatoes make it a perfect dish for any occasion, from family dinners to special gatherings. It’s simple to make, yet full of comforting flavors that everyone will love. Enjoy!
Print
Meatballs in Creamy Sauce with Mashed Potatoes: A Comforting Classic
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: undefined
Description
This Meatballs in Creamy Sauce with Mashed Potatoes recipe is the perfect comfort food combination. Tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy sauce, paired with creamy mashed potatoes—what’s not to love? This dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty, delicious meal.
Ingredients
500 g minced beef
1 egg
80 g breadcrumbs
1 tsp sweet paprika
1.5 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
For the Sauce:
1 diced onion
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste
200 ml cream
100 ml vegetable stock
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 handful of parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
1.5 kg floury potatoes
100 g butter
100 ml milk
100 ml potato cooking water
1 pinch of nutmeg
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into equal-sized pieces. Cook in salted water for 20-30 minutes until soft. Mash with potato cooking water, milk, butter, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix minced beef, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. Form into 25g meatballs. Fry in oil for 10 minutes until golden brown, then set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, fry diced onions for a few minutes, then add garlic and cook briefly. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add cream and vegetable stock, season with salt and pepper, and simmer. Add meatballs back in and let everything simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve meatballs and sauce with mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg