Short description
I created a comforting dish of tender, savory meatballs infused with fresh herbs and served alongside crispy roasted baby potatoes—all draped in a silky, creamy sauce. This meal is easy to pull together and delivers rich flavor in every bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe brings together juicy meatballs bursting with herb flavor and perfectly roasted potatoes in one satisfying dish. The creamy sauce ties it all together and adds a luxurious touch without any complicated steps. It’s a weeknight win that feels special but comes together simply.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
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breadcrumbs or panko
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egg
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garlic, minced
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fresh parsley, chopped
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fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
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salt
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black pepper
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olive oil or vegetable oil
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baby potatoes, halved or quartered
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butter
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onion, finely chopped
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heavy cream (or half‑and‑half)
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Dijon mustard (optional)
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grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
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fresh chives or additional parsley, chopped (for garnish)
directions
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I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a bowl, I combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, thyme (or rosemary), salt, and pepper. I mix gently until just combined.
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I form the mixture into bite‑sized meatballs—about 1 ½ inches in diameter.
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I toss the baby potatoes with oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. I roast them for about 20 minutes until golden and crisp.
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Meanwhile, I heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I brown the meatballs, turning to ensure even color—about 8–10 minutes total. I remove them from the pan.
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In the same skillet, I melt a pat of butter, sauté the chopped onion until translucent, then stir in cream (and Dijon mustard if using), scraping up any browned bits.
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I return the meatballs to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and meatballs finish cooking.
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I plate the roasted potatoes alongside the meatballs with creamy herb sauce, then sprinkle fresh chives or parsley on top for a bright touch.
Servings and timing
I serve this for four generously.
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 25–30 minutes (including potato roast and meatball simmer)
Total time: approximately 45 minutes
Variations
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Better beef swap: Use a beef–pork blend for richer flavor.
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Potato mix‑up: Try fingerling potatoes or even sweet baby potatoes for variety.
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Herb boost: Add basil or tarragon to the meatball mix for a different note.
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Creamy twist: Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang.
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Vegetable side: Roast carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus alongside potatoes for added veggies.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much. I reheat potatoes separately in a single layer on a baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes—I can shape the meatballs and keep them covered in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.
2. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Absolutely. I bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–18 minutes, then finish them in the skillet with the sauce.
3. What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?
I often use half‑and‑half or a mix of milk and sour cream. It’s slightly lighter but still creamy.
4. Can I make this dairy‑free?
Yes. I swap cream for a dairy‑free alternative like coconut cream, and skip the Parmesan. The meatballs and potatoes still shine.
5. Can I freeze leftover meatballs?
Definitely. I freeze cooked meatballs (without potatoes) in their sauce for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a skillet.
Conclusion
This Creamy Herb Meatballs with Roasted Baby Potatoes recipe is a reliable favorite in my kitchen. It’s hearty, flavorful, and full of comforting textures. Whether I’m cooking for family or simply craving something cozy, this dish always delivers.
PrintCreamy Herb Meatballs with Roasted Baby Potatoes
Creamy Herb Meatballs with Roasted Baby Potatoes is a comforting dish featuring savory, herb-infused meatballs served alongside crispy roasted baby potatoes, all smothered in a silky, creamy sauce. It’s easy to prepare and delivers rich, satisfying flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-frying and baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh chives or additional parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, thyme (or rosemary), salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs—about 1 ½ inches in diameter.
- Toss the baby potatoes with oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs, turning to ensure even color—about 8–10 minutes total. Remove the meatballs from the pan.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté the chopped onion until translucent, then stir in cream (and Dijon mustard if using), scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the meatballs finish cooking.
- Plate the roasted potatoes alongside the meatballs with creamy herb sauce, then sprinkle fresh chives or parsley on top for garnish.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if needed. Reheat potatoes separately at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- For a dairy-free option, swap cream for coconut cream and omit the Parmesan.
- You can bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes instead of frying, then finish them in the skillet with the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg