Creamy Celery Meatballs: Comfort Food Perfected

Meatballs in White Sauce

Description

I recently adopted this recipe and prepared it with a few slight changes. The meatballs are very basic, and if you desired, you could jazz them up with additional seasoning. The original recipe included 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup, but I thought that might be a little bland. Instead, I tried the cream of celery and really liked the bit of added flavor. We served this over wide egg noodles and with steamed green beans for a great comfort meal, but the meatballs would also be good over mashed potatoes, or even served with toothpicks as an appetizer. I like that the meatballs can be made ahead of time and dropped into the heating sauce at meal time. 🍽️

Times

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
PT20M	PT30M	PT50M

Keywords

Potluck, Spring, Summer, Winter, < 60 Mins, Oven, Stove Top

Nutritional Information

Calories: 939 kcal
Fat Content: 60.6 g
Saturated Fat Content: 25.5 g
Cholesterol Content: 303.6 mg
Sodium Content: 1808.7 mg
Carbohydrate Content: 40.4 g
Fiber Content: 2.4 g
Sugar Content: 5.9 g
Protein Content: 55.7 g

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 cup milk
1/2 lb ground beef
2 onions, finely chopped
1 egg
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

For the Sauce:

1 can cream of celery soup
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 cup sour cream

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs:
- Mix all the meatball ingredients together in a large bowl. 🍲 Use your hands to combine the mixture well.
- Form the mixture into teaspoon-sized balls. 🧆 Place these meatballs on a cookie sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. ⏲️ While the meatballs are baking, start preparing the sauce about 15 minutes into the baking time.
- Once baked, drain the meatballs on paper towels to remove any excess grease. 🧻
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, mix the cream of celery soup, 1 cup of milk, and nutmeg. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth. 🍶
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and heat to boiling. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. 🍲
- Stir in the sour cream and continue to heat through until the sauce is warm and creamy. Ensure the meatballs are thoroughly coated with the sauce. 🥄
Serve:
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over wide egg noodles for a hearty meal. Alternatively, they can be served over mashed potatoes or even as an appetizer with toothpicks. 🍝
- Pair with steamed green beans or your favorite vegetable side dish for a complete, comforting meal. 🥦

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Flavor Enhancements: If you like your meatballs with a bit more zest, consider adding minced garlic, fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or a pinch of chili flakes to the meatball mixture. 🌿🌶️
Alternative Sauces: For a different twist, you could substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of chicken or cream of onion soup. Each variation brings its unique flavor profile to the dish. 🥣
Make Ahead: These meatballs are perfect for meal prepping. You can make them ahead of time and freeze them. When ready to use, just pop them into the sauce and reheat. ❄️
Vegetable Pairings: While green beans are a great option, other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or a mixed vegetable medley would also complement the dish nicely. 🥕🥦
Garnishing: Garnish your finished dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives to add a touch of color and freshness. 🌿
Serving Ideas: Beyond the traditional sides, consider serving these meatballs on a bed of rice or quinoa for a nutritious alternative. 🍚

Cooking with Kids

Cooking with kids can be a fun and educational experience. This recipe is perfect for little hands to help with forming meatballs. Here are some tips to make it a smooth process:

Preparation: Have all the ingredients pre-measured and ready to go. This makes it easier for kids to help without getting overwhelmed.
Safety: Teach kids about kitchen safety, especially around the oven and hot pans.
Involvement: Let them help with mixing the ingredients and forming the meatballs. They can also help with stirring the sauce (under supervision).
Praise: Encourage and praise their efforts. Cooking together can be a great bonding activity! 😊👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

Leftover Ideas

Got leftovers? No problem! Here are some creative ideas to transform your meatballs into a new meal:

Meatball Subs: Toast some hoagie rolls, add the meatballs and sauce, top with mozzarella cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden. 🥖🧀
Meatball Pizza: Use the meatballs as a topping for a homemade pizza. Add your favorite veggies and cheese for a delicious twist. 🍕
Meatball Stir-Fry: Slice the meatballs and stir-fry them with vegetables and your favorite sauce. Serve over rice or noodles. 🍲
Meatball Soup: Add the meatballs and sauce to a broth-based soup with vegetables and pasta or rice. A comforting and hearty soup! 🍜

Conclusion

This recipe for Meatballs in White Sauce is versatile and delightful, offering a comforting meal that is easy to prepare and enjoyable for the whole family. Whether served over noodles, mashed potatoes, or as an appetizer, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. The cream of celery soup adds a unique flavor that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. With the ability to make ahead and the option to customize the meatballs with additional seasonings, this recipe is both flexible and convenient. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table. 🍽️🍷🍴

Happy Cooking! 😊🍴