Savory Meatballs in Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce

Savory Meatballs with Irresistible Blue Cheese Sauce

Discover a dish that’s sure to become the star of your next potluck or buffet with this delectable Meatballs with Blue Cheese Sauce recipe. Adapted from Sunset’s Ground Beef Cookbook, this dish offers a blend of tender meatballs and a rich, tangy blue cheese sauce that’s perfect for serving a crowd. While the recipe includes instructions for making meatballs from scratch, feel free to use frozen pre-cooked meatballs or your favorite homemade variety if you prefer. The star of the show is undoubtedly the creamy blue cheese sauce that elevates the meatballs to a new level of deliciousness.

Total Time: 30 minutes

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

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• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs (or use panko for extra crunch)
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons salt

For the Blue Cheese Sauce:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup mashed garlic (about 4 cloves)
• 1 cup half-and-half cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 to 2 cups crumbled blue cheese (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion (for garnish)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Paprika (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

   1. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). This high temperature ensures that the meatballs get a nice, crispy exterior while remaining tender inside.
   2. In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef with bread crumbs, milk, eggs, and salt. Gently mix the ingredients together, being careful not to overwork the meat as this can lead to tough meatballs.
   3. Shape the mixture into small balls, roughly the size of marbles, ensuring uniform size for even cooking. This recipe should yield about 100 meatballs, but you can adjust the size according to your preference.
   4. Arrange the meatballs on shallow, rimmed baking pans, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even browning.
   5. Bake in the preheated oven for 4 to 5 minutes or until the meatballs are lightly browned. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.

2. Make the Blue Cheese Sauce:

   1. While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and mashed garlic, stirring continuously until the mixture is well-blended and begins to bubble, forming a roux.
   2. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half cream and chicken broth, ensuring that no lumps remain and the mixture is smooth.
   3. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This should take about 5 minutes.
   4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the crumbled blue cheese. Allow it to melt and blend into the sauce, creating a creamy, flavorful blend. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

3. Combine and Serve:

   1. Gently add the baked meatballs to the sauce, including any juices from the baking pans. Stir carefully to coat the meatballs in the sauce without breaking them apart.
   2. If preparing in advance, refrigerate the meatballs and sauce separately until you’re ready to serve. When ready, reheat them together over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use a microwave for convenience.
   3. Just before serving, sprinkle the meatballs with chopped chives, green onions, and a dash of paprika for an extra touch of flavor and color.

4. Serving Suggestions:

   1. Keep the meatballs warm in a crockpot or chafing dish if you’re serving them at a party or buffet. This will help maintain the perfect temperature and texture.
   2. These meatballs are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or served alongside your favorite sides. Consider pairing them with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or over a bed of fluffy rice.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 211.4
• Fat: 13.6g
• Saturated Fat: 6.9g
• Cholesterol: 86.1mg
• Sodium: 479.7mg
• Carbohydrates: 5.6g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugar: 0.4g
• Protein: 15.9g

This Meatballs with Blue Cheese Sauce recipe is a delicious and convenient choice for gatherings of all sizes, offering a blend of hearty flavors and creamy textures. Enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to have everyone coming back for more! 🧀🍽️