Potluck Meatballs
Ingredients
- Meatballs
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated onion
- 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
- 2 eggs
- Red pepper flakes
as needed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Sauce
- 1 can beef consomme
- 1 can beef broth
- 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Directions
- 1
For the meatballs: Place the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, eggs, red pepper flakes and some salt and pepper in a large bowl and mix together thoroughly. Form the mixture into uniform-size balls.
- 2
Heat the oil and butter in a large pan. When hot, begin frying the meatballs in batches, setting them aside on a plate or baking sheet when brown. You may need to drain any excess fat from the pan during the frying process. Continue frying until all the meatballs are browned. Set aside.
- 3
For the sauce: Add the beef consomme and three-quarters of the can of beef broth to the meatball pan, reserving the remaining broth in a small bowl. Add the mustard and tomato paste to the pan, then stir and bring to the boil.
- 4
Add the cornstarch to the reserved beef broth and whisk so there are no lumps. As the sauce starts to boil, add the cornstarch mixture. When the sauce has thickened after a few minutes, return the meatballs to the pot and stir to make sure they are all coated in sauce. Continue to simmer until the meatballs are cooked through, about 45 minutes.
Potluck Meatballs
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About this Recipe
Looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that's always a hit? These classic Potluck Meatballs are tender, savory, and perfectly saucy, ready to be devoured at any gathering.
What makes these Potluck Meatballs truly exceptional is the masterful balance of flavors. The meatballs themselves are rich and savory, thanks to a thoughtful blend of ground beef, fresh parsley, and a hint of red pepper flakes. This perfectly seasoned base then meets a deeply satisfying sauce, crafted from beef consomme, beef broth, spicy brown mustard, and tomato paste, creating a complex, tangy, and utterly delicious coating.
When you present these Potluck Meatballs, expect a chorus of compliments. Each bite delivers a tender, juicy meatball enveloped in a glistening, flavorful sauce. The aromatic notes of grated onion and parsley in the meat harmonize beautifully with the robust, savory depth of the sauce, which has a satisfying tang from the mustard and a subtle richness from the tomato paste. This dish is pure comfort, designed to be easy to enjoy and consistently popular, with a total preparation and cooking time of just over an hour.
While these Potluck Meatballs are fantastic as written, you can easily adjust the red pepper flakes in the meatballs to control the heat level, adding more for a gentle warmth or omitting them entirely. For a bolder, richer flavor in the sauce, consider increasing the tomato paste slightly. If you're looking to enhance the aromatic profile, a touch of garlic powder in the meatballs could be a welcome addition alongside the grated onion.
These versatile Potluck Meatballs are the quintessential party appetizer or a comforting main dish. Serve them warm with toothpicks for easy grabbing at your next potluck, or spoon them generously over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying family dinner. They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.