Silky Mustard Dill Sauce with Meatballs Recipe

Zesty Creamy Mustard Dill Sauce with Meatballs Recipe Magic

Tender, juicy meatballs swimming in a delectable creamy mustard dill sauce promise a dinner that’ll make taste buds dance with joy.

Nordic-inspired flavors blend perfectly in this comforting dish.

The tangy mustard cuts through rich, savory meat with elegant precision.

Fragrant dill adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens every single bite.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet spectacular recipes like this one.

creamy, zesty, and absolutely irresistible, these meatballs bring restaurant-quality magic to your kitchen table.

Serve alongside crisp roasted vegetables or buttery mashed potatoes for a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Mustard Dill Meatball Ingredient List

For Meatball Base:
  • Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty protein foundation for the dish.
  • Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat and create tender texture.
  • Egg: Acts as a crucial binding agent for meatball structure.
  • Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to meatball flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: Enhances overall savory profile of meatballs.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced meat flavor.
For Sauce Liquids:
  • Chicken Stock: Creates depth and provides liquid base for sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, silky texture and rich mouthfeel.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and prevent sticking.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Dijon Mustard: Brings tangy, sharp undertone to the creamy sauce.
  • Fresh Dill: Offers bright, herbal notes that complement the creamy sauce.
  • Garlic: Provides aromatic, pungent undertone to overall dish.

What to Have on Hand for Mustard Dill Sauce

  • Large lidded frying pan or dutch oven: Essential for sautéing onions and cooking meatballs in sauce.
  • Chef's knife: Perfect for chopping onions and fresh dill with precision.
  • Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Garlic press (optional): Convenient for mincing garlic quickly.

Cooking Instructions for Meatball Dish

  • Aromatic Foundation

Warm olive oil in a spacious pan over gentle heat. Carefully soften chopped onions until they become translucent and tender, releasing their sweet fragrance.

  • Garlic Awakening

Introduce minced garlic to the onion landscape, letting its pungent essence dance and bloom for a quick moment.

  • Liquid Symphony

Combine chicken stock, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard into a harmonious blend. Raise the temperature to create a bubbling melody, seasoning with salt and pepper to personal preference.

  • Meatball Immersion

Gently nestle meatballs into the creamy sauce. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and allow everything to simmer peacefully. Let the flavors meld and intertwine while the meatballs warm through completely.

  • Herbal Finale

Perform a final taste test, fine-tuning seasonings as desired. Crown the dish with a sprinkle of fresh dill, adding a burst of brightness just before serving.

Sauce Tips and Mustard Options

  • Kitchen Wisdom for Creamy Mustard Dill Sauce with Meatballs
  • Meat Mix Magic: Select ground beef with 15-20% fat content for juicier, more flavorful meatballs that won't dry out during cooking.
  • Cream Control: If sauce seems too thick, gradually add warm chicken stock to reach desired consistency without losing rich texture.
  • Herb Happiness: Fresh dill provides brighter flavor compared to dried – chop right before adding to preserve maximum aromatic qualities and vibrant green color.
  • Spice Adventure: Experiment with adding ground caraway seeds or paprika to the meatball mixture for subtle European-inspired flavor complexity.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This sauce tastes even better after resting overnight, allowing mustard and dill flavors to fully develop and integrate with the creamy base.

Serve This Dish Over Pasta or Rice

  • Comfort Food Companions: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal that soaks up the delicious sauce.
  • Elegant Plate Pairing: Arrange the meatballs and sauce over a bed of buttery egg noodles, garnishing with extra fresh dill for a sophisticated touch.
  • Veggie Balance Boost: Add a side of roasted green vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to bring a light, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
  • Bread Dipping Delight: Serve warm crusty bread or garlic toast on the side, perfect for mopping up every last bit of the flavorful mustard dill sauce.

Keep Meatballs Tasting Fresh in Storage

  • Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Cook double batches of meatballs and sauce, then portion into airtight containers for quick weeknight meals that stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Let the meatball and sauce mixture cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. These delicious meals will maintain quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed meatballs slowly in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying out. Stir gently to maintain sauce consistency and meatball tenderness.
  • Serving Suggestion: Pack individual portions with fresh dill garnish in separate small containers to keep herbs crisp and prevent soggy leftovers. Perfect for lunch meal prep or easy grab-and-go options.
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Silky Mustard Dill Sauce with Meatballs Recipe

Silky Mustard Dill Sauce with Meatballs Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Swedish meatballs with creamy mustard dill sauce showcase Nordic culinary traditions in one comforting dish. Delicate meatballs nestled in tangy sauce invite you to savor each delightful bite of this classic European favorite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) Swedish meatballs, store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken stock
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (double cream)
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh dill, chopped
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Aromatic Base: Gently sauté finely diced onions in olive oil until softened and translucent, developing a sweet, golden foundation for about 10 minutes.
  2. Flavor Layering: Add minced garlic to the caramelized onions, stirring briefly to release its intense aroma and prevent burning.
  3. Sauce Creation: Whisk together chicken stock, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Season with salt and black pepper, balancing the flavor profile with careful tasting.
  4. Protein Integration: Carefully lower prepared meatballs into the creamy sauce, reducing heat to a delicate simmer. Cover and cook, allowing the meatballs to absorb the rich sauce and heat thoroughly, occasionally stirring to ensure even cooking.
  5. Final Refinement: Adjust sauce consistency by adding stock or cream as needed. Taste and fine-tune seasonings to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
  6. Herbaceous Finish: Conclude by generously garnishing with freshly chopped dill, adding a vibrant, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish just before serving.

Notes

  • Soften Onions Slowly: Take time to caramelize onions gently, which develops a deeper, sweeter flavor foundation for the sauce.
  • Garlic Timing Matters: Brief garlic sauté prevents burning and preserves its delicate, aromatic qualities.
  • Sauce Consistency Control: Adjust liquid levels carefully to achieve the perfect creamy texture without becoming too thick or thin.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Add dill at the very end to maintain its vibrant color and maximize its bright, fresh flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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