It’s Spring…the birds are chirping, the sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and my little meatballs are swimming! Swimming in cream sauce, that is. This Meatballs in Cauliflower Dill Cream Sauce Recipe is easy, healthy(ish), and scrumptious. The Meatballs are swimming in a beautiful creamy light pink sauce flavored with garlic, fresh dill, and a touch of tomato paste. Oh, and cream cheese because, well, it just tastes so darn good!
Dill gives this recipe a little somethin somethin. It’s a fresh herby flavor somewhat similar to fennel, that brightens and lightens the meatballs and sauce so it’s perfect anytime of year. While the Meatballs may be the Star of this dish, cauliflower is the Best Supporting Actor. Not only to they give the creamy backdrop, they are so healthy for you! Keep reading for more on this!
Cauliflower: A Kick-Ass Chameleon
If you follow my recipes, then you’ve heard this before, but I’ll say it again…Cauliflower is one kick-ass veggie! It’s not only versatile, it’s full of health benefits! While it’s low in calories and carbs, it’s high in Fiber and contains so many vitamins and minerals. Cauliflower is a Cruciferous Veggie, just like Broccoli and Kale, which we all know are extremely good for us. It also contains important Antioxidants which can help to reduce the risk for heart disease and may have anti-cancer effects.
Cauliflower is also kick-ass because it can take on so many different roles in food, it’s sort of a chameleon! It can be a steak, small meaty bites, a thick lush mash, or a smooth creamy sauce!
Try these other delicious and healthy Cauliflower recipes:
- Low Carb Cauliflower Cordon Bleu Bake
- Super Cheesy Cauliflower Rice
- Korean Rice Bowl with Lentils & Cauliflower
- Green Cauliflower Cream Fettuccine
- Cauliflower Steaks & Quinoa Risotto
- Spiced Cauliflower Rice with Beef Filet
Ok, let’s get prepping!
Quick note! This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them. This commission is what helps me keep this blog afloat :). But, I also share these links because I have used the products, genuinely love them, and want you to know exactly what I used.
PREP-AHEAD TO MAKE YOUR MEATBALLS IN CAULIFLOWER DILL CREAM SAUCE
We are all extremely busy and making dinner during the week can be overwhelming. Here are the steps you prepare in the day(s) in advance and store in the fridge as your meal Kit… (See the recipe below for more details)
We begin and end this recipe with Cauliflower. It will cook more evenly and quicker if it is in small pieces. So, chop or food-process the raw cauliflower into small small pieces, then cook it with water in a large skillet.
FI use my absolute favorite 12″ Ceramic Pan, which is great because food really does slide right off with minimal oil and I don’t have to worry about food sticking and burning.
To the blender, add the cooked cauliflower, garlic, chicken base, cream cheese, milk. Pulse and then blend until smooth. Last, add in the Dill and pulse just until incorporated.
Next up…Meatballs! Chop the dill and slice the scallion for the meatballs., then add to a large mixing bowl with the ground beef. Also add the Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper and mix all of the ingredients together.
I like to use a tablespoon measuring spoon so that all meatballs are the same size. You re looking for roughly 1″ diameter. Place each meatball on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum and put meatballs in the fridge until ready to cook.
COOK YOUR MEATBALLS IN CAULIFLOWER DILL SAUCE
Preheat a large skillet on high heat. Coat the bottom of the pan with a tbsp of olive oil and then add the meatballs. Cook until browned, a couple minutes on all sides.
Add the cream sauce and stir to combine. Cover and cook for 5-10 minutes.
Serve over rice or with a crusty bread. ENJOY!
😍 Carrie
Meatballs in Cauliflower Cream Dill Sauce
Meatballs in Cauliflower Dill Cream Sauce are easy, healthy-ish, and delicious! The Meatballs are swimming in a beautiful creamy light pink sauce flavored with garlic, fresh dill, and a touch of tomato paste. Oh, and cream cheese because, well, every sauce just tastes better with cream cheese! #meatballs #swedishmeatballs #familydinner #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner
Ingredients
Cauliflower Dill Sauce
- 2 cups Cauliflower, chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tsp Garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
- 3 Tbsp Fresh Dill
- 1 tsp Chicken Base
- 1/2 cup Cream Cheese
- 1/4 cup Milk
Meatballs
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Ground Pepper
- 2 Tbsp Dill
- 1 Scallion, finely sliced
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
Prep Ahead
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Chop or blend the raw cauliflower into small small pieces. Place in a medium skillet with the water and cook on medium-high heat. stirring frequently until all of the water is absorbed and cooks off, about 5-7 minutes.
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Rougn chop the garlic cloves or mince. To the blender, add the cooked cauliflower, garlic, chicken base, cream cheese, milk. Pulse and then blend until smooth. Last, add in the Dill and pulse just until incorporated.
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Chop the dill and slice the scallion for the meatballs.
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Make Meatballs by adding the ground beef to a large mixing bowl. Then add the Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, dill, and scallion to the beef. Mix all of the ingredients into the beef.
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Using a tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop out the meat mixture and roll into balls. Place each meatball on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum and put meatballs in the fridge until ready to cook.
Cook
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Preheat a large skillet on high heat. Coat the bottom of the pan with a tbsp of olive oil and then add the meatballs. Cook until browned, a couple minutes on all sides.
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Add the cream sauce and stir to combine. Cover and cook for 5-10 minutes.
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Serve just like this with a salad or over rice or with a crusty bread. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Makes 25 Small one-inch Meatballs
