Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 0.5 lb ground pork
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 yellow onion, finely grated
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 0.25 tsp ground allspice
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 0.5 cup light cream
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.5 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs with the 0.25 cup whole milk. Let this sit for about 5 minutes until it forms a thick paste.
  2. Add the 1 lb lean ground beef, 0.5 lb ground pork, 1 large egg, grated onion, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg to the panko mixture.
  3. Use your hands to gently fold everything together until just combined. Stop as soon as no streaks of egg or spice remain to keep the texture light. Scoop out approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll them into 1 inch spheres between your palms.
  4. Melt 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter in your skillet over medium high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until a deep golden brown crust forms on all sides. Remove the meatballs and set them aside on a plate.
  5. In the same skillet (don't wash it!), melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the 3 tablespoons of all purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it smells slightly nutty and looks like wet sand. This is your roux.
  6. Slowly pour in the 2 cups of beef broth while whisking constantly. Add the 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce and 0.5 tsp Dijon mustard. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the liquid thickens enough to coat a spoon.
  7. Turn the heat down to low and whisk in the 0.5 cup light cream. Return the seared meatballs to the pan. Simmer for another 8-10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is glossy. Garnish with the 1 tbsp fresh parsley right before serving.