Creamy Mustard Dill Sauce With Meatballs Recipe

The Best Creamy Mustard Dill Sauce with Meatballs Recipe Ever

Mustard dill sauce brings incredible depth to hearty protein dishes with its tangy, vibrant personality.

Complex flavor combinations always spark culinary excitement in home kitchens.

Mediterranean influences shine through this smooth, herbaceous condiment that balances rich ingredients beautifully.

Delicate herbs complement robust mustard notes, creating a sophisticated sauce that enhances main course proteins.

Fresh dill provides a bright, aromatic undertone that cuts through heavier elements with remarkable precision.

creamy textures merge with zesty undertones, promising a delightful taste experience you will absolutely adore.

The secret to remarkable sauces lies in understanding ingredient harmony and confident seasoning techniques.

Explore this recipe and unlock a world of delicious culinary creativity.

Mustard Dill Meatballs with a Silky Sauce

  • This recipe delivers a luxurious, velvety sauce that wraps around tender meatballs, creating a warm, indulgent dining experience perfect for cozy evenings.
  • With just one pan and simple ingredients, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families craving a delicious home-cooked meal without complicated preparation.
  • The tangy Dijon mustard and fresh dill create a bright, zesty profile that elevates traditional meatballs, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort food that can be served over pasta, rice, or enjoyed on its own.
  • Easily adjust the sauce's thickness, swap proteins, or modify seasonings to suit personal taste preferences, making this recipe a flexible go-to option for home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients for Meatballs and Dill Mustard Sauce

Sauce Components:
  • Chicken Stock, Heavy Cream: Liquid base that creates a rich, smooth texture for the sauce.
  • Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that adds depth and sharp flavor to the sauce.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
  • Fresh Dill: Bright herb that provides a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.
Meatball Base:
  • Meatballs: Pre-prepared protein component that absorbs and complements the sauce flavors.
Cooking Foundations:
  • Olive Oil: Neutral cooking fat for sautéing and building flavor base.
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a foundational flavor profile for the sauce.

Notes: Choose fresh, firm onions and garlic for maximum flavor; organic options have more intense taste.

Instructions for Rich and Tangy Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large lidded frying pan over medium-low heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 10 minutes. The gentle cooking helps develop a sweet, mellow flavor that will enhance the entire dish.

Step 2: Boost Flavor with Garlic

Toss in minced garlic and continue sautéing for an additional minute. The garlic will release its wonderful aroma, creating a delicious foundation for the sauce.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Combine the following ingredients:
  • Chicken stock
  • Heavy cream
  • Dijon mustard

Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Season with salt and black pepper to create a rich, tangy sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

Gently place meatballs into the simmering sauce. Reduce heat to low and cover the pan. Let the meatballs cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process allows the meatballs to absorb the incredible sauce flavors. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more chicken stock or cream to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Do a final taste test and adjust seasonings as needed. Sprinkle freshly chopped dill over the top of the dish. The bright, feathery herbs will add a pop of freshness and beautiful green color to your creamy meatball masterpiece.

Serving Suggestion: Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips for Keeping the Meatballs Juicy

  • Master Onion Softening: Low and slow is the key to perfectly caramelized onions without burning, which builds deep flavor for the sauce.
  • Prevent Garlic Burning: Add minced garlic for just a minute to release its aroma without turning bitter or scorching.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Gently simmer the sauce to allow natural thickening, using extra stock or cream to adjust texture as needed.
  • Infuse Herb Freshness: Add fresh dill at the very end to preserve its bright flavor and vibrant color, preventing wilting or loss of delicate taste.
  • Meatball Moisture Check: Stir occasionally during simmering to ensure even heating and prevent sticking, guaranteeing juicy and thoroughly cooked meatballs.

Reheating Without Drying the Sauce

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheating on Stovetop: Gently warm the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying and maintain the creamy consistency.
  • Microwave Option: Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture and prevent splattering.

Great Matches for This Comfort Dish

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Grab a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy mustard and creamy sauce, cutting through the richness of the meatballs with its bright acidity.
  • Serve Alongside Buttery Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes create the perfect canvas for soaking up the delicious mustard dill sauce, providing a smooth and comforting base for the flavorful meatballs.
  • Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a side of roasted carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts to add a caramelized, slightly charred contrast to the creamy sauce and tender meatballs.
  • Finish with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, crusty baguette or sourdough to mop up every last drop of the irresistible mustard dill sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

Sauce and Meat Variations for This Recipe

  • Swedish Style: Replace Dijon mustard with whole-grain mustard and add a splash of lingonberry jam for a traditional Nordic flavor profile. The sweet-tangy combination elevates the meatballs with authentic Scandinavian touch.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Incorporate red pepper flakes or cayenne powder into the sauce. Mix in some smoked paprika to create a bolder, more intense flavor that adds warmth and depth to the original recipe.
  • Herb Garden Edition: Expand the herb selection by adding fresh chopped parsley, chives, and a touch of tarragon alongside the dill. This variation introduces multiple herbal notes that complement the creamy mustard base and add complexity to the sauce.
  • Lighter Greek Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter sauce. Include a splash of lemon juice and sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top to give the dish a Mediterranean-inspired transformation.

FAQs for Mustard Dill Meatballs

  • Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?

Yes, you can use dried dill, but use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh dill provides the best flavor and brightness to the sauce.

  • How can I make the meatballs more tender?

Mix the meat gently and avoid overworking the mixture. Adding a bit of breadcrumbs and an egg can help keep the meatballs moist and tender during cooking.

  • What can I serve with this dish?

This creamy mustard dill sauce with meatballs pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice. A side of roasted vegetables also complements the dish wonderfully.

  • How long can I store leftovers?

Store the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock if the sauce seems too thick.

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Creamy Mustard Dill Sauce With Meatballs Recipe

Creamy Mustard Dill Sauce With Meatballs Recipe


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4.9 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Swedish meatballs dance with creamy mustard dill sauce, creating a luxurious Nordic comfort dish. Delicate meat mingles with tangy herbs, promising a restaurant-quality meal that delights senses and satisfies hunger.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) Swedish meatballs, store-bought or homemade

Main Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken stock
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream (double cream)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) dijon mustard

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh dill, chopped
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over gentle heat, introducing finely diced onions and allowing them to soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet aromatics for approximately 10 minutes.
  2. Incorporate minced garlic into the caramelized onions, stirring briefly until the kitchen fills with its fragrant essence, approximately 45-60 seconds.
  3. Gradually pour chicken stock, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard into the pan, elevating the heat to create a bubbling liquid foundation. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting the flavor profile.
  4. Gently nestle prepared meatballs into the developing sauce, reducing temperature to a delicate simmer. Cover the skillet, allowing the protein to absorb the creamy liquid and become thoroughly heated, stirring intermittently during the 15-minute cooking process.
  5. Monitor sauce consistency, potentially introducing additional stock or cream to achieve desired thickness and smoothness.
  6. Perform a final flavor assessment, making subtle seasoning refinements if necessary. Complete the dish by generously scattering freshly chopped dill across the surface, introducing a bright, herbaceous note just moments before serving.

Notes

  • Perfectly balanced sauce brings tender meatballs to life with creamy, tangy flavors that complement each other beautifully.
  • Simmering meatballs low and slow helps them absorb the mustard-dill sauce, creating a rich and deeply satisfying meal.
  • Fresh dill added at the end provides a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the cream and enhances overall taste.
  • Cooking onions and garlic first develops a robust flavor foundation that elevates the entire dish’s depth and complexity.
  • Use low heat when simmering to prevent cream from separating and ensure a smooth, velvety sauce consistency.
  • Optional protein variations like chicken or turkey meatballs work wonderfully with this versatile sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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