Boulettes (French Meatballs)

Discover the comforting flavors of French home cooking with Boulettes, tender meatballs simmered in a savory sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal, these Boulettes are hearty, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying.

Ingredients

• 500g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

   In a large bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes. Combine the soaked breadcrumbs with ground meat, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then shape into small, evenly sized meatballs.

2. Brown the Meatballs

   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

   In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in broth, tomato puree, and mustard, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Simmer the Boulettes

   Return the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer over low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until fully cooked through and tender.

5. Serve

   Serve Boulettes hot, drizzled with the rich sauce.

Serving

Pair Boulettes with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty French bread for a classic French meal. Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh touch.

Savor the warm, homestyle flavors of Boulettes, a dish that embodies the heart of French comfort food. Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on a quiet evening, these meatballs are a delicious taste of France.