Sink your teeth into the comforting flavors of **boulettes**, an irresistible dish of tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, these traditional meatballs are infused with the warm, aromatic flavors of paprika, garlic, and parsley, and bound together with breadcrumbs and a touch of milk for a perfectly moist texture. SautΓ©ed to golden perfection, the meatballs are then nestled into a roux-thickened sauce enhanced by beef broth and tomato paste, creating a luxurious coating for every bite. Ready in under an hour and served best over fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or crusty bread, these flavorful French-inspired meatballs are a hearty crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special occasions. If youβre seeking an easy yet elegant comfort food recipe, boulettes deliver the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
Use your hands to form the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, and set them aside on a plate.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, and cook them until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and sprinkle the flour into the remaining oil. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the tomato paste and mix well to create a smooth sauce.
Return the meatballs to the skillet, making sure they are fully submerged in the sauce. Cover and let them simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the boulettes hot with your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Calories |
2436 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 154.9 g | 199% | |
| Saturated Fat | 58.2 g | 291% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 798 mg | 266% | |
| Sodium | 5534 mg | 241% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 96.3 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.0 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.6 g | ||
| Protein | 175.5 g | 351% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 251 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 19.2 mg | 107% | |
| Potassium | 1892 mg | 40% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.