Mediterranean One-Pan Creamy Mushroom Meatballs
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
These Mediterranean One-Pan Creamy Mushroom Meatballs are pure comfort food made simple. Juicy meatballs simmer in a rich, garlicky mushroom cream sauce that’s both hearty and elegant. The thyme and olive oil give it that warm Mediterranean flavor, and the sauce pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread. Best of all, everything comes together in one pan — easy to cook, easy to clean.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef or pork
½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tsp garlic powder (2 g)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
2 cups (200 g) mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, chopped (100 g)
2 cloves garlic, minced (6 g)
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
½ cup (120 ml) beef or vegetable broth
1 tsp dried thyme (2 g)
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Make the Meatballs:
In a bowl, combine ground beef or pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix until just combined — don’t overwork the meat.
Roll into 1-inch balls (about 14–16 meatballs).
Brown the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the meatballs and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
Remove them from the pan and set aside (they’ll finish cooking later).
Cook the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed.
Sauté onion for 2–3 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are golden and their liquid has mostly evaporated (about 5–6 minutes).
Make the Sauce:
Pour in the broth, scraping up any brown bits from the pan.
Stir in heavy cream and dried thyme.
Bring to a gentle simmer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer the Meatballs:
Return the browned meatballs to the pan.
Cover and simmer on low heat for 8–10 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
Finish and Serve:
Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Serve hot with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Tips & Variations
Meat Options:
You can use half beef and half pork for extra tenderness and flavor.
Ground chicken or turkey also works well for a lighter version.
For Extra Flavor:
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mix.
Stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard or Parmesan cheese to the sauce for depth.
Cream Sauce Tips:
Don’t boil the cream; gentle simmering keeps the sauce smooth.
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.
Make It Mediterranean:
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or baby spinach to the sauce.
Garnish with crumbled feta for a tangy finish.
Use fresh herbs like oregano or basil for more brightness.
Make-Ahead Tip:
The meatballs can be shaped and refrigerated up to 24 hours before cooking.
Leftovers reheat well — the sauce thickens and gets even more flavorful the next day.
Q&A
Q: Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?
Yes. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, then add to the sauce to simmer briefly.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, coconut cream, or Greek yogurt (add it off the heat to prevent curdling).
Q: How do I keep the meatballs tender?
Don’t overmix the meat mixture and avoid overcooking. Let them simmer gently in the sauce to stay juicy.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use olive oil or coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and skip any cheese garnishes.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
(Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 420
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 380 mg
(Values may vary depending on meat and cream used.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean One-Pan Creamy Mushroom Meatballs recipe is a perfect mix of simple comfort and bold flavor. The creamy mushroom sauce complements the juicy meatballs beautifully, while the thyme and olive oil add a Mediterranean touch. Serve it over rice, pasta, or with a side of roasted veggies for a cozy, complete meal that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly.