Weeknight Wonder: Creamy Tomato Meatballs with a Hint of Spice
Tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Craving something flavorful and comforting but short on time? Look no further! These Creamy Tomato Meatballs are about to become your new go-to meal. Imagine tender meatballs, coated in a rich, mildly spiced tomato gravy that’s made utterly luxurious with just a touch of butter and cream. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a serious dose of weeknight magic!
My family can’t get enough of this dish. The best part? The leftovers are even better, making lunch the next day something to anticipate. Whether you prefer the stovetop or the Instant Pot, this recipe is a breeze, and the resulting creamy sauce is simply divine. I often use a batch of pre-cooked chicken meatballs for extra convenience, but store-bought meatballs work just as well for a truly quick meal.
Spice It Up (Without Overdoing It)
The ingredient list might seem long at first, but don’t let that scare you. Most of these are common pantry staples, and it takes less than two minutes to measure them out and create a flavor explosion. It’s all about transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.
What’s In This Post?
- Video for visual learners
- A bit about the origins of butter chicken
- Tips for making this recipe dairy-free
- Meatless and other protein options
- How to sneak in some extra veggies
- Answers to common questions about the recipe
- More ideas for weeknight meatball meals
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe is an easy take on the classic Butter Chicken, using store-bought meatballs to speed up the cooking process. It has the warmth of Indian spices with a touch of cream and butter, resulting in a dish that's both comforting and exotic.
Ready To Cook?
Ingredients
For the Creamy Tomato Base:
- 1 tablespoon of avocado or olive oil
- Half an onion, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- A small piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- One 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
The Meatballs:
- 20 ounces of cooked chicken or turkey meatballs
To Finish:
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/3 cup of heavy cream
To Serve:
- Cooked basmati rice
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook your rice according to package directions.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, and spices until softened.
- Add the tomatoes, water, salt, and sugar. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Transfer the sauce to a blender and puree until smooth or use an immersion blender directly in the pot. For a smoother sauce you may want to add a little more water.
- Add the sauce back to the pan. Add the meatballs; simmer until warmed through.
- Stir in the butter and cream.
- Serve over rice with cilantro. Add spice with cayenne or chili oil if desired.
Tips and Variations
- For an extra silky sauce: Use a regular blender. If you’re using an immersion blender, tilt the pot to one side and add a bit more water to avoid splatter.
- Instant Pot instructions: Add all sauce ingredients; cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Blend and add meatballs, then warm through.
- Dairy-free options: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese or add cashews when blending the sauce.
- Other proteins: Try regular chicken, paneer, baked tofu, or meatless meatballs.
- Add veggies: Include bell peppers, cucumbers, a simple green salad, or roasted veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can this be made vegetarian? Yes, use paneer, tofu, or vegetarian meatballs.
- Can it be made dairy-free? Yes, use vegan butter and cream alternatives or blend cashews into the sauce.
- Can it be gluten-free? Yes, ensure the meatballs are gluten-free, use gluten free breadcrumbs for homemade meatballs or switch to chicken.
- Is it spicy? Not as is, add cayenne or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Can I use chicken breasts? Yes, cook them with the sauce in the instant pot, then shred before adding back to the sauce.
More Meatball Inspiration
Looking for more meatball recipes? Try these other favorites:
- Harissa Meatballs with Whipped Feta
- Instant Pot Pasta with Meatballs and Lemon Herb Ricotta
- Sheet Pan Meatballs with Tomato Salad and Green Sauce
- Chicken Meatballs with Peppers and Orzo
- The Best Swedish Meatballs
This recipe is a must-try for a simple yet impressive dinner that the whole family will enjoy. Happy cooking!