Creamy Mushroom Sauce with Italian Meatballs is one of favorite quick recipes since we start with ready-made meatballs. We've used our Garlicky Meatballs in this recipe as well as our mouth-watering Spicy Venison ones. The rich gravy soaks into the meat infusing it with the rich buttery taste.
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Creamy Mushroom Sauce -- the inspiration
I'm excited about sharing our recipe for Italian Meatballs in Creamy Mushroom Sauce. The sauce is so simple to make, and yet, the taste is rich and complex made so by the brown butter.
The inspiration for this recipe came from a purchase of imported truffle flavored fettuccini. We bought the pasta from one of our favorite Italian delis/stores/restaurants in Venice, Florida called Angelos.
We knew this pasta called for a special sauce and this Creamy Mushroom Sauce is perfect!
But this silky sauce is also delicious on top of your favorite noodles, polenta or potatoes.
The ingredients
- Cooked warm meatballs -- beef, venison, lamb or pork
- Unsalted butter -- half a stick
- Garlic
- Shallots
- Mushrooms -- combination of shiitake, cremini, or what ever kind you like.
- Fresh thyme
- White wine - not sweet
- Beef stock or broth
- Sour Cream
- All-purpose flour - for thickening.
- Salt and Pepper
Chef Tip: We like to use Wondra Flour for this. It's easy to use when making sauces and it doesn't clump.
Brown butter enriches a recipe
The first thing I did was brown the butter -- it gave the sauce a nutty flavor and a richer taste. I find myself browning butter more and more.
It makes such a big difference in a recipe, and the aroma is out of this world. And better yet, it's a snap to make.
The French call brown butter beurre noisette, and you can use it in just about any recipe that calls for butter including cakes, cookies, or sauces. It tastes fantastic over pasta, fish dishes, and vegetables.
Add a little bit to regular butter, then whip it up to put on hot bread -- oh my, I can taste it now!!
It's easy to brown just enough for a recipe but why not make a large batch and keep it in the fridge? Even better yet, freeze it in ice cube trays and always have some on hand.
Melt the butter lemon-- yellow to toasty brown
To make the brown butter start melting it over medium heat.
If you are unfamiliar with browning butter, use a pan with a light-colored bottom so you can watch the color of the butter.
Stir so that the butter cooks evenly. As the butter melts, it foams. The color of the butter will change from lemon-yellow to a golden-tan and finally to a toasty-brown.
Once you smell that nutty aroma, take the pan off the heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl to cool. Some people like to strain the dregs from the butter -- we like the flavor, so we keep them in.
I made just one batch of butter for the Italian Meatballs in Creamy Mushroom Sauce. The only thing that needs to be prepared is the creamy mushroom sauce -- we always have our Italian meatballs baked, frozen and ready to heat up. You can make up a batch of our spicy garlicky meatballs or use your own.
We've even added our Spicy Venison Meatballs to the delicious gravy and they tasted out of this world.
Once the butter reaches the toasty brown color, add the slivered garlic clove and minced shallots sautéing for one minute.
Start on the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Then comes the combination of sliced Shiitake, Cremini, and white button mushrooms.
Add the thyme. Sauté on medium heat for about 10 minutes; the mushrooms will release their liquid. Add the flour and continue to sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes -- stirring well.
Pour in the beef broth and wine, continue to stir.
The sauce will begin to thicken. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the sour cream. Add the Italian meatballs and bathe them in the creamy mushroom sauce. Cook for another 3 minutes.
Be prepared to enjoy an exquisite dish. We hope you try it and let us know if you like it. Do you have a favorite noodle dish? Let us know in the comments.
If you're crazy about meatballs then you've got to try our scrumptious Italian Meat Soup recipe that's loaded with juicy meatballs, fresh veggies, farfalle pasta all in a rich tomato base soup.
We love a delicious gravy with egg noodles and ground beef recipe. If you do too, you have to try our scrumptious Ground Beef Stroganoff. It is super easy and will definitely make it often on your menu rotation.
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
Creamy Mushroom Gravy with Meatballs Recipe
These Garlicky Italian meatballs bathe in a silky homemade mushroom gravy. The delicious sauce starts out with brown butter and a quick sauté of garlic and shallots then the addition of three kinds of mushrooms. We finish the sauce with the addition of sour cream adding to a rich taste and feel. We put it over fettuccini but you can serve it with mashed potatoes or polenta.
Next time you want to have a meatball and sauce dinner, try out our Swedish Meatballs with Rich Brown Sauce. These meatballs have the unique flavor the Ikea meatballs are known for.
📖 Recipe
Italian Meatballs in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 cooked warm meatballs -- or as many as you want.
- Fettuccini made according to package directions.
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter -- half of a stick
- 1 garlic clove slivered
- 3 shallots minced
- 10 oz. combination sliced mushrooms shiitake, cremini (baby bellas, white button)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme chopped
- ½ cup white wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 - 4 Tablespoons Wondra flour may use all-purpose flour**
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a pan with a light-colored bottom so you can keep an eye on the color of the butter. When the color of the butter turns from lemon yellow to a golden tan add the garlic and shallots. Sauté for about a minute.
- Add the mushrooms and continue to sauté until the mushrooms release their liquid and you can see them taking on a golden color about 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and mix well. Sprinkle in the thyme and continue to sauté for about another few minutes cooking the flour with the butter and mushrooms.
- Stir in the beef broth and wine. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 10 minutes. The sauce should be thickening.
- Stir in the sour cream, mixing well.
- Add the meatballs to the creamy mushroom sauce and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes bathing the meatballs with the rich sauce.
- Serve the meatballs and creamy mushroom sauce over the prepared fettuccine.
Notes
- ** We like to use Wondra flour when making sauces -- it is easy to use and doesn't clump.
Nutrition
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Sandy
Hi Marisa, do you think the meatballs could be subbed with tofu? I have a niece who’s a vegetarian and wanted to pass on this recipe to her.
By the way I made this tonight (with meatballs) and it was awesome!!
Marisa Franca
Hi Sandy!! I'm so happy you wrote and let us know how much you liked the meatballs. As far as using tofu, I can't say for sure since I haven't worked with it. I know there is some vegan-style meat but I can't tell you for sure how it would taste. If she does try, let us know. Happy weekend. xoxo
Jovina Coughlin
Great looking recipe.
Jenn E
The sauce was a bit thin. Maybe use 2 beef bouillon cubes in less than 2 cups of water? I followed all of the directions.
Karen (Back Road Journal)
I remember when you first shared this recipe with us...it reminds me of stroganoff and was delicious.
Jenn E
I would recommend some sort of cheese as a topping to this recipe. I forgot my Parmesan at my mom's house, so I used Whole Mk Mozzarella. I used bowtie pasta (farfalle) because it's easier to eat. Very good, and could even be a soup without the pasta.
Paula Montenegro
The idea of browning the butter first is just awesome, so much flavor! Thanks for this recipe. I always make meatballs in tomato sauce, and this is like the best alternative as we're all mushroom lovers here.
Chef Dennis
this was such a flavorful dinner. thanks for such an easy to prepare recipe
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer
Talk about super tender and packed with flavor! These meatballs are right up my alley! So delicious and perfect on a cool Autumn night! Give me this with a side of mashed potatoes and I'm in heaven!
Amanda
These meatballs are fabulous! They came out so tender, and that creamy mushroom sauce added the perfect decadent finishing touch. Highly recommend!
Beth
What a genius idea to brown the butter - I can imagine how much wonderful flavor that gives the mushrooms and the sauce. Going to check out your post on the meatballs, too, of course.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Beth! I'm sure you and your family will enjoy them. Happy cooking. xoxo
Kushigalu
Love mushroom sauce but never tried with meatballs. Sounds delicious. I would love to try this soon
Marisa Franca
Hello, Kushigalu! I know you won't be disappointed.
Sandra Shaffer
You know it's good when you want to lick the plate! haha - the browned butter smells amazing while cooking. This is pure comfort food for us!
Marisa Franca
Well, if you end up licking the plate, I won't tell!! 😂 Hope you're having a nice Autumn! xoxo
Candice
The perfect, delicious topping to any pasta... and the perfect weeknight dinner! What a recipe! Such a great mushroom sauce. Will be making this one again!
Tami Zimmerman
I made this for dinner last night and let me tell you.. it was absolutely delicious! My family loved it so much, they went back for seconds! Great recipe! Thanks so much for sharing!
Marisa Franca
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Tami! I'm so glad you're family loved the meatballs and sauce. xoxo
Bernice Hill
I love all kinds of meatballs but meatballs with mushroom gravy is my absolute favourite. Starting with brown butter is a great tip for a super rich sauce.
Marisa Franca
I'm with you Bernice! We do love our meatballs - they are so handy to have for a quick meal. xoxo
Janelle
The tip about browning butter is fabulous. It really does make a difference. What I really like about this recipe is that the meatballs on their own in the sauce are delicious.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Janelle! It really is a great tasting switch from a tomato based sauce.xoxo
Teresa
My mouth is watering just reading the ingredients and seeing the pictures. I'm positive this is delicious! Thank you for sharing it with the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I've pinned and shared.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Teresa! And I appreciate you sharing the recipe. I hope you try out the recipe.
Karen (Back Road Journal)
A delicious change from tomato sauce and it appears I'm not the only one who thinks so. 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hi, Karen! For some reason, the red sauce seems more rustic while the creamy mushroom seems more elegant! We do enjoy our mushrooms.
Patrick@looneyforfood.com
Wow this sounds incredible. I would love too make a large batch and keep it in the fridge for dinners and lunch all week (or random midnight snacks)
Marisa Franca
Hi, Patrick!! It is super delicious! Thank you for commenting!! Have a wonderful week!!
Tina | The Worktop
I have never thought about freezing brown butter! What a smart idea. I make it all the time, but it would be so easy just to throw in some cubes of it when I want an extra flavor boost in a dish.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Tina! Sometimes butter is on sale too so it would be great to go ahead and make some brown butter up and then you'd save time when you need it. A true win-win. ????xoxo
swathi
Looks delicious creamy mushroom so with meatballs make any meal extra special. Only last week I made browned butter mushroom soup, I like that it perfectly paired with special linguine.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Swathi! I know browning the butter certainly adds a beautiful dimension to a recipe, doesn't it?xoxo
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife
I really enjoy a good mushroom sauce, and brown butter sauce is one of my favorites to enjoy with pasta. I love how you browned the butter for this cream sauce! The dish looks so satisfying!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Marlynn! It really was a fantastic dish - the sauce made it super special.xoxo
Catherine
I feel like it has been ages since I've had a creamy pasta dish like this..and it has been far too long! Perfect weekend for this kind of comfort food...looks delicious!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Catherine! Comfort food in cold weather certainly warms us up!! Have a great week.
Adriana
What a lovely dinner fettuccine is one of my favorite pastas. I need to try your version soon sounds like a great option for the fall
Marisa Franca
Hi, Adriana! What's nice about the sauce is that it's easy to make. If you're like us, you have some form of meatball made up and frozen. An easy meal to put together.
Veena Azmanov
I love this recipe Marisa. My kids are big fans of meatballs and I love making them in a mushrooms sauce too!. Mine is not similar to yours so next time I'm trying your version ! I love how soft the meatball become when they soak up all that mushroom sauce.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Veena! Kids of all ages seem to love meatballs. It's a good thing because they're easy to make and great to have stashed away ready to use. xoxo
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
I made something really similar this weekend, while working on new recipes. I didn't use the white wine, but I bet that added so much flavor to it.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Joanna! Wine does add an extra depth to the recipe. Try it next time. xoxo
Debi at Life Currents
I love mushrooms, could be my Slavic roots. This looks great. I think I can easily make it vegetarian by using veggie meatballs and veggie broth. Totally going to be dinner soon.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Debi!! That certainly would work. The mushroom cream sauce is loaded with flavor. It would make an excellent vegetarian meal.
Andrea
Nothing screams comfort food as homemade meatballs! Yum!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Andrea! I agree!!xoxo
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
When I was a kid, my mom had a version of meatballs in mushroom soup. It has been a long time since I made her recipe. This reminds me of that....now I have to make this....food memories are wonderful.
Noel Lizotte
This is a great looking recipe. I'm going to give this a try. We usually have meatballs in a marinara sauce - this looks like a nice change up.
By the way - speaking in front of groups gets easier the more you do it. I know it's tough, but you just did the hardest speaking engagement ever ... that first one! Congrats!
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com
Marisa, this sounds sooooo good! Must pick up some mushrooms this week. I like to make a gazillion meatballs and then freeze them in meal-size batches. Makes putting dinner together a snap. I do love a good noodle dish - one of my faves is my homemade fetuccine with nothing much besides brown butter and Parmesan. But that doesn't make a meal for my husband as this would!
Marisa Franca
I hear you, Jean! Unless Hubby has "meat" it's not a meal. And we do exactly like you. When we make meatballs, ravioli, pasta, etc. we make a lot and freeze. That way you're not getting the equipment out often and you have delicious things frozen, on the ready. Have a great weekend. xoxo
Susie
Hi Marisa, Yes, I know what you mean about brown butter.....DELICIOUS.....makes a big difference in taste and flavor of recipe. I can't wait to try this recipe.....I'm sure it's a winner????????????.
I'll be in touch soon....We can't believe it's time for your return home....Take care, be safe, much love as always.....
PS. I'm so proud of you giving presentation about blogging to ladies group????????????????????????????????Way to go, sis????
Marisa Franca
Hi, Susie! Thank you!! Can you believe it's Halloween already? Gosh, where did the time go? Are the little ones dressing up? Give everyone a big hug from us. Talk to you soon. Sending big ???? to you, sis!!
Debbie and George
Hi! Marisa,
I'm not sure how I missed this two years ago when you so graciously agreed to speak at the Christian Women's Connection on St. Simons Island. You were wonderful! You explained in easy enough terms for us to understand your endeavor of blogging along with ideas for others to try it too. Most of all, you helped a friend in need... Thank you again. So excited about your next project.
I know you guys are already packing up to return home. Be safe, an we look forward to your next visit, as always.
Marisa Franca
It was my pleasure, Debbie!! Once it was over I thought it was kind of fun. You know, like childbirth -- that wasn't so bad after all and you forget all the rest. ????
Jenna
Mmmmm! Seriously that cream sauce though. With brown butter. Yes, please!
Monica
I love brown butter in anything (of course!) but never thought to make a big batch and freeze it, so interesting! Does it hold its flavor well?
Marisa Franca
Hello, Monica! Yes, it does hold up well but we've had it in the fridge for a while and use it as we go along. Use it for veggies or in scrambled eggs, omelets -- YUM!
Norah
Can I make this ahead and reheat it in the crockpot?
Marisa Franca
Hi, Norah! Absolutely. It shouldn't pose a problem at all! Have a wonderful day!xoxo
Julie | Bunsen Burner Bakery
This sounds so good! I love mushrooms so a creamy mushroom sauce is right my alley. What a great change from the typical meatballs in red sauce (or "gravy" as the Italians call it here in Philly!).
Marisa Franca
Oh, don't get me started on the gravy issue, Julie! My hackles rise every time I hear it. I don't know how many times I've explained that Italians do not have a word for gravy. I know, I know, its and Philly, New Jersey thing but it still makes me cringe. See, there I go on my soapbox 🙂 You'll really like the sauce and meatballs.
Uma
Presentation about blogging, that's my favorite part. 🙂 very nice and neat way of platting!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Uma! I do enjoy blogging and recording the recipes we make.
Manila Spoon
You totally had me at creamy mushroom sauce! Hubby and I will totally feast on this meatball dish!! A must-try!
Marisa Franca
I'm sure you and hubby will enjoy it! If you have any leftover -- it still tastes great the following day.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
It is so awesome that you got to make a presentation about blogging. It is something we enjoy and I am so happy you got to spread the word. The sauce that you have is a great change from the routine. Looks wonderful!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Sandhya! I do love blogging just like most of the other food bloggers. The ladies were gracious. I hope you try the sauce -- it is very good.
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie
I've only ever browned butter in dessert recipes, I must try it in savory!
Marisa Franca
Erin, it makes a world of difference in taste!
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen
We are big meatball fans here. Hubby would have enjoyed this back in the day when he was allowed to eat mushrooms, he loved them.
Marisa Franca
Hello, Val! Aww! Poor Hubby! Perhaps you could make the gravy without the mushrooms. Sadly it wouldn't taste as rich. 🙁
Dene' V. Alexander
I am always looking for a good meatball recipe. Your recipe fits the bill and shall be quickly assigned to the 3 lbs of beef currently in my freezer! I usually do a mixture of rosemary, onion and garlic, but I love the flavors you have used here!
Marisa Franca
That great, Dene'! Let me know how you like the recipe. Have a great day!
Hanady | Recipe Nomad
You've got me drooling! This looks incredible and I couldn't agree with you more on browning the butter first. It really adds a depth of flavor to any dish!
Marisa Franca
Thank you! The nice part about the recipe it is simple but the taste is guest worthy! 🙂
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ
This mushroom sauce sounds amazing. I use mushrooms all the time in place of meat. I love the smell of butter browning and I could almost smell the aroma as I was reading this.. 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hi, Stephanie! Our fridge is always stocked with mushrooms. I find so many uses for them. Do you ever grill the big portabella mushrooms? They are so meaty and good!
Jolina
Truffle flavored fettuccine sounds delightful! And you're right, that warrants an extra special sauce. And this is it 🙂 From the browned butter to the mushrooms, just fantastic!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Jolina! The brown butter and mushrooms are almost magical in their combination. The sauce gives such a fantastic flavor to the meatballs.
Kathy McDaniel
You got me at mushroom sauce and then I read brown butter! Hello wonderful! Those meatballs and sauce look so decadent and delicious! The perfect dish for company (if I don't devour it all first!) Yum!!
Marisa Franca
I know what you mean, Kathy. Just hand me a ladle and let me at the meatballs and sauce. 🙂
Vanessa Price
This is one of those comfort food recipes that I would be all over! It looks simply delicious.
Marisa Franca
Hello, Vanessa. It is good. Like a Stroganoff with an Italian twist.
Megan Marlowe
I'm drooling over that mushroom sauce. Mushrooms are one of my favorite things to eat and sadly, I'm the only one who feels that way in the family. Therefore, I usually have to make myself a side of mushroom gravy or sauce just so my family doesn't refuse to eat dinner. They really don't know what they are missing out on. Can't wait to make this dish for myself and eat leftovers for the whole week, all by myself! 😉
Marisa Franca
Hi, Megan! If you used blended the mushrooms into the sauce would your family still balk at eating the sauce? My friend's husband insists he hates mushrooms and can taste them in anything she makes. Well, she blends them into the sauce so he can't see the little chunks. 🙂
Byron Thomas
Wow - I'd eat that entire dish if it were set before me. 🙂 I could skip the noodles, just give those meatballs and that sauce. Yum. Sounds and looks super delicious!
Marisa Franca
Thanks, Byron! The meatballs are garlicky -- but we like garlic and the noodles are just there to soak up the sauce. Eliminate the noodles and enjoy!
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes
I'm not much of a meat eater, but that mushroom sauce sounds delicious! I'm always trying to add more mushrooms into my diet- and they're so meaty and flavorful in cream sauce. YUM!
Marisa Franca
We really love mushrooms. We always have some in our fridge. The mushrooms give the sauce a real rich taste.
Sharee
looks great! nice to meet you!
Marisa Franca
Thank you! It's nice to meet you too.
gloria
Look delizioso ! I love mushrooms !!
Baci!
Marisa Franca
Grazie mille!! Abbracci forti!!
Frank
Yummy! I don't know anything that doesn't taste better in a mushroom cream sauce. (Well, outside dessert, of course...)
Marisa Franca
Sono d'accordo!!
speedy70
Un piatto unico tanto gustoso ed invitante, complimenti, è un piacere conoscerti!!!!
Marisa Franca
Grazie mille! Il piacere è tutto mio.
eugenia
Ciao, Marisa. Che meravigliosa ricetta, così ricca di gusto! Ottima l'idea di utilizzare il burro noisette per la salsa; immagino aggiunga un sapore molto più intenso !
Complimenti per il tuo blog.
Marisa Franca
Ciao Eugenia! Grazie mille baci e un abbraccio forte!
Silvia
vengo qui direttamente dal blog di Chiara che ha scritto oggi un post sul tuo blog, gustosa ed invitante questa ricetta! Un abbraccio SILVIA
Marisa Franca
Grazie mille sei molto gentile. Un abbraccio forte
Claudia
Ciao Marisa, arrivo dal blog di Chiara.. Ho letto tutta la tua storia.. complimenti per il blog e questa ricetta! Io amo le polpette e con la salsa a base di funghi immagino che bontà! baci
Marisa Franca
Ciao Claudia!! Grazie, è un piacere conoscerti. Abbracci!
Fr@
Ciao piacere di conoscerti, vengo dal blog di Chiara. Questo piatto è una delizia, adoro le polpette ed affini. A presto.
Marisa Franca
Ciao! Piacere mio. Grazie, il piatto è squisito. Buona giornata e alla prossima.
Andreea
Grazie a Chiara e al suo racconto su di te, ho trovato il tuo blog e sono venuta a curiosare. Questo è un piatto squisito, ricco di gusto. La pasta fresca con crema di funghi e polpette è il piatto che ci vuole ! Complimenti per il blog !
Marisa Franca
Grazie Andreea! Sono contenta che sei venuta a visitare il mio blog. Siamo matti per polpette e funghi ma anche tutto italiano. Spero che trovarmi di nuovo. Buona giornata.
Dalia
Ciao Marisa, che bel blog e che bellissime ricette. Questa ricetta ha fatto venire l'acquolina in bocca e ho veramente di prepararla a casa. Complimenti 🙂
Marisa Franca
Grazie mille, Dalia. Sei molto gentile! Spero che ti piaccia la ricetta.
Chiara
che meravigliose polpette Marisa, voglio provare a farle come le tue !
Marisa Franca
Grazie Chiara! Noi pensiamo che sono molto buoni. Fatemi sapere come ti piacciono.
Rina I Thee Cook
Yum! One of my favorite ways to eat meatballs! Thanks so much for joining in the fun at Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop!!!
Ciao Chow Linda
Oh my goodness. As soon as I read the title, I was hooked. I cannot wait to try this recipe after I get back. It looks fabulous, kind of like a beef stroganoff, but with meatballs. I usually serve my meatballs with tomato sauce, but this one's next on the hit parade. And I'll bet you were just fine on the talk!
Marisa Franca
We will forever alternate our meatballs with this sauce and a tomato sauce. It makes such a nice change. And the talk?? It was okay but I've got a lot to learn -- like asking if everyone can hear me???
Jovina Coughlin
This dish looks delicious and a nice change from tomato sauce.
I see we are both fans of Wondra flour.
Enjoy Saint Simons Island and great success with your new career in public speaking.
Marisa Franca
Wondra flour is great isn't it? We keep it on hand specifically for gravies. We really enjoyed the meatballs with the mushroom sauce for a change.