Meatballs in Gravy: Delicious Recipe & Easy Steps

Meatballs in Gravy: Is there anything more comforting than tender, juicy meatballs swimming in a rich, savory gravy? I think not! This classic dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly seasoned meatball, coated in a luscious gravy that begs to be soaked up with a piece of crusty bread.

While the exact origins of meatballs in gravy are difficult to pinpoint, variations of this dish have been enjoyed in cultures around the world for centuries. From Swedish köttbullar to Italian polpette, the concept of seasoned ground meat formed into balls and simmered in a flavorful sauce is a culinary staple. This particular recipe draws inspiration from classic American comfort food, focusing on a hearty, deeply satisfying flavor profile.

People adore this dish for so many reasons! The combination of textures – the soft, yielding meatballs against the smooth, velvety gravy – is simply irresistible. The savory, umami-rich flavor is incredibly satisfying, and the aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s also a great make-ahead option for entertaining. So, get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with this incredible recipe for meatballs in gravy!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:
• 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor and moisture)
• 1/2 lb Ground Pork (adds richness and depth of flavor)
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs (plain, unseasoned)
• 1/2 cup Milk (whole milk preferred for moisture)
• 1 large Egg (lightly beaten)
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional, but adds a nice salty note)
• 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for browning the meatballs)
• For the Gravy:
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
• 4 cups Beef Broth (low sodium is recommended)
• 1 cup Milk (or Heavy Cream for a richer gravy)
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon Dried Rosemary (optional)
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for sautéing vegetables)

Preparing the Meatballs:

Alright, let’s get started with the heart of this dish – the meatballs! These are going to be juicy, flavorful, and the perfect complement to our rich gravy. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have meatball perfection in no time.

1. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, pour the milk over the breadcrumbs. Let this sit for about 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to soak up the milk. This step is crucial for ensuring tender meatballs.
2. Add the Remaining Meatball Ingredients: To the breadcrumb mixture, add the ground beef, ground pork, egg, Parmesan cheese (if using), parsley, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Gently Mix Everything Together: This is important! Use your hands to gently combine all the ingredients. Overmixing will result in tough meatballs, and we definitely don’t want that. Mix just until everything is evenly distributed.
4. Form the Meatballs: Now, it’s time to shape the meatballs. I like to use a cookie scoop (about 1.5 inches in diameter) to ensure they are all uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly. Gently roll the meat mixture between your palms to form smooth, round meatballs. Place the formed meatballs on a clean plate or baking sheet.
5. Chill the Meatballs (Optional but Recommended): Cover the plate or baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate the meatballs for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape better during browning.

Browning the Meatballs:

Browning the meatballs is a crucial step for developing flavor. Don’t skip this! It adds a depth of richness that you just can’t get any other way.

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking.
2. Brown the Meatballs in Batches: Add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown.
3. Sear on All Sides: Cook the meatballs for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned all over. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point; we’re just looking for a good sear.
4. Remove the Meatballs: Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a clean plate.

Making the Gravy:

Now for the star of the show – the gravy! This is where all the delicious flavors come together. Don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than you think. The key is to whisk constantly to avoid lumps.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet or Dutch oven (don’t wipe it out – all those browned bits are flavor!), add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
3. Make the Roux: Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until it turns a light golden brown color. This step is important for thickening the gravy and removing the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually Add the Beef Broth: Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Start with a small amount of broth and whisk it in completely before adding more.
5. Add the Milk (or Cream): Once all the beef broth is incorporated, slowly pour in the milk (or heavy cream, if using), whisking constantly.
6. Season the Gravy: Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but you can’t take it away.
7. Simmer the Gravy: Bring the gravy to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Combining the Meatballs and Gravy:

Almost there! This is the final step where we bring everything together for a truly unforgettable dish.

1. Add the Meatballs to the Gravy: Gently add the browned meatballs to the gravy. Make sure the meatballs are submerged in the gravy.
2. Simmer the Meatballs in Gravy: Cover the skillet or Dutch oven and let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. This allows the meatballs to fully cook through and absorb the flavors of the gravy. The longer they simmer, the more tender and flavorful they will become.
3. Check for Doneness: After 30 minutes, check the internal temperature of a meatball with a meat thermometer. It should reach 160°F (71°C).
4. Adjust Seasoning (If Needed): Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to your liking.

Serving Suggestions:

Now that your meatballs in gravy are ready, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve this comforting dish:

• Over Mashed Potatoes: This is a classic pairing for a reason! The creamy mashed potatoes perfectly complement the rich gravy and tender meatballs.
• Over Egg Noodles: Another classic choice! The egg noodles soak up all that delicious gravy, making every bite a flavor explosion.
• Over Rice: Serve over white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
• With Crusty Bread: For a more casual meal, serve the meatballs in gravy with crusty bread for dipping.
• As Meatball Subs: Load the meatballs and gravy into hoagie rolls for a satisfying meatball sub.

No matter how you choose to serve them, I’m confident that these meatballs in gravy will be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These aren’t just any meatballs; they’re Meatballs in Gravy, a symphony of savory flavors that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly easy meal. The richness of the gravy, combined with the tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs, creates a dish that’s both nostalgic and exciting. It’s the kind of meal that evokes memories of family dinners and cozy evenings, while still feeling special enough for a weekend gathering.

But why is this recipe so special? It’s the simplicity, really. You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to achieve incredible results. The key is in the quality of the ingredients and the careful attention to detail in each step. From browning the meatballs to simmering them gently in the gravy, every element contributes to the overall deliciousness. And let’s be honest, who can resist a good meatball? They’re universally loved, endlessly versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. While these Meatballs in Gravy are fantastic served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes (my personal favorite!), they’re equally delicious with egg noodles, rice, or even polenta. For a lighter option, try serving them with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. And don’t forget the crusty bread for soaking up all that glorious gravy!

Feeling adventurous? There are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a little kick. Stir in some chopped mushrooms or onions for extra flavor and texture. Or, experiment with different types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or chicken, for a leaner version. You could even add a splash of red wine to the gravy for a deeper, more complex flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions:

• Over mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
• With egg noodles and a dollop of sour cream.
• On crusty bread for a hearty meatball sub.
• Alongside steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Variations:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Stir in sautéed mushrooms and onions for extra flavor.
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add a splash of red wine to the gravy for a richer taste.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! So, go ahead, give it a try. Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a truly memorable meal. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to see your creations and hear about any variations you’ve tried. Tag me in your photos on social media, or leave a comment below. Let’s spread the meatball love and inspire others to get cooking! Happy cooking, and enjoy these incredible Meatballs in Gravy! I’m sure this recipe will become a staple in your home, just as it has in mine.