Meatballs and Gravy

Tender meatballs and gravy is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to any table. This dish features juicy, flavorful meatballs smothered in rich brown gravy with onions. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a cozy night in. Plus, it’s make-ahead and freezer-friendly, making meal prep a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will love.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of beef and savory gravy creates a rich flavor profile that is sure to satisfy.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta for a twist on this classic comfort food.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them for quick meals on busy days.
• Family Favorite: This dish appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather your tools before starting. Having everything at hand will help streamline your process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy skillet or frying pan: Provides even heat distribution for browning the meatballs perfectly.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise measurements for consistent flavor every time.

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Ingredients

For this delightful Meatballs and Gravy recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 ½ lbs. Ground Beef (85% lean)
• ½ Yellow Onion (finely diced)
• ¼ cup Breadcrumbs (Plain or Italian)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 large Egg
• 1 Tablespoon Ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Yellow Mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Pepper
• 2 teaspoons Fresh Parsley (roughly chopped)
• 1 medium Yellow Onion (sliced into ½ inch strings)
• 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 1 Beef Bouillon Cube (or 1 tsp Better than Bouillon)
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 2–3 drops Kitchen Bouquet browning and seasoning sauce (optional)
• ¼ cup cold water + 3 tablespoons Corn Starch

How to Make Meatballs and Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely diced onion, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
2. Mix all ingredients until well combined but do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

1. Take about two tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball shape.
2. Repeat until all mixture is formed into meatballs.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches if necessary; cook until browned on all sides.
3. Remove cooked meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

1. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and butter; sauté until onions are translucent.
2. Stir in chicken broth, beef broth, bouillon cube, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and Kitchen Bouquet if using.
3. Bring to a simmer; then mix cold water with corn starch to create a slurry before adding it to thicken the gravy.

Step 5: Combine Meatballs with Gravy

1. Return meatballs to the skillet with gravy; simmer for an additional ten minutes until heated through.
2. Serve hot over creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite side! Enjoy your homemade Meatballs and Gravy!

How to Serve Meatballs and Gravy

Serving meatballs and gravy is all about enhancing their rich flavors and creating a comforting meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your dish.

Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• This classic pairing brings together the hearty meatballs with fluffy mashed potatoes, soaking up all the delicious gravy.

On a Bed of Rice

• Serve the meatballs and gravy over steamed rice for a satisfying meal. The rice absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.

With Egg Noodles

• Placing meatballs on a nest of egg noodles adds a delightful texture, making each bite more enjoyable with the gravy.

In a Sub Sandwich

• Create a scrumptious meatball sub by placing the meatballs in a toasted roll. Top with cheese for an extra indulgent touch.

As an Appetizer

• Serve mini versions of meatballs with toothpicks as party snacks. They make for perfect finger food when drizzled with gravy.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Pairing meatballs and gravy with roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition to your plate, making it visually appealing and balanced.

How to Perfect Meatballs and Gravy

Creating perfect meatballs and gravy takes practice, but these tips can help you achieve delicious results every time.

• Choose quality beef: Opt for 85% lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and moisture without being greasy.

• Bind well: Make sure to mix breadcrumbs and egg thoroughly into the meat mixture to help bind the ingredients together for tender meatballs.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined; overworking can lead to tough meatballs. Gentle hands make all the difference!

• Sear before simmering: Brown your meatballs in olive oil before adding them to the gravy. This step enhances flavor through caramelization.

• Let it simmer: Allowing the meatballs to simmer in the gravy gives them time to absorb flavors while staying juicy inside.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste your gravy before serving. A pinch of salt or pepper can make a significant impact on overall flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Meatballs and Gravy

Pairing sides with your meatballs and gravy can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up extra gravy, garlic bread is always a hit alongside any Italian-inspired dish.

2. Green Salad: A simple green salad adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the richness of the meatballs and gravy.

3. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli provides nutrients without overpowering the meal’s main flavors.

4. Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw offers a nice contrast to soft meatballs, making it an ideal side dish option.

5. Mashed Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with savory gravy, creating a delightful taste harmony.

6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness complements rich dishes like meatballs and gravy perfectly, adding depth to your plate.

7. Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn brings sweetness and bright color, making it an excellent seasonal side dish choice.

8. Cauliflower Rice: For a lighter option, serve cauliflower rice as a base; it’s low-carb yet satisfying when topped with savory gravy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making meatballs and gravy, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Overmixing the Meat: Mixing your meat too much can lead to tough meatballs. Use gentle hands when combining ingredients to keep them tender.
• Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to brown the meatballs before adding gravy can result in less flavor. Always sear them for a richer taste.
• Not Using Enough Seasoning: Under-seasoned meatballs will lack flavor. Be generous with salt and spices to enhance the overall dish.
• Ignoring Rest Time: Cutting into meatballs right after cooking can cause them to dry out. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Using Cold Broth: Adding cold broth to hot ingredients can shock the system and affect texture. Always use warm broth for a smooth gravy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container.
• They can last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Meatballs and Gravy

• Place cooled meatballs and gravy in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Meatballs and Gravy

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making meatballs and gravy.

What is the best type of meat for Meatballs and Gravy?

Ground beef is commonly used, but you can also mix it with ground turkey or lamb for different flavors.

Can I make Meatballs and Gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare meatballs ahead of time. They store well in the freezer or refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.

How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?

Adding breadcrumbs and an egg helps bind the mixture together. Ensure you don’t overmix the ingredients.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Absolutely! Vegetable broth is a great substitute if you prefer a lighter flavor while still maintaining moisture in your gravy.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for meatballs and gravy is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different herbs or swapping out meats according to your preference. Whether served over mashed potatoes or pasta, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table!