About This Recipe
Tender, juicy homemade meatballs simmered in a rich, savory gravy. A classic comfort food dish that's perfect for family dinners and meal prep.
Ingredients
6 servings
Meatballs
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup milk
- 0.25 cup grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp dried parsley
Gravy
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Kitchen Tools
Large mixing bowl, skillet, whisk, measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Meatball Preparation
1
Combine all meatball ingredients in a bowl and mix gently.
2
Roll into 1.5-inch meatballs.
Gravy Preparation
3
Melt butter in skillet, whisk in flour, cook for 2 minutes.
4
Slowly add beef broth while whisking.
5
Add Worcestershire sauce and seasonings, simmer until thickened.
Cooking
6
Brown meatballs in skillet.
7
Add meatballs to gravy, cover and simmer for 25 minutes.
Chef's Tips
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
- Adjust gravy consistency with broth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing meatballs leads to toughness.
- Using too lean ground beef results in dryness.
- Burning the roux makes gravy bitter.
Variations
- Italian Meatballs: Use Italian seasoning and marinara sauce.
- Swedish Meatballs: Add nutmeg and allspice, use beef and pork.
- Spicy Meatballs: Add red pepper flakes.
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently.
Conclusion
Enjoy this classic comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and tender textures, it’s sure to be a family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, but fresh are better. Thaw before adding to gravy.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown meatballs first, then cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
Panko or Italian-style breadcrumbs work well.
Can I add vegetables to the gravy?
Yes, sauté diced carrots, celery, and onions before making the roux.
Related Keywords
comfort food
family dinner
meal prep
ground beef recipes
gravy recipes