Nothing says comfort food like a plate of meatballs and gravy. It’s a dish that warms the soul and brings back memories of family dinners.
Cooking this dish is easy and rewarding, whether you’re making it for the first time or the hundredth. With tender meatballs in a rich brown gravy, you’ll have a meal that’s perfect for cozy evenings and is a hit with all ages.
I remember the first time I made meatballs with caramelized onions in gravy—it was a game changer. Serving these succulent meatballs over fluffy mashed potatoes or egg noodles transforms your dinner into something truly special.
The great thing is you can adapt the recipe to suit your family’s preferences, whether you like it with rice, polenta, or even just on its own.
Even busy weeknights aren’t a problem because these juicy meatballs are versatile. You can prepare them in advance, freeze them, and pull them out when you’re short on time.
I love knowing I’ve got a homemade meal ready to go without all the stress. It’s about giving yourself that little bit of extra warmth when you need it the most.
Why You Will Love Meatballs And Gravy
I think you’ll find meatballs and gravy are a perfect go-to option for a cozy comfort food that everyone can enjoy. The rich flavors of the meat mixed with a homemade gravy create a satisfying and heartwarming dish.
This is an easy meal to prepare, making it ideal for a busy weeknight dinner. It comes together quickly, which means less time in the kitchen and more time with family.
Family dinners are special moments, and this dish helps bring everyone to the table. Serving meatballs and gravy allows everyone to share a comforting and hearty meal, creating lasting memories.
Adding caramelized onions or spices like red pepper flakes can enhance your dish and give it a personal touch. Feel free to pair it with mashed potatoes, noodles, or even polenta for a complete meal.
For a lighter option, try swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, so you can enjoy the same flavors with less guilt. It’s versatile enough to fit any taste preference or dietary need.
Using a slow cooker can transform this into an easy, hands-free meal. Just add frozen meatballs and let the slow cooker do the work while you focus on other tasks.
How To Make Meatballs And Gravy
I’ve been making meatballs and gravy for years, using simple ingredients like ground beef, breadcrumbs, and beef broth to create a tasty meal. My process involves crafting tender meatballs and then simmering them in a rich gravy that’s both comforting and full of flavor.
Ingredients
To make these mouth-watering meatballs and gravy, you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef or a mix of ground pork and ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the gravy, prepare:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch for thickening
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Optional seasonings include onion powder and a pinch of beef bouillon for added depth. These simple ingredients come together to create both the meatballs and the accompanying creamy gravy.
Instruments
Gather the necessary kitchen instruments to make the cooking process smooth and easy:
- A large mixing bowl for combining your meatball ingredients
- A shallow frying pan or skillet for browning the meatballs
- A whisk for stirring the gravy sauce
- A measuring cup for accurately adding broth
- A spoon or small scoop to shape the meatballs
Having these tools at hand will streamline your cooking, ensuring the meatballs are well-cooked and the gravy is smooth and lump-free.
Step By Step Instruction
To start, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until just combined to keep the meatballs tender. Shape into 1-inch balls.
Heat a bit of olive oil in your pan over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. Once browned, remove them from the pan and set aside.
For the gravy, use the same pan. Melt the butter and sprinkle in the flour, stirring continuously to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Allow it to thicken, then return the meatballs to the pan to simmer until fully cooked and flavors meld together, resulting in a savory, hearty dish.
Ingredient Substitute
When making meatballs and gravy, sometimes you might need to use substitutes for certain ingredients. Here are some ideas to help you out.
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, try using yellow mustard or a spoonful of mayonnaise for creaminess and a little tang. These can add a touch of depth to the gravy without overpowering it.
For those who can’t use parsley, fresh basil or cilantro can work well in its place. Both herbs will give a fresh and bright flavor to the dish. Just make sure to chop them finely.
Substitute Ideas:
| Ingredient | Substitute Options |
|---|---|
| Dijon Mustard | Yellow Mustard, Mayonnaise |
| Fresh Parsley | Basil, Cilantro |
If you’re out of fresh parsley, dried parsley can also be an option, although it won’t be as vibrant. If you go this route, use about a third of the amount you’d use for fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Feel free to experiment and find what suits your taste.
What To Serve With Meatballs And Gravy
When I serve meatballs and gravy, I often pair them with mashed potatoes. Their creamy texture is perfect for soaking up the savory gravy.
For variety, I’ve found that Instant Pot mashed potatoes work wonders and are quick to prepare.
Buttered noodles are another great choice. I love how the simple flavor complements the rich taste of the gravy. Egg noodles are my favorite because they hold the sauce well, adding a delightful chewy texture to the meal.
If I’m in a mood for something healthier, I’ll go for green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts. The roasted veggies add a nice crunch and a bit of color to the dish. They balance the richness of the meatballs beautifully.
Sometimes, I mix it up with roasted potatoes. Their crispy edges provide a contrast to the tender meatballs. I might add a side of asparagus for a pop of color and freshness.
Rice can be another good option. I stick to plain cooked rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal. It’s a versatile accompaniment that absorbs the gravy nicely, making each bite flavorful.
Trying different side dishes with meatballs and gravy keeps mealtime interesting. From creamy and comforting to light and fresh, these sides add something special to the main course.
How To Store Meatballs And Gravy
When it comes to storing meatballs and gravy, I always make sure they are completely cool before placing them in an airtight container. This prevents moisture buildup which can affect the texture.
Keep these goodies in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. If you’re storing leftovers, ensure the gravy is fully covering the meatballs to keep them moist.
If you’re a fan of air fryer meatballs, BBQ meatballs, or sweet and sour meatballs, the same storage method applies. Always use airtight containers and store them in the fridge.
For those looking to store for longer, freezing is an option. Place the cooled meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container. They can be kept frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw the frozen meatballs in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use a microwave, stove, or even an oven at a low temperature until they’re hot throughout.
A helpful tip: when reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the gravy if it’s too thick. This will bring back its original creamy texture and make your meatballs and gravy just as delicious as the first time.
Is Meatballs And Gravy Healthy
When I think about meatballs and gravy, I consider a few aspects to determine if it’s a healthy choice.
Ingredients Matter: The healthiness of this dish depends heavily on the ingredients used. Choosing lean ground beef or a mix of beef and pork can affect the fat content. Using whole-grain breadcrumbs or oats instead of white breadcrumbs may also be a healthier option.
Gravy Considerations: The gravy can vary in nutritional value. A lighter gravy made with vegetable broth might be healthier than a traditional brown gravy packed with butter and salt. Gravy is often high in sodium, so reducing salt and using herbs for flavor can help.
Portion Control: Eating moderately is key. Larger servings can add up in calories and fat, while smaller portions with a balanced plate of vegetables can fit into a healthy diet.
Quick Tips for a Healthier Dish:
- Use herbs and spices to reduce salt.
- Opt for low-sodium beef broth.
- Serve with a side of veggies like roasted broccoli or a green salad.
Ultimately, making mindful ingredient choices can contribute to a healthier version of meatballs and gravy.
Nutrition Fact
As I talk about the nutrition facts for meatballs and gravy, I think it’s helpful to list key details for easy reading.
Here’s a rundown of what I found:
- Calories: Depending on the serving size, the calorie count can vary. For example, 1 meatball with sauce typically has about 63 calories, while 1 ounce of meatballs in gravy may have 70 calories.
- Fats: The fat content is an important aspect. A ¾ cup serving has approximately 13g of fat. Saturated fat in this portion might be around 4.5g.
- Carbohydrates: These make up a smaller part of the nutritional profile for meatballs and gravy. For instance, in ¾ cup, carbs can be about 24% of the macronutrient breakdown.
- Protein: An important nutrient, making up 11% to 21% depending on the serving size.
- Cholesterol: It’s also a factor, with a serving having about 41mg of cholesterol.
- Sodium: Watch out for sodium, which can be quite high, around 589mg in a standard serving.
- Calcium and Iron: Both are vital minerals, present in moderate amounts. Calcium often covers up to 20% of your daily value.
Classic Meatballs with Gravy
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet or frying pan
- Baking sheet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Form into evenly-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides.
- Transfer them to a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually add beef broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add cooked meatballs to the gravy and simmer for 5 minutes to coat evenly.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~320
- Total Fat: ~17g
- Saturated Fat: ~6g
- Carbohydrates: ~10g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~25g
- Cholesterol: ~90mg
- Sodium: ~680mg
