Easy Homemade Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

KrystelFebruary 8, 2024

DifficultyEasy

Total time45 minutes

Servings6

Savory Meatballs & Gravy: the Ultimate Comfort Food

Introduction to Meatballs & Gravy

I've often wondered why savory meatballs draped in creamy gravy strike a chord of delight in so many. This easy recipe, with its tender meatballs nestled in rich brown gravy, truly embodies the essence of comfort food. It has earned its place on dinner tables worldwide, courtesy of its deep, savory flavors, and the ease with which it brings a smile to faces. It's not just the taste; it's a favorite recipe, the memories, and the simplicity of ingredients that culminate in a dish meant for everyone. From the lean ground beef to the whisper of Worcestershire sauce, every component plays a pivotal role. And the best thing? This recipe isn't just for today. With its airtight container and freezer bag capabilities, the joy of homemade meatballs and gravy extends far beyond the initial meal, promising a hearty, delicious reprieve on days that demand a quick, satisfying dinner. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Comfort Food Classic: Savory meatballs and gravy, rich in traditions and flavors, offer a universally loved dining experience. 
• Versatile & Beloved: It adapts easily, serving as the perfect backdrop for personal touches or as a straightforward, beloved meal. 
• Convenience: Excelling in make-ahead and freezer-friendly attributes, this dish eases meal planning with its enduring appeal. 

Gathering Your Ingredients

Gathering everything for these homemade meatballs and creamy gravy starts with quality selections. For the meatballs, you will need: lean ground beef, to ensure a tender yet flavorful base; olive oil, for frying; and fresh parsley, to infuse them with aromatic freshness. Large egg and bread crumbs work together binding the mixture, ensuring it holds beautifully. Adding seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, and a dash of black pepper enhances the savory meatballs' taste profile. 

For the gravy, a combination of beef broth, worcestershire sauce, and a tablespoon of butter creates a rich, savory foundation. A precise thickening agent, such as corn starch mixed with cold water, will bring the gravy to its ultimate, creamy consistency. These ingredients, meticulously combined, promise a delicious meal that becomes the best way to delight the whole family. 

Prepping and Cooking Meatballs

To start, I combine my lean ground beef with breadcrumbs, a large egg, and an array of carefully measured seasonings in a large bowl. I stir just until these savory meatball ingredients blend. Handling the meatball mixture gently wards off toughness, securing tender meatballs upon completion. Post-mixing, I shape the substance into uniform balls. Chilling them in the refrigerator firms up their contours, making them less likely to fall apart during cooking. 

I then set my large skillet on the stove and pour in a drizzle of olive oil, turning the heat to medium. Once hot, I brown the homemade meatballs in a single layer, turning them carefully to ensure even coloring on all sides. This process not only bestows a golden brown shade but also locks in those savory flavors, paving the way for the creamy gravy that follows. 

Mastering the Gravy

I had always believed mastering the rich gravy for savory meatballs required a culinary degree. I combined the beef broth with rich flavors of Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder in my large skillet over medium heat. A tablespoon of butter melted into this concoction, promising a base that was both flavorful and indulgent. A simple ingredients list transformed into something extraordinary. 

The next step proved crucial for that creamy gravy we all crave. Mixing cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl, I ensured no lumps remained. Slowly pouring this mix into the simmering broth, I whisked vigorously. The gravy thickened before my eyes, acquiring a rich brown hue. Keeping the skillet on medium-low heat allowed everything to blend seamlessly. It amazed me how easy this recipe was, promising a delicious meal every time. 

Serving Suggestions

Picture this: After a long day, you get to enjoy savory meatballs smothered in rich brown gravy. I've discovered the best way to serve this ultimate comfort food is over creamy mashed potatoes. The combination of tender meatballs, creamy gravy, and soft potatoes melts stress away. Not just that, consider adding green beans to the mix. They bring a pop of color and a fresh crunch that balances the plate beautifully. 

Now, let's talk leftovers. Found yourself with extra savory meatballs and gravy? That's a golden opportunity. I always scoop them into an airtight container or a freezer bag. This simple step ensures I have a delicious meal ready for next time, without any hassle. Trust me, nothing beats the ease of reheating homemade meatballs and gravy for a quick, satisfying meal. 

A Fond Farewell to Dinner Dilemmas

We've journeyed through the realm of savory meatballs and gravy, a dish that reigns supreme as the ultimate comfort food. I've shared with you a treasure trove of insights—from selecting the right ingredients like lean ground beef, breadcrumbs, and quality beef broth to mastering the perfect brown gravy with simple ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce and onion powder. Along the way, I've laid out detailed steps to ensure your meatballs remain tender, highlighting the importance of not overworking the meat mixture and browning them to golden perfection in a large skillet over medium heat. 

In conclusion

Now, as we draw this culinary adventure to a close, I leave you with a potent solution to dinner dilemmas. This recipe, rich in savory flavors and enveloped in creamy gravy, has been designed not just for the satisfaction of taste buds, but also for ease in your bustling life. With its make-ahead and freezer-friendly attributes, stashing away a batch in an airtight container means you're only a reheating step away from a delicious meal that pleases the whole family. 

Adopt this meatball and gravy recipe, and watch it transform into a beloved favorite. Each time you serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh parsley, or alongside green beans, you'll witness smiles lighting up the room. It's not just a meal; it's a testimony to the simple joys of hearty, homemade food—a testament that'll resonate deeply, each time you gather around the dinner table. 

Meatballs and Gravy

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• Meatball Ingredients
• 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 ½ lbs. Ground Beef 85% lean
• 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
• Gravy
• 1 Tablespoon Butter
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 1 Beef Bouillon Cube
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
• ¼ cup cold water + 3 tablespoons Corn Starch

Instructions

• Brown the Meatballs:
• Keep the olive oil aside and gently mix the remaining meatball ingredients in a large bowl until just combined; be cautious not to overmix to prevent toughness. Shape into 1+½ inch meatballs. Pro Tip: Chill the meatballs for 15 minutes after shaping to improve cohesion while cooking.
• Warm olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Brown 5-6 meatballs at a time, about 2 minutes per side. Allow enough space for easy flipping. Set aside and repeat for all meatballs.
• Prepare the Gravy:
• In the same skillet, combine chicken broth, beef broth, beef bouillon, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits.
• Mix cornstarch and cold water in a lidded container, shake to blend.
• Bring the gravy to a boil, gradually whisk in the cornstarch mixture until desired thickness. Reduce heat to medium-low, continue whisking for a smooth consistency.
• Add the Meatballs:
• Place the meatballs back into the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and cook for approximately 10 minutes to ensure thorough heating. Garnish with parsley and serve atop mashed potatoes.
• Pro Tips:
• Be gentle when mixing the meat to preserve tenderness.
• Refrigerate the meatballs after shaping to improve cohesion.
• Searing provides appealing color and texture.
• Brown the meatballs in batches for easy handling.
• Use a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking and maintain integrity while flipping.