Meatballs and Gravy

Tender meatballs and gravy are the epitome of comfort food, perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. This dish combines juicy beef meatballs coated in rich brown gravy, making it a delightful choice for any occasion. What sets this recipe apart is its make-ahead capability and freezer-friendly nature, ensuring you always have a hearty meal at your fingertips.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of savory meatballs and rich gravy creates a satisfying meal that warms your soul.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over creamy mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a comforting twist.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and store in the freezer for those busy weeknights when time is tight.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it an excellent choice for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results with your Meatballs and Gravy recipe, having the right tools on hand will streamline the cooking process and enhance your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Skillet or saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly to ensure flavorful meatballs.
• Skillet or saucepan: Perfect for browning the meatballs and simmering the gravy to develop deep flavors.

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Ingredients

To create these delicious Meatballs and Gravy, gather the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs

• 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)

For the Gravy

• 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

In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, finely diced onion, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, shape the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs in batches. Brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove browned meatballs from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Gravy Base

In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter. Add sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent. Stir in chicken broth, beef broth, bouillon cube, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and Kitchen Bouquet if using.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

In a separate bowl, mix cold water with cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the skillet while stirring constantly until the gravy thickens.

Step 6: Combine Meatballs with Gravy

Return browned meatballs to the skillet with gravy. Simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Enjoy your homemade Meatballs and Gravy over creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite side!

How to Serve Meatballs and Gravy

Serving meatballs and gravy is all about enhancing the comforting flavors of this dish. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy your meatballs and gravy.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a perfect base, soaking up the rich gravy and complementing the meatballs.

With Egg Noodles

• Tender egg noodles tossed with the flavorful gravy make for a hearty meal, adding a delightful texture to each bite.

On a Sub Roll

• Place meatballs in a soft sub roll and top with gravy for a delicious sandwich that’s easy to eat on the go.

As Part of a Meatball Platter

• Serve meatballs alongside various dipping sauces for a fun appetizer platter, perfect for gatherings or game day.

With Rice

• Fluffy rice is an excellent option to absorb the gravy, providing a lighter alternative to heavier sides while still being satisfying.

How to Perfect Meatballs and Gravy

To ensure your meatballs and gravy turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use lean ground beef: Opting for 85% lean ground beef helps keep the meatballs moist without excess fat.

• Don’t overmix: Mixing ingredients just until combined prevents tough meatballs; gentle handling is key.

• Chill before cooking: Refrigerating formed meatballs for at least 30 minutes helps them hold their shape during cooking.

• Simmer gently: Allowing the meatballs to simmer slowly in the gravy ensures they cook evenly without becoming dry.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust salt or pepper as needed for optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Meatballs and Gravy

Pairing side dishes with your meatballs and gravy elevates the entire meal experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition, making it a classic side that balances richness.

2. Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra gravy, adding crunch and flavor.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide sweetness and texture, complementing the savory meatballs beautifully.

4. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw offers a crunchy contrast to the soft meatballs, enhancing the overall meal experience.

5. Cauliflower Mash: For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower mash mimics traditional mashed potatoes while offering unique flavor.

6. Green Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette lightens up the meal while adding freshness and crispness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making meatballs and gravy can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using too much salt: Adding excessive salt can overpower the flavors. Instead, start with a small amount and adjust as needed during cooking.

• Overmixing the meatball mixture: Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until combined for tender results.

• Skipping browning the meatballs: Browning enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step; it adds depth to your dish.

• Not letting the gravy thicken: If you rush this, your gravy may be too thin. Allow enough time for the cornstarch to work its magic.

• Ignoring resting time: Letting the meatballs rest after cooking helps them hold together better when served. Don’t skip this important step!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Meatballs and Gravy

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Meatballs and Gravy

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.

• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through, stirring halfway.

• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding meatballs and gravy that may help you.

Can I use other meats for Meatballs and Gravy?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or lamb for the beef if you prefer different flavors or dietary options.

How do I make my Meatballs more flavorful?

Adding herbs like oregano or basil can enhance flavor. Experiment with spices according to your taste preferences.

Can I prepare Meatballs and Gravy ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook.

What sides pair well with Meatballs and Gravy?

Creamy mashed potatoes are classic, but you might also try rice or noodles as excellent alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for meatballs and gravy is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by switching up the herbs or using different types of broth. We encourage you to give it a try and discover how delicious homemade comfort food can be!