Meatballs and Gravy

Discover the ultimate Meatballs and Gravy recipe—juicy homemade meatballs simmered in a rich, savory gravy. Perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this comforting dish is easy to make and packed with flavor. Learn tips, variations, and serving suggestions for a family favorite dinner that’s as versatile as it is delicious!

Ingredients

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

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 teaspoon Better than Bouillon)
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 2-3 drops Kitchen Bouquet (optional for color)
• 1/4 cup Cold Water + 3 Tablespoons Corn Starch

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Instructions

Prepare and Cook the Meatballs

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients except olive oil. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat. Roll into 1 ½-inch meatballs.
   • Pro Tip: Refrigerate meatballs for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
2. Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 5-6 meatballs at a time, leaving space around each for easy turning. Brown for 2 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside. Repeat for all meatballs.
3. Cook the Onions: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and melt the butter. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring often, for about 15 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.

Make the Gravy

4. Create the Base: Add chicken broth, beef broth, beef bouillon, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
   • Optional: Add 2-3 drops of Kitchen Bouquet for a richer color.
5. Thicken the Gravy: In a small container, combine cold water and cornstarch. Shake or stir until smooth. Bring the gravy to a boil, then slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low, whisking continuously until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.

Finish the Dish

6. Simmer the Meatballs: Add the browned meatballs back to the skillet. Spoon gravy over them and let simmer for about 10 minutes to finish cooking. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort Food: Juicy, flavorful meatballs paired with rich, savory gravy make for a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.
• Versatile Pairing: Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a complete dish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the meatballs and gravy ahead of time for an easy dinner solution.

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Tips

• Perfect Meatballs: Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
• Caramelized Onions: Take your time cooking the onions for deeper flavor in the gravy.
• Consistent Gravy: Mix cornstarch with cold water to prevent lumps when thickening the gravy.
• Extra Flavor: Scrape the browned bits from the skillet into the gravy for added depth.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with a mix of ground pork or turkey for a different flavor profile.
• Breadcrumb Alternatives: Use panko or crushed crackers if you’re out of breadcrumbs.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broths and adjust the salt to taste.
• Gluten-Free: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

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FAQs

Can I freeze the meatballs? Yes, brown the meatballs and freeze them in a single layer. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating in the gravy.

How do I store leftovers? Store meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! This recipe scales easily to feed a larger crowd.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Side Ideas: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or fluffy rice. Add a side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots for a complete meal.
• Toppings: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
• Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of red wine, like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, or a refreshing iced tea.

This classic Meatballs and Gravy recipe is a comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Packed with rich flavors and hearty goodness, it’s sure to become a family favorite!