Meatballs and Gravy Recipe: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love

Meatballs and gravy recipe is a delightful classic that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This dish, beloved by families and restaurant-goers alike, combines savory meatballs with a rich, flavorful gravy, making it a standout meal suitable for any occasion. If you’ve ever tasted these juicy meatballs simmered to perfection, you know that every bite is a little piece of heaven. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make your family gather around, eager to enjoy a comforting meal.
The joy of creating this meatballs and gravy recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy a hearty serving. From the tenderness of the meatballs to the depth of flavor in the gravy, every nuance is crafted to deliver an unforgettable culinary experience. Are you ready to discover what makes this recipe so special? Let’s explore the details that will have you whipping up this incredible dish in your own kitchen!
With a blend of herbs and spices that elevate the flavors, this meatballs and gravy recipe can quickly become a family favorite. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, this dish is as versatile as it is delightful. In this guide, you will learn how to prepare mouth-watering meatballs, whip up a flavorful gravy, and enjoy serving this classic meal to those you love. Let’s dive in to find out why this dish is the ultimate comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to adore this meatballs and gravy recipe. Here are a few highlights that are sure to make you and your loved ones excited to dig in:
1. Comforting Flavors – The savory meatballs combined with a rich gravy create a harmonious flavor experience that warms your heart.
2. Family Favorite – This dish is perfect for gatherings and will undoubtedly appeal to everyone at your table, including picky eaters!
3. Simple Ingredients – Many of the ingredients are common pantry staples that you might already have on hand.
4. Easy to Make – Step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice cooks can follow along and achieve delicious results.
5. Versatile Pairing Options – Serve it over various bases like potatoes, pasta, or rice, adding variety to your weekly meals.
6. Meal Prep Friendly – These meatballs freeze beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep and busy days.
The magic of this meatballs and gravy recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its warmth and familiarity. It brings people together and creates lasting memories around the dining table.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Understanding the time commitment for making this delicious dish is essential. Here’s a quick breakdown of the total time required:
– Preparation Time: 20 minutes
– Cooking Time: 35 minutes
– Total Time: 55 minutes
This timeline ensures that you can have a hearty meal on the table in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

Ingredients

– 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup heavy cream (or sour cream)
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating your scrumptious meatballs and gravy is simple if you follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
2. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Brown the Meatballs: Carefully place the meatballs in the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
5. Remove the Meatballs: Using a slotted spoon, transfer browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
6. Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, add flour and stir for about a minute to remove the raw taste.
7. Add Broth and Cream: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, followed by the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
8. Combine: Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet. Let them simmer in the gravy for 10 minutes to soak up the flavors.
9. Taste and Adjust: Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
10. Serve Warm: Once the meatballs are cooked through and flavors melded, your dish is ready to enjoy!
These straightforward steps will lead you to a beautiful meatballs and gravy creation that will surely impress.

How to Serve

Serving your meatballs and gravy is as important as preparing them. Here are some suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
1. Presentation Matters: Use a large serving dish to showcase the meatballs swimming in rich gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley for color.
2. Accompaniments: Consider serving with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta to soak up the delicious gravy.
3. Side Dishes: Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the meal.
4. Stay Cozy: Serve in individual bowls for a comforting feel, perfect for cold evenings.
5. Beverage Pairing: Complement the meal with a robust red wine or sparkling water to cleanse the palate.
With these serving tips, you will create a memorable dining experience, ensuring that your meatballs and gravy recipe is not just a meal but a beloved event!

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh garlic and herbs for the best flavor in your meatballs and gravy.
– Mix Gently: When forming your meatballs, handle the meat mixture as little as possible to keep them tender.
– Let Gravy Simmer: Allow the gravy to simmer longer for deeper flavors, adjusting the thickness by adding more broth or cream as needed.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to get creative! Here are some variations you can try with your meatballs and gravy recipe:
1. Swapping Proteins: Use ground chicken, pork, or a meat substitute for a different flavor profile.
2. Herb Adjustments: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary for unique tastes.
3. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for some heat.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Freezing: You can freeze uncooked meatballs or those already cooked in gravy. Ensure they are well-sealed to avoid freezer burn. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Special Equipment

You will need a few key tools to make this meatballs and gravy recipe simple and efficient:
– Large Mixing Bowl: For combining your meatball ingredients.
– Baking Sheet: To place formed meatballs before cooking.
– Skillet or Frying Pan: For browning the meatballs and cooking the gravy.
– Whisk: For properly incorporating flour into the gravy without lumps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and cook them the next day.
What can I serve with meatballs and gravy?
Besides the traditional mashed potatoes, you can serve them with bread, polenta, or vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet and then transfer them to a slow cooker with the gravy to let them simmer for a few hours.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can substitute any broth, like chicken or vegetable broth, but using beef broth will give you a richer flavor.
Is there a low-carb version?
Yes! You can replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to make the recipe more suitable for low-carb diets.

Conclusion

This meatballs and gravy recipe is a timeless dish that brings hearty comfort to your table. Whether for a simple family dinner or a special gathering, this meal will leave everyone satisfied and happy. The rich flavors combined with tender meatballs create a culinary delight that will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy crafting this dish and making wonderful memories with loved ones every time you serve it.

Print