If you are looking for a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Meatballs and Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, tender meatballs simmered in a rich, savory gravy make every bite a delightful experience. Whether for a family dinner or a special weekend meal, this classic recipe comes together with simple pantry staples, creating a soul-satisfying dish that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Meatballs and Gravy Recipe lies in the straightforward, yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from the tender ground beef, which forms the meaty foundation, to the flavorful seasonings that bring depth and warmth. Even the gravy’s silky smooth texture comes from simple essentials, making this recipe both accessible and irresistible.
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef: The heart of the meatballs, choose a good-quality beef for juiciness.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Helps keep the meatballs tender by absorbing moisture.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the binder to hold all meatball ingredients together perfectly.
- ½ cup very finely diced onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the meatballs.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Brings a hint of tang and moisture, balancing the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon mustard: Adds a slight bite and depth to the meat mixture.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Gives savory umami notes that make the meatballs rich and delicious.
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt: Enhances all flavors without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: A fresh aroma and gentle herbaceous touch.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Reinforces the onion flavor beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic punch.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for just enough spice and complexity.
- Oil (for pan frying): Needed to brown the meatballs to a perfect golden crust.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich base for the gravy.
- 1 onion (halved and sliced): Slowly caramelized for a sweet, flavorful gravy.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Thickens the gravy to luscious perfection.
- 1 ½ to 2 cups beef broth: The soul of the gravy, adjusted for desired thickness.
- Salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce (to taste): Season the gravy to your liking.
How to Make Meatballs and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Shape the Meatballs
Start by gathering all the meatball ingredients except the oil and place them into a large bowl. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to combine the beef, breadcrumbs, spices, and sauces, ensuring that the flavors are well distributed. Then, shape the mixture into firm meatballs using about two teaspoons per ball. This size makes them perfect for browning and later simmering in the gravy without falling apart.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, which is essential for getting that delicious crust on your meatballs. Working in batches, place the meatballs carefully in the hot oil and brown them evenly on all sides. Take your time flipping gently with a spatula to keep them intact. Once nicely browned, set them aside on a plate while you prepare the gravy.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet, picking up all those wonderful browned bits left behind by the meatballs. Add the sliced onion and cook for 5 to 10 minutes until softened and golden brown, which adds a natural sweetness to the gravy. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to form a smooth base. Then gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring until the mixture is lump-free and begins to thicken beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer the Gravy and Meatballs
Once your gravy begins to thicken, gently nestle the browned meatballs back into the skillet. Lower the heat and let everything simmer together until the meatballs are cooked through and tender right at the center. The gravy will enrich with the flavors from the meat, creating a perfectly cozy, homestyle finish. Serve the meatballs and gravy piping hot over creamy mashed potatoes for a meal that feels like pure comfort.
How to Serve Meatballs and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives on top adds a burst of color and freshness, brightening up the dish visually and taste-wise. For a bit more texture, try a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which melts slightly into the savory gravy. These little touches make the dish feel even more special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This Meatballs and Gravy Recipe pairs blissfully well with classic creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up every bit of that luscious gravy. You can also serve it over buttered egg noodles or rice for a different but equally satisfying experience. For some balance, steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad bring a fresh crunch and lightness to counterbalance the rich meatballs and gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family meal, serve these meatballs and gravy in mini hamburger buns for a meatball “slider” experience that everyone will love. Another idea is to pile them on a baked potato, turning up the comfort factor to max. Even using them as a topping for creamy polenta offers a delightful twist that turns this humble recipe into something a little unexpected and elevated.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Meatballs and Gravy Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy this comfort food again without any sacrifice in flavor or texture.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes beautifully. After cooking, let the meatballs and gravy cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Stored this way, they can last up to three months. When you want a quick, comforting meal, simply thaw and reheat.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover meatballs and gravy gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving if possible, to keep the texture of the meatballs intact and the gravy silky.
FAQs
Can I use a mixture of meats for the meatballs?
Absolutely! Combining beef with pork or veal can add a wonderful depth of flavor and extra tenderness to your meatballs, enhancing the overall richness of your Meatballs and Gravy Recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free crumbs and use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening the gravy. Just make sure your beef broth is also gluten-free.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
If your gravy isn’t thick enough, sprinkle in a little more flour mixed with cold water, whisking it in slowly. Let it simmer a few extra minutes and it will thicken up nicely without losing its smooth texture.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
You can! Baking the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until browned is a healthier alternative. Just brown them briefly in the skillet afterward, if possible, before adding them to the gravy to maintain some crust and flavor.
What should I use if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If Worcestershire sauce isn’t available, a splash of soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce with a little vinegar works as a good substitute, providing those essential savory and tangy undertones for your meatballs and gravy.
Final Thoughts
This Meatballs and Gravy Recipe is one of those dishes that feels timeless and wonderfully comforting, perfect for sharing with loved ones. With its rich flavors, tender meatballs, and luscious gravy, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite. I truly hope you give this recipe a try soon and make it a staple in your home kitchen—it’s the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into a delicious memory.
Print
Meatballs and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Meatballs and Gravy recipe features flavorful, tender beef meatballs cooked to perfection and served in a rich, savory onion gravy. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup very finely diced onion
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Black pepper, to taste
- Oil for pan frying
For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, halved and sliced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ to 2 cups beef broth (adjust for desired gravy thickness)
- Salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to taste
Instructions
- Shape Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely diced onion, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Using about 2 teaspoons of the mixture per meatball, shape into firm, evenly sized meatballs.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place meatballs in the skillet in batches, browning them on all sides. Use a spatula to gently flip them to prevent breaking. Once browned, remove the meatballs and set them aside on a plate.
- Make the Gravy: Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Melt the butter, then add the sliced onion. Cook the onions for 5-10 minutes until they are very soft and golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute to form a roux.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer and allow it to thicken, adjusting with more broth if needed for preferred consistency.
- Finish Cooking Meatballs: Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the gravy. Cover and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through in the center, approximately 10-15 minutes. Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to taste. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or your preferred side.
Notes
- Use fresh breadcrumbs or panko for lighter meatballs.
- Adjust broth amount to achieve desired gravy thickness.
- Handle meatballs gently when frying to keep their shape intact.
- For extra flavor, brown the meatballs in butter or a mix of butter and oil.
- This recipe pairs excellently with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
