Meatballs and Gravy: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Meatballs and Gravy, a dish that whispers of cozy kitchens and comforting family meals, is about to become your new weeknight hero. Forget complicated recipes and hours spent slaving over the stove. This recipe delivers tender, flavorful meatballs swimming in a rich, savory gravy, all in under an hour!

Meatballs themselves have a long and fascinating history, with variations popping up in cuisines across the globe. From the Swedish “köttbullar” to the Italian “polpette,” these little spheres of seasoned meat have been a staple for centuries. But the addition of gravy? That’s where the magic truly happens. Gravy elevates simple meatballs into a complete and satisfying meal, perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even creamy polenta.

What makes meatballs and gravy so universally loved? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs, the velvety smooth gravy, and the endless possibilities for customization. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly and a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients. Whether you’re craving a taste of nostalgia or simply looking for a quick and delicious dinner solution, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:
• 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor and moisture)
• 1 lb Ground Pork (adds richness and depth)
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs (plain, unseasoned)
• 1/2 cup Milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 large Egg (lightly beaten)
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated is best)
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for browning)
• For the Gravy:
• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
• 4 cups Beef Broth (low sodium is recommended)
• 1 cup Milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup Heavy Cream (for extra richness)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon Cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening if needed)

Making the Meatballs:

1. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk and become soft, which helps create a more tender meatball.
2. Combine the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Use your hands to gently incorporate all the ingredients until just combined.
3. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop (about 1.5-2 inches in diameter), form the meat mixture into meatballs. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking.
4. Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they are nicely seared. This step is crucial for developing flavor and creating a nice crust on the meatballs. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point, just brown them. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Making the Gravy:

1. Create the Roux: In the same skillet you used to brown the meatballs (don’t wipe it out – all those browned bits are flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which is the base for the gravy. The roux should be smooth and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the roux! Burnt roux will make the gravy taste bitter.
2. Whisk in the Broth: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, a little at a time, making sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the gravy is smooth and thickened.
3. Add the Milk and Seasonings: Stir in the milk, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the gravy for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more beef broth or milk to thin it out. If it’s not thick enough, you can use a cornstarch slurry (see optional ingredient in the ingredient list).
5. Optional: Add Heavy Cream: For an extra rich and creamy gravy, stir in the heavy cream during the last few minutes of simmering.

Combining Meatballs and Gravy:

1. Add the Meatballs to the Gravy: Gently add the browned meatballs to the gravy. Make sure the meatballs are submerged in the gravy.
2. Simmer Together: Cover the skillet and simmer the meatballs in the gravy for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. This allows the meatballs to fully cook through and absorb the flavors of the gravy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer they simmer, the more tender and flavorful they will become.
3. Check for Doneness: To ensure the meatballs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. They should reach 160°F (71°C).
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to your liking.
5. Serve: Serve the meatballs and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or polenta. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another meatball recipe; it’s a journey back to comforting, home-cooked goodness. From the perfectly seasoned, tender meatballs to the rich, savory gravy, every element of this dish is designed to delight. I truly believe this Meatballs and Gravy recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a satisfying and heartwarming meal. The depth of flavor achieved through simple ingredients and a little bit of patience is simply unparalleled. It’s the kind of dish that evokes memories and creates new ones around the dinner table.

But don’t just take my word for it! The real magic happens when you bring this recipe to life in your own kitchen. Imagine the aroma filling your home as the meatballs simmer gently in the gravy, promising a delicious and fulfilling meal.

And the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve these delectable meatballs and gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food experience. Or, for a lighter option, try serving them with fluffy rice or even cauliflower rice. For a truly indulgent treat, spoon them over buttered egg noodles. The possibilities are endless!

Looking for variations? Consider adding a splash of red wine to the gravy for an even richer flavor profile. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick, while a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt stirred in at the end will create a creamy, tangy finish. You could even experiment with different types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or chicken, for a leaner version. Adding finely chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions to the meatball mixture can also boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic: Over mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
• Italian-Inspired: With buttered egg noodles and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese.
• Light and Healthy: Over cauliflower rice or quinoa with steamed green beans.
• Sandwich Style: On toasted hoagie rolls with melted provolone cheese for a meatball sub.

Variations to Explore:

• Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture and gravy.
• Wine-Infused Gravy: Deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after browning the meatballs.
• Creamy Gravy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end of cooking.
• Vegetable-Packed Meatballs: Add finely chopped carrots, celery, and onions to the meatball mixture.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of homemade Meatballs and Gravy. It’s a dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a potluck gathering, or any occasion that calls for comfort food at its finest.

Once you’ve given it a try, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps inspire others to embark on their own culinary adventures. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a truly unforgettable meal. Happy cooking! I am confident that this will become a family favorite.