Gravy Lover’s Meatballs Recipe
If you’re someone who finds joy in rich, flavorful dishes with a comforting hug of sauce, the Gravy Lover’s Meatballs Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe brings together tender, juicy meatballs made from a perfect blend of ground beef and pork, all smothered in a luscious, silky brown gravy that’s seasoned just right. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a weekend treat, these meatballs deliver all the hearty, stick-to-your-ribs goodness you crave, making every bite feel like a warm embrace.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Gravy Lover’s Meatballs Recipe shines because of its straightforward and essential ingredients. Each one plays a unique role — from binding the meatballs to creating that beautiful, comforting gravy that coats them perfectly. You don’t need a pantry full of fancy items, just quality basics that make every element sing.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a rich, deep flavor and juicy texture for the meatballs.
- 1/2 lb ground pork: Adds moisture and a nice balance to the beef for tender meatballs.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender.
- 1/4 cup milk: Moisturizes the breadcrumbs for perfectly soft meatballs.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to keep everything together without drying out.
- 1/4 cup grated onion: Infuses the meat with subtle sweetness and flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of savory aroma and depth.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors in the meat mixture.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Gives a gentle heat that complements the richness.
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami and a slight tang that elevates the meat.
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning): Ensures a beautiful crust on the meatballs without sticking.
- 3 tbsp butter: Creates a rich base for the gravy’s roux.
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to that perfect silky consistency.
- 2 cups beef broth: The savory backbone of the gravy that infuses depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for gravy): Adds umami richness to the gravy.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Provides an extra layer of subtle onion flavor in the gravy.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Complements the garlic in the meatballs for cohesive taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning the gravy perfectly before serving.
How to Make Gravy Lover’s Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Start by combining the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to gently mix everything together just until combined — overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so keep it tender and loving. Once mixed, shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, making sure they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, but don’t overcrowd them — work in batches if needed. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning gently with tongs or a spatula, until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes total. Browning is crucial as it locks in flavor and texture, turning simple meatballs into something magical. Once browned, remove the meatballs and set them aside for the next step.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Gravy
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour evenly and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a beautiful golden roux, the base of your gravy. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder to deepen the flavor. Keep whisking and simmer the gravy until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. This silky, flavorful sauce is what makes the Gravy Lover’s Meatballs Recipe stand apart.
Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Gravy
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover the pan with a lid and let everything simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes. This step finishes cooking the meatballs through while allowing all those flavors to mingle beautifully. Stir occasionally to make sure the meatballs evenly absorb the gravy. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed. The result is a dish that tastes like pure comfort.
How to Serve Gravy Lover’s Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives instantly brightens the rich, hearty flavors of the meatballs and gravy. Adding a little green on top creates visual contrast and adds a hint of freshness that elevates the final presentation. If you love a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can kick the flavors up a notch.
Side Dishes
These meatballs with gravy pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes for that ultimate cozy meal. Egg noodles or buttery rice also soak up every drop of the luscious gravy wonderfully. For a lighter touch, steamed green beans or roasted vegetables complement the dish with color and crunch, balancing the rich meatballs perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on the classic, serve your gravy-soaked meatballs over a bed of buttery polenta or creamy risotto, which adds a luxurious texture to every bite. You can also turn this into a sandwich by piling meatballs and gravy on a toasted hoagie roll, topping with melted cheese for a meatball sub experience. No matter how you present them, the Gravy Lover’s Meatballs Recipe always steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, allow any leftover meatballs and gravy to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it super easy to reheat and enjoy a quick, satisfying meal on busy days without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze wonderfully and can be a lifesaver for meal planning. Arrange the cooked and cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag with the gravy. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, ready for a comforting, home-cooked meal whenever you need it.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and gravy in a covered skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps maintain moisture and ensures the gravy stays silky and smooth. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover and stir every minute or so to heat evenly and avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I make the meatballs gluten-free in the Gravy Lover’s Meatballs Recipe?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour for the gravy roux. This swap keeps the texture and flavor intact for all gluten-sensitive eaters to enjoy.
What can I use instead of ground pork?
If ground pork isn’t your favorite or available, feel free to use all ground beef, ground turkey, or even a blend of beef and veal to get a similar tender and juicy meatball. Each option slightly changes the flavor but stays delicious.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Definitely! You can make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them raw for later. Just thaw before browning and continue with the recipe for the freshest results.
Is it possible to make the gravy vegetarian?
While this recipe centers on beef broth for that rich flavor, you can use a hearty vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version of the gravy. The taste will be lighter but still delicious and comforting.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
Good question! The meatballs should be cooked through after simmering in the gravy for 10 to 12 minutes. You can also check by cutting one open—there should be no pink inside and the juices should run clear.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Gravy Lover’s Meatballs Recipe that turns any meal into a celebration of comfort and flavor. With its juicy meatballs and irresistibly smooth gravy, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a cherished classic in your kitchen. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this hearty, soul-satisfying dish—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Gravy Lover’s Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Savor the comforting flavors of Gravy Lover’s Meatballs, tender beef and pork meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy brown gravy made from scratch. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, these skillet-cooked meatballs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
Gravy
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently just until combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs for even cooking and a perfect bite size.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, browning them evenly on all sides for about 6–8 minutes total. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make Gravy Base: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden brown to create the roux.
- Add Liquid and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir frequently and simmer the gravy until it thickens, approximately 5 minutes.
- Simmer Meatballs in Gravy: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through and flavors meld.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper as needed before serving hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Notes
- Serve these meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a complete meal.
- For richer flavor, try using all beef or all pork according to your preference.
- Meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen before cooking in the gravy, making meal prep easy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
