Irresistible Meatballs and Gravy Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Meatballs and Gravy recipe! This hearty dish combines tender, flavorful meatballs with rich, savory gravy for a meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this classic dish from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
For the Gravy:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, minced garlic, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Use your hands to mix the ingredients until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs of desired size.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic powder, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh thyme.
- Serve:
- Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, coating them evenly with the gravy.
- Allow the meatballs to simmer in the gravy for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve the meatballs and gravy hot, garnished with additional chopped thyme if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For extra flavor, you can add grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley to the meatball mixture.
- Feel free to customize the gravy by adding mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or a splash of red wine for depth of flavor.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute cornstarch for the flour in the gravy.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this recipe, you can replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Additionally, use xanthan gum as a thickening agent instead of flour in the gravy. Serve the meatballs and gravy over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a satisfying low-carb meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for the meatballs?
- Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste, as turkey may require a bit more flavoring.
- Can I make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them for later use. Simply cook the meatballs according to the recipe, allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to use, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the gravy.
- What can I serve with meatballs and gravy?
- Meatballs and gravy pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve them with crusty bread or dinner rolls for soaking up the delicious gravy.
- Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Simply follow the instructions for preparing the meatballs and gravy, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the meatballs are tender.
- Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
- While this particular recipe features meatballs made with ground beef, you can certainly make a vegetarian version using plant-based meat alternatives or meatless meatballs. For the gravy, you can use vegetable broth and omit the butter for a vegan-friendly option.
Indulge in the comforting flavors of homemade meatballs and gravy with this easy-to-follow recipe. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this classic dish is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can create a hearty and delicious meal that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!