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INSTANT POT DINNER RECIPES

Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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):

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!