This recipe offers perfectly seasoned meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork, simmered in a flavorful homemade gravy. Whether you’re planning a hearty family dinner or a cozy meal for two, this dish is sure to impress with its rich taste and simple preparation. Use these easy steps to create a comforting meal that’s ideal for pairing with mashed potatoes or pasta.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter (about 2 1/2 tablespoons of meat per meatball). This recipe yields approximately 25-30 meatballs.
- Place the formed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plates for easy handling.
Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Fry the meatballs in batches, turning with tongs, until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes per batch). Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside. Add a little more oil if needed for subsequent batches.
Make the Gravy:
- Pour off most of the fat from the skillet but leave any browned bits for added flavor.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook, stirring often, until the roux turns golden (about 2-3 minutes).
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring the flour dissolves smoothly. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and ground sage.
Combine and Simmer:
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are fully cooked and the gravy has thickened to your preference.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Comfort Food: A hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of well-seasoned meatballs and creamy gravy is irresistible.
- Versatile: Pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes or pasta.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Meatballs can be prepared and frozen for later use.
Tips
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to keep them tender.
- Uniform Sizes: Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized meatballs for consistent cooking.
- Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of beef broth. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer.
- Fresh Herbs: Add a burst of flavor by sprinkling fresh parsley or chives over the finished dish.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Options: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Spices: Add smoked paprika or cayenne for a slight kick.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free flour blend for the gravy.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter alternative for the gravy.
FAQs
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze the cooked meatballs and gravy separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What if my gravy is lumpy?
Use a whisk to smooth out lumps, or strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve if needed.
Serving and Suggestions
- Pair With: Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a complete meal.
- Side Dishes: Complement with steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, or crusty bread.
- Occasions: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings with family and friends.
Meatballs and Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 large egg
1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground sage
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter (about 2 1/2 tablespoons of meat per meatball). This recipe yields approximately 25-30 meatballs.
- Place the formed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plates for easy handling.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Fry the meatballs in batches, turning with tongs, until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes per batch). Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside. Add a little more oil if needed for subsequent batches.
- Make the Gravy:
- Pour off most of the fat from the skillet but leave any browned bits for added flavor.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook, stirring often, until the roux turns golden (about 2-3 minutes).
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring the flour dissolves smoothly. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and ground sage.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are fully cooked and the gravy has thickened to your preference.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
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