If you are someone who can never get enough of rich, comforting flavors, then this Gravy Lover’s Meatballs Recipe is destined to become your new kitchen favorite. Juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs simmered in a velvety brown gravy create an irresistible combination that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this dish brings together simplicity and indulgence in every bite, making gravy enthusiasts everywhere very happy indeed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet crucial, each adding its own special touch to make the meatballs tender, flavorful, and the gravy luscious and satisfying.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base providing juicy, tender meatballs.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them light in texture.
- 1 egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything together perfectly.
- ¼ cup milk: Adds moisture, ensuring the meatballs stay soft and juicy.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Infuses a subtle, savory depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Lends a warm, aromatic undertone to the meatballs.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle, complementary heat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for browning, which creates a flavorful crust on the meatballs.
- 2 cups beef broth: Forms the deliciously rich base of the gravy.
- 1 packet brown gravy mix: Provides that classic, comforting gravy flavor with ease.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional): For thickening the gravy to your liking.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and a splash of color.
How to Make Gravy Lover’s Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. The key here is to gently mix until everything is just combined — overworking the meat can make your meatballs tough. This mixture will be tender yet hold together perfectly as you shape them into about 1-inch meatballs.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the meatballs carefully into the pan, giving them space so they brown evenly and don’t steam. Brown each side for a total of about 6 to 8 minutes. That golden crust is where a lot of the flavor develops, so don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Make and Add the Gravy
While the meatballs brown, whisk together the beef broth and brown gravy mix in a separate bowl until smooth and lump-free. Once the meatballs are browned, pour the gravy mixture over them in the skillet. This creates a rich, savory bath that keeps the meatballs moist as they finish cooking.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. This simmer allows the flavors to meld perfectly while ensuring the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Optional Gravy Thickening
If you prefer a thicker gravy, stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) about 5 minutes before the cooking time ends. Simmer briefly to activate the thickener, and watch your gravy transform into a glossy, silky sauce everyone will swoon over.
How to Serve Gravy Lover’s Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only adds a pop of green but also brings a slight freshness that balances the richness of the meatballs and gravy. Feel free to garnish generously to make each serving look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines when paired with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or fluffy rice — any of these are perfect for soaking up the luscious gravy. Consider serving with steamed green beans or roasted carrots for a vibrant and wholesome plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your meatballs on crusty toasted bread or slider buns for a rich, gravy-soaked sandwich experience. Alternatively, use them to top a fresh bed of buttered pasta or even alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty meal that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to pull together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place your meatballs and gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your leftovers taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This Gravy Lover’s Meatballs Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Freeze the meatballs and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat on low heat in a covered skillet or saucepan, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or water if the gravy thickened too much while stored. This ensures the dish returns to its velvety, delicious state as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use ground pork or a mix of meats instead of just ground beef?
Absolutely! Using a combination of ground beef and pork adds extra flavor and moisture, making your meatballs even more tender and delicious.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your brown gravy mix is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the comforting taste of gravy without worrying about gluten.
How can I make the gravy creamier?
Adding a splash of heavy cream toward the end of cooking will give your gravy a luscious, velvety texture and a slightly richer flavor that’s heavenly.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Definitely. You can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until browned and cooked through, then add the gravy and simmer on the stove for the final flavor meld.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the meatballs?
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with the gravy covering the meatballs. You can add a bit of extra broth if needed. Avoid microwave reheating which can dry them out.
Final Thoughts
This Gravy Lover’s Meatballs Recipe is truly a celebration of everything comforting and delicious. It’s one of those dishes that immediately makes any meal feel homey and satisfying. I encourage you to try making it soon — once you do, I bet it will become a dinner staple you’ll return to again and again. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Gravy Lover’s Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Gravy Lover’s Meatballs are tender, juicy, and smothered in a rich brown gravy. Made with ground beef and seasoned with onion and garlic powder, they’re browned to perfection and simmered in a savory beef broth and gravy mix. Perfect served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a comforting and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
Gravy Ingredients
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs using your hands or a scoop to ensure even size for cooking.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides.
- Prepare Gravy Mixture: While browning meatballs, whisk together beef broth and brown gravy mix in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Simmer Meatballs in Gravy: Pour the gravy mixture over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 15–20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
- Thicken Gravy (Optional): If a thicker gravy is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 5 minutes of cooking and continue to simmer until the gravy thickens.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley if using, and serve meatballs with gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- You can use a mix of ground beef and pork for extra flavor and juiciness.
- For a creamier gravy, stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving.
- To keep this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gravy mix.
- Meatballs can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before browning to save time.
