If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful meal, look no further than these smothered meatballs. This dish is a combination of juicy meatballs covered in a savory gravy that is sure to impress your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these smothered meatballs are a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The meatballs are packed with delicious flavors from garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- This recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients and has a quick prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The gravy adds an extra layer of richness and depth to the dish, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredient Notes:
- Meatballs:
- Lean ground beef
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Milk
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Sweet yellow onion
- Worcestershire sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Gravy:
- Butter
- Onion
- Flour
- Beef broth
- Kitchen bouquet
- Water
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic, Parmesan cheese, onion, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and brown them in a skillet with olive oil.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and make a roux with butter and flour.
- Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, kitchen bouquet, water, salt, and pepper to the skillet to make the gravy.
- Add the meatballs back to the skillet and simmer until cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the gravy.
- Serve the smothered meatballs over mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add more flour to the roux.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for a more flavorful meatball.
- Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture to prevent tough meatballs.
- Let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions:
These smothered meatballs are delicious served over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. Pair them with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. For drinks, a glass of red wine or a cold beer complements the savory flavors of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover smothered meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to keep them moist.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for the meatballs?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
- Make sure to gently shape the meatballs and avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
- Can I freeze the meatballs?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- What can I use instead of kitchen bouquet?
- You can use soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a similar flavor profile.
Conclusion:
These smothered meatballs are a comforting and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion. With flavorful meatballs and a rich gravy, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal!
Print
Smothered Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Sauteeing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These juicy meatballs are smothered in a rich and savory gravy, perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
- – 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean/7% fat)
- – 1 large egg, beateThese juicy meatballs are smothered in a rich and savory gravy, perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.n
- – 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- – 3 tablespoons whole milk
- – 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- – 1/4 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- – 3 tablespoons finely diced sweet yellow onion
- – 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- – 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- – 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- – 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- – 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- – Gravy: 2 tablespoons salted butter, 2 cups thinly sliced sweet yellow onion, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons kitchen bouquet, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic, parmesan cheese, onion, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. Shape into meatballs.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, then remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onions. Cook until onions are soft and translucent.
4. Sprinkle flour over onions and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, kitchen bouquet, water, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through.
6. Serve meatballs with gravy spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
– For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for the meatballs.
– Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball with gravy
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg