If you’re craving a hearty, home-cooked meal, this Meatballs and Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. The rich, savory gravy combined with tender, flavorful meatballs creates the perfect comfort food that your family will love. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, this dish delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. It’s a family-friendly dish that works great for weeknight dinners, but it’s also impressive enough for a special meal. The combination of ground beef meatballs with a rich, onion-based gravy gives you a hearty dish that pleases both kids and adults. Plus, it’s versatile—you can adjust the seasonings to your preference or swap out ingredients for a different twist on this classic.

Ingredients Overview

To make this Meatballs and Gravy Recipe, you’ll need two sets of ingredients—one for the meatballs and one for the gravy.

Meatball Ingredients:

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil – for browning the meatballs.
1 ½ lbs. Ground Beef (85% lean) – the base of your meatballs.
½ Yellow Onion, finely diced – adds sweetness and moisture.
¼ cup Breadcrumbs (plain or Italian) – helps bind the meatballs.
2 cloves Garlic, minced – for that aromatic depth.
1 large Egg – acts as a binder.
1 Tablespoon Ketchup – adds subtle sweetness and tang.
1 teaspoon Yellow Mustard – provides a mild acidic balance.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce – enhances the umami flavor.
½ teaspoon Salt – brings out the flavor in the meat.
¼ teaspoon Pepper – for a mild spice.
2 teaspoons Fresh Parsley, roughly chopped – adds freshness and color.

Gravy Ingredients:

1 medium Yellow Onion, sliced into ½ inch strings – for a rich onion gravy.
1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter – creates a base for the gravy.
1 cup Chicken Broth – adds depth and moisture.
1 cup Beef Broth – contributes to the beefy flavor of the gravy.
1 Beef Bouillon Cube (or 1 tsp Better than Bouillon) – intensifies the flavor.
1 teaspoon Onion Powder – boosts the onion flavor.
½ teaspoon Garlic Powder – adds warmth and depth.
1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce – a key ingredient for umami.
2-3 drops Kitchen Bouquet (optional) – for added color and flavor.
¼ cup cold water + 3 tablespoons Cornstarch – thickens the gravy.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large nonstick skillet
Mixing bowls
Measuring spoons and cups
Spatula or wooden spoon
Tupperware for mixing cornstarch
Tongs for turning the meatballs
Cutting board and knife

How to Make Perfect Meatballs

Making the perfect meatballs involves just the right combination of ingredients and techniques. Start by gently mixing all the meatball ingredients in a large bowl—ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to tough meatballs. Once combined, roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs.

Pro Tip: Chill the meatballs in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps them stay together better during the cooking process.

Browning the Meatballs

Browning the meatballs adds a delicious crust that locks in flavor. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides—this should take about 2 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.

Note: You don’t need to cook the meatballs through at this stage—they’ll finish cooking in the gravy later.

Making the Onion Gravy

After browning the meatballs, use the same skillet (without cleaning it) to start making your gravy. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add the sliced onions. Let them cook on medium heat, stirring often, until they soften and caramelize, about 15 minutes.

Once the onions are caramelized, add the chicken broth, beef broth, bouillon cube, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, making sure to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet—these are full of flavor! For a richer color, you can add 2-3 drops of Kitchen Bouquet (optional).

In a small container, shake together cornstarch and cold water until fully combined. Bring the gravy mixture to a boil, then slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Keep stirring until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, then reduce the heat to medium-low.

Combining Meatballs with Gravy

Once your gravy is ready, add the browned meatballs back into the skillet. Spoon the rich gravy over each meatball to ensure they’re coated. Let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for about 10 minutes, allowing them to fully cook through and soak up all the delicious flavors.

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve the meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Meatballs and Gravy

Don’t overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix gently to avoid making them tough.
Chill the meatballs: A brief chill in the fridge helps them hold their shape while cooking.
Scrape the pan: Those brown bits on the skillet after browning the meatballs are pure flavor—don’t waste them!
Control gravy thickness: Add the cornstarch mixture slowly and stir continuously to reach your desired gravy consistency.

Variations & Recipe Swaps

This meatballs and gravy recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to switch it up:

Ground turkey: Swap the beef for turkey for a leaner version.
Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy flavor.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatballs or gravy for a little heat.
Different herbs: Use oregano or thyme instead of parsley for a flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs and gravy pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, which soak up the rich gravy beautifully. You can also serve them with rice, egg noodles, or even over roasted vegetables for a lower-carb option. Add a side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad for a complete, well-balanced meal.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth to loosen up the gravy if it has thickened in the fridge.

You can also freeze the cooked meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a substitute for beef in this recipe. Just be mindful that leaner meats may need a bit more seasoning or moisture (such as an extra egg or a bit of milk).

How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure to gently mix the ingredients and refrigerate the meatballs for 15 minutes before browning. This helps them stay together during cooking.

Can I make the gravy without cornstarch?
Yes, if you prefer a thinner gravy, you can omit the cornstarch and reduce the liquid a bit for a more concentrated flavor. You can also use flour as a thickening agent.

Conclusion

This Meatballs and Gravy Recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With tender, flavorful meatballs and a rich onion gravy, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Be sure to subscribe to the blog for more amazing recipes!

Meatballs And Gravy Recipe