Meatballs & Meatloaf

Meatballs And Gravy

Name: Meatballs And Gravy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 1 cup (250ml) beef broth; 2 tbsp (30g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (250g) canned crushed tomatoes

By Xenia Foxworth · June 19, 2026 · Meatballs & Meatloaf

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

There's something about a warm, comforting bowl of meatballs and gravy that just feels like home. For me, it's a dish that evokes memories of family gatherings and lazy Sundays spent around the dinner table. As a busy home cook, I've learned to appreciate the simplicity and versatility of this classic comfort food recipe.

One of the things I love most about meatballs and gravy is how easy it is to customize to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer a lighter, more brothy gravy or a rich, thick one, the choice is yours. And when it comes to the meatballs themselves, you can experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to find the perfect combination.

In this recipe, I'll be sharing my secrets for making the perfect meatballs and gravy, from the importance of using high-quality ground beef to the key to achieving a smooth, velvety gravy. So if you're looking for a hearty, comforting meal that's sure to become a family favorite, keep reading!

As a home cook, I believe that the key to making great meatballs and gravy is to keep things simple. That means using fresh, seasonal ingredients and avoiding any fancy or complicated techniques. By following this recipe, you'll be able to create a delicious, satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

So let's get started! With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you'll be on your way to making the perfect meatballs and gravy. And don't worry if you're new to cooking - this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal supervision, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal supervision, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The meatballs and gravy are highly customizable, so you can experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to find the perfect combination.
The dish is hearty and comforting, making it perfect for a cold winter's night or a special occasion.
The recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that are easy to find in most supermarkets.
The meatballs and gravy can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed, making it a great option for busy home cooks.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great meatballs and gravy is to cook the meatballs until they're nice and browned on the outside, while keeping them juicy and tender on the inside. This is achieved by using a combination of high-quality ground beef and a few simple seasonings, such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Another important factor is the gravy. A good gravy should be smooth and velvety, with a rich, meaty flavor. To achieve this, it's essential to use a mixture of beef broth and flour to thicken the gravy, and to cook it slowly over low heat to prevent it from becoming too thick or lumpy.

Finally, the way you cook the meatballs and gravy is also important. By browning the meatballs in a hot skillet and then finishing them in the oven, you can achieve a nice, even crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. And by cooking the gravy slowly over low heat, you can reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors, resulting in a rich and satisfying sauce.

By following these simple techniques and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite. So let's take a closer look at the ingredients and equipment you'll need to get started.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making meatballs and gravy, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. That's why I've chosen a selection of high-quality, fresh ingredients that will give your dish the best possible flavor and texture. From the ground beef to the beef broth, every component plays a crucial role in creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

In this recipe, you'll need a few basic pantry staples, such as flour, garlic powder, and salt, as well as some fresh ingredients like onions and parsley. You'll also need a few specialty ingredients, like beef broth and canned tomatoes, to give the dish a rich and meaty flavor.

1 lb (450g) ground beefLook for high-quality ground beef with a good balance of fat and lean meat. This will help keep the meatballs juicy and flavorful.
1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbsBreadcrumbs help to bind the meatballs together and add texture. You can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs, depending on your preference.
1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the meatballs. You can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the meatballs. You can use more or less garlic depending on your taste preferences.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsleyParsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the meatballs. You can also use other herbs, such as basil or oregano.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltSalt enhances the flavor of the meatballs and helps to bring out the other ingredients.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a subtle, slightly bitter flavor to the meatballs.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the meatballs and add flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of oil, such as vegetable or canola oil.
1 cup (250ml) beef brothBeef broth adds a rich, meaty flavor to the gravy. You can use low-sodium broth or make your own broth from scratch.
2 tbsp (30g) all-purpose flourFlour is used to thicken the gravy and add texture. You can use all-purpose flour or a combination of all-purpose and cornstarch.
1 cup (250g) canned crushed tomatoesCrushed tomatoes add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the gravy. You can use fresh or canned tomatoes, depending on your preference.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Meatballs And Gravy

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3
Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.
4
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
5
Reduce the heat to medium and add the flour to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly browned and has a nutty aroma.
6
Gradually add the beef broth to the skillet, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it has thickened and reduced slightly.
7
Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
8
Add the browned meatballs back to the skillet and simmer them in the sauce for 5-10 minutes, until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the meatballs and gravy rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to retain their juices.
10
Serve the meatballs and gravy hot, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. You can serve them with pasta, rice, or as a submarine sandwich.
11
Let the meatballs and gravy cool completely before refrigerating or freezing them. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop when you're ready to serve.
12
To freeze the meatballs and gravy, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.
13
To reheat the meatballs and gravy, place them in a saucepan over low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the sauce.

Expert Tips

Make sure to handle the meatballs gently when shaping them, as they can be fragile.
Don't overcook the meatballs, as they can become dry and tough.
Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, to add depth and flavor to the dish.
Let the meatballs and gravy rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will allow the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to retain their juices.
Experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to find the perfect combination for your taste preferences.
Consider making a double batch of the meatballs and gravy, as they freeze well and can be reheated for a quick and easy meal.
Serve the meatballs and gravy with a side of pasta, rice, or garlic bread for a filling and satisfying meal.
Add some acidity, such as a squeeze of lemon juice, to balance out the richness of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the meat mixture, which can lead to tough and dense meatballs.
Not browning the meatballs enough, which can result in a lack of flavor and texture.
Not cooking the meatballs to the correct internal temperature, which can lead to foodborne illness.
Not letting the meatballs and gravy rest before serving, which can result in a lack of flavor and moisture.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
Not whisking the flour and broth mixture enough, which can result in a lumpy and uneven gravy.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some heat to the dish by incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a brighter and more acidic flavor.
Add some chopped herbs, such as basil or oregano, to the meat mixture for added depth and complexity.
Serve the meatballs and gravy with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad for a well-rounded and balanced meal.
Use ground turkey or pork instead of beef for a leaner and more flavorful option.

What to Serve With Meatballs And Gravy

The meatballs and gravy are best served hot, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. You can serve them with pasta, rice, or as a submarine sandwich. Consider adding some garlic bread or a green salad on the side for a filling and satisfying meal.

Some other options for serving the meatballs and gravy include:

Serve the meatballs and gravy with a side of pasta or rice.Add some garlic bread or a green salad on the side for a filling and satisfying meal.Use the meatballs and gravy as a filling for submarine sandwiches.Serve the meatballs and gravy with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.Use the meatballs and gravy as a topping for a baked potato or as a filling for stuffed peppers.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The meatballs and gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To refrigerate, let the meatballs and gravy cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. To freeze, place the meatballs and gravy in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer.

When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the meatballs and gravy overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also reheat them directly from the freezer, but be careful not to overheat the sauce.

Some tips for reheating the meatballs and gravy include:

Reheating them in the microwave, covered with a paper towel to prevent splatters.

Reheating them on the stovetop, over low heat and stirring occasionally, until they are heated through.

Adding a little bit of water or broth to the sauce if it becomes too thick during reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ground beef is best for meatballs?

Look for high-quality ground beef with a good balance of fat and lean meat. This will help keep the meatballs juicy and flavorful.

Can I make the meatballs and gravy ahead of time?

Yes, the meatballs and gravy can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. Simply reheat them when you're ready to serve.

How do I prevent the meatballs from becoming dry and tough?

Make sure to handle the meatballs gently when shaping them, and don't overcook them. Also, use high-quality ingredients and let the meatballs and gravy rest for a few minutes before serving.

Can I use different types of cheese in the meatballs?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, to find the perfect combination for your taste preferences.

How do I thicken the gravy if it becomes too thin?

You can thicken the gravy by whisking in a little bit of flour or cornstarch, or by simmering it for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.

Can I serve the meatballs and gravy with a side of pasta or rice?

Yes, the meatballs and gravy are delicious served with pasta, rice, or as a submarine sandwich. Consider adding some garlic bread or a green salad on the side for a filling and satisfying meal.

How do I reheat the meatballs and gravy if they become frozen?

You can reheat the meatballs and gravy directly from the freezer, but be careful not to overheat the sauce. Simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I make the meatballs and gravy in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make the meatballs and gravy in a slow cooker. Simply brown the meatballs in a skillet and then add them to the slow cooker with the gravy ingredients. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.

The Full Recipe

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