Easy Ground Beef Meatballs and Gravy Recipe for Quick Dinners
This Easy Ground Beef Meatballs and Gravy recipe brings back the comforting flavors of childhood, featuring juicy meatballs simmered in a rich, savory gravy. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s simple yet satisfying for the whole family.
- Author: yassine
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1.75 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 yellow onion
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 large egg
- 1.5 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1.25 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp parsley
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter (I like Kerrygold for this)
- 1.25 cup chicken broth
- 1.25 cup beef broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 1.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 drops kitchen bouquet
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.75 lbs of ground beef, 1/2 a finely chopped yellow onion, 1/3 cup of breadcrumbs, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 large egg, 1.5 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp yellow mustard, 1.25 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 2 tsp parsley. Mix well until combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. This size allows for even cooking. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart to prevent sticking.
- Drizzle 3 tbsp of olive oil over the meatballs and bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. They should be browned on the outside and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F). Avoid opening the oven door frequently to maintain the temperature.
- While the meatballs bake, prepare the gravy. In a large skillet, melt 1.5 tbsp of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add one medium yellow onion (sliced) and sauté until translucent and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds flavor, so take your time.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1.25 cup chicken broth, 1.25 cup beef broth, 1 beef bouillon cube, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp smoked paprika, 1.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 3 drops kitchen bouquet, and 1/4 cup water. Stir until well combined.
- Once the onions are ready, pour the broth mixture into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp of cornstarch with 3 tbsp of cold water to create a slurry. Gradually add this mixture to the simmering gravy, stirring continuously until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully add them to the gravy. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The meatballs should be heated through and coated in the rich gravy.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired. Enjoy your Easy Ground Beef Meatballs and Gravy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: To avoid dry meatballs, don't overmix your meat mixture. Combine just until incorporated. Overworking the meat can lead to tough texture. Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your meatballs. They should reach 160°F for safe consumption, ensuring they're perfectly cooked without being dry.