Homemade Meatballs with Gravy

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Homemade Meatballs with Gravy

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

    • The base for the meatballs, providing protein and flavor.

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

    • Helps to bind the meatballs and gives them a tender texture.

  • 1/4 cup milk

    • Adds moisture and makes the meatballs juicy.

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

    • Adds flavor and sweetness to the meatballs.

  • 1/2 cup chopped celery

    • Adds a bit of crunch and a savory, fresh flavor.

  • 1 egg

    • Acts as a binder for the meatballs.

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

    • For an added savory boost.

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

    • Adds a hint of herby flavor.

  • Salt and pepper to taste

    • For seasoning.

For the Gravy:

  • 2 cups beef broth

    • The base for the gravy, adding rich flavor.

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)

    • Adds an umami depth to the gravy.

  • 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

    • To thicken the gravy to your desired consistency.

  • 1 tablespoon butter

    • Adds richness and smoothness to the gravy.

  • Salt and pepper to taste

    • For seasoning the gravy.

Instructions:

For the Meatballs:

  1. Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

    • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, chopped celery, egg, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

  3. Form the Meatballs:

    • Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.

  4. Bake the Meatballs:

    • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F).

For the Gravy:

  1. Prepare the Gravy:

    • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the beef broth and soy sauce (if using). Stir to combine.

  2. Thicken the Gravy:

    • If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk in the flour or cornstarch and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Let it simmer until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.

  3. Season the Gravy:

    • Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Combine the Meatballs with Gravy:

  1. Add Meatballs to Gravy:

    • Once the meatballs are baked, carefully add them to the saucepan with the gravy. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb some of the gravy.

  2. Serve:

    • Serve the meatballs hot with the rich, savory gravy poured over them. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal.

Benefits:

  • High Protein: The meatballs are a great source of protein, making them a filling and satisfying meal.

  • Comforting: The combination of meatballs and gravy is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners.

  • Customizable: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

  • Rich in Flavor: The homemade gravy, made with beef broth and seasonings, adds an extra layer of depth and richness to the dish.

Nutritional Info (Approximate per serving, 2 meatballs with gravy):

  • Calories: 350-450 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 20-25 g (depending on the breadcrumbs)

  • Protein: 25-30 g

  • Fat: 20-25 g

  • Fiber: 1-2 g

  • Sodium: 600-800 mg

Tips:

  • Make Ahead: You can make the meatballs in advance and freeze them. Simply cook them fully, let them cool, and freeze them in an airtight container. When ready to eat, reheat in the gravy.

  • Customize the Gravy: If you prefer a richer gravy, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of the broth.

  • Add Vegetables: You can also add some vegetables like carrots or peas to the gravy for extra nutrition and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q/A):

Q1: Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
A1: Yes, you can use ground chicken or turkey if you prefer a leaner option. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Q2: Can I make this dish in the slow cooker?
A2: Yes! You can place the meatballs and gravy in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This will allow the meatballs to absorb even more flavor from the gravy.

Q3: Can I freeze the meatballs?
A3: Yes, the meatballs can be frozen after baking. Allow them to cool, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, you can cook them in the gravy or bake them in the oven.

Q4: Can I make this without breadcrumbs?
A4: Yes, you can use ground almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or even oats as a substitute for breadcrumbs if you prefer a low-carb or gluten-free option.

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