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Easy Ground Beef Meatballs with Rich Gravy Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 77 reviews

These easy ground beef meatballs and gravy offer a comforting homemade meal that’s budget-friendly and perfect for weeknight dinners. Juicy meatballs made with 80/20 ground beef are browned in a skillet and simmered in a rich, savory gravy made from caramelized onions, beef and chicken broth, and simple pantry spices. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a satisfying family-friendly dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.75 lbs 80/20 ground beef
  • 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 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 black pepper
  • 2 tsp chopped parsley

For the Gravy:

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter (such as Kerrygold)
  • 1.25 cup chicken broth
  • 1.25 cup beef broth
  • 1 beef bouillon cube
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 drops kitchen bouquet (optional, for color)
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture and Shape: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, parsley, and finely diced half onion. Gently mix with your hands just until combined to avoid dense meatballs. Wet your hands slightly with cold water and roll the mixture into 24-26 meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter for uniform cooking.
  2. Brown the Meatballs: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches to avoid crowding, cook 5-6 meatballs for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown crust forms. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate. This step adds flavor but does not fully cook the meatballs.
  3. Build the Gravy Base with Caramelized Onions: In the same skillet, melt 1.5 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced medium onion and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown. This slow caramelization deepens the sweetness and flavor of the gravy base.
  4. Create the Braising Liquid: Pour chicken broth and beef broth into the skillet with caramelized onions. Crumble in the beef bouillon cube, then add onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and kitchen bouquet. Stir well to dissolve the bouillon cube and combine flavors. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil to slightly reduce and concentrate the liquid.
  5. Thicken the Gravy and Return Meatballs: While broth is boiling, mix cornstarch with cold water in a small container until smooth. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the boiling gravy, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes until the gravy thickens to desired consistency. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them evenly in the gravy.
  6. Simmer and Finish: Lower heat to low and let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and coating. This allows meatballs to cook through and absorb the rich flavors. Let the dish rest a few minutes off heat to let flavors meld and texture soften before serving.

Notes

  • Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful meatballs that hold together well.
  • Do not overmix meat to avoid dense, tough meatballs.
  • Brown meatballs in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper sear.
  • Caramelizing onions for a full 15 minutes is crucial for deep, sweet gravy flavor.
  • Stir in cornstarch slurry slowly to prevent lumps in the gravy.
  • Store meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; flavors improve after a day.
  • Freeze portions for up to 3 months; reheat gently on stovetop for best texture.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for best results.

Keywords: ground beef meatballs, homemade meatballs, beef gravy, easy dinner, family meal, comfort food, stovetop meatballs, meatballs and gravy

Find it online: https://familyfavplates.com/easy-ground-beef-meatballs-with-rich-gravy-recipe/