Meatballs and Gravy

Name: Meatballs and Gravy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1½ lbs ground beef (85% lean); ½ yellow onion, finely diced; ¼ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 teaspoon yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 medium yellow onion, sliced; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup beef broth; 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 tsp Better than Bouillon); 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 2–3 drops Kitchen Bouquet (optional); 3 tablespoons cornstarch + ¼ cup cold water (for slurry)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Tender, juicy meatballs nestled in rich brown gravy—served over fluffy mashed potatoes—make this meatballs and gravy recipe the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight meal or prepping ahead for busy days, this dish is hearty, family-friendly, and absolutely satisfying. With its savory flavors and freezer-friendly design, it’s no surprise this classic is a household favorite. Let’s dig into what makes this dish so irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

This meatballs and gravy recipe is all about warmth and ease. It combines everyday ingredients with timeless flavor to create something both nostalgic and practical.

Classic Comfort: Meatballs in gravy are the definition of cozy, stick-to-your-ribs food.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly: Prepare the meatballs in advance or freeze them for later.
Family-Approved: Even picky eaters can’t resist these tender meatballs drenched in savory onion gravy.

Versatile: Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a complete meal.

What You’ll Need for This Delicious Recipe

Here’s a breakdown of the essential components in this comforting meatballs and gravy dinner. Each ingredient contributes to the hearty texture and rich, savory flavor of the dish.

For the Meatballs

Ground Beef: The base for juicy, tender meatballs

Yellow Onion (finely diced): Adds depth and moisture to the meat mixture
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and retain tenderness
Garlic (minced): Introduces bold aromatic flavor

Egg: Binds everything together for a cohesive texture
Ketchup: Adds a hint of sweetness and tang
Yellow Mustard: Offers sharp contrast to balance the richness

Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens the umami flavor profile
Salt & Pepper: Classic seasoning to round out the taste
Fresh Parsley: Brightens up the finished dish

Olive Oil: Used for browning the meatballs

For the Gravy

Yellow Onion (sliced): Caramelizes into a sweet, savory base for the gravy
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions

Chicken & Beef Broth: Creates a balanced, savory gravy
Beef Bouillon: Enhances meaty depth
Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Boost flavor complexity

Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep umami tones
Kitchen Bouquet (optional): Darkens the gravy and enhances aroma
Cornstarch + Cold Water: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency

Ingredient Swaps and Helpful Substitutions

Not a fan of beef or following a dietary restriction? No problem—here are a few easy swaps that keep this meatballs and gravy recipe flexible and accessible.

Ground Turkey or Chicken: A leaner, lighter alternative to beef with a softer texture
Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: Use almond flour or certified gluten-free breadcrumbs

Vegan Version: Use plant-based ground meat, egg substitute, and vegetable broth
Low-Sodium Broths: Ideal for reducing salt content while retaining flavor

Step-by-Step: How to Make Meatballs and Gravy

Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender. Shape into 1½-inch balls. Chill for 15 minutes to firm up.

Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches for about 2 minutes per side, avoiding overcrowding. Set browned meatballs aside.
Sauté the Onions
In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onions. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring often, until soft and caramelized.
Build the Gravy
Add chicken broth, beef broth, bouillon, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Scrape up browned bits from the pan. Optional: Add a few drops of Kitchen Bouquet for color and extra depth.

Thicken the Sauce
Combine cornstarch and cold water in a container, shake well. Slowly whisk into the boiling gravy until thickened. Reduce heat to a simmer.
Simmer Meatballs in Gravy
Return the meatballs to the skillet. Spoon gravy over each one and let simmer for 10 minutes to ensure they’re cooked through. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Results

Make your meatballs and gravy shine every time with these expert pointers:

Chill Before Cooking: Refrigerating meatballs before browning helps them hold their shape
Brown for Flavor: Searing the meatballs adds a delicious crust and deepens flavor
Use a Nonstick Pan: Prevents sticking and helps preserve meatball integrity

Deglaze the Pan: Don’t waste those flavorful brown bits—let them enrich the gravy
Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix the meat mixture for light, tender meatballs

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

This dish is endlessly versatile. Here are a few ideas to customize and complete your meatballs and gravy dinner:

Serve With: Creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, steamed rice, or roasted carrots
Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or cayenne to the meat mixture
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir grated parmesan into the meatball mix for extra richness

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce
Swedish Twist: Add sour cream to the gravy for a creamier texture

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Notes

One of the best parts about meatballs and gravy is how well it stores and reheats:

Prep Ahead: Roll meatballs a day in advance and store in the fridge
Freeze It: Raw or cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months
Refrigerate Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days

Reheat Gently: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed

Seasonal Flexibility and Comfort Year-Round

While meatballs and gravy scream fall and winter comfort, they’re welcome every season. In colder months, pair with root vegetables and rich sides. In warmer weather, serve with a crisp salad or grilled greens. This dish is a year-round staple that adjusts to your table, whatever the occasion.

Wrapping It Up: A Classic Worth Repeating

When it comes to satisfying, no-fuss dinners, meatballs and gravy never disappoint. With their juicy texture, rich flavor, and comforting appeal, they deserve a place in every home cook’s rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for the week, or just craving a plate of something warm and nostalgic, this recipe checks every box. It’s versatile, freezer-friendly, and pairs beautifully with your favorite sides. Give it a try, and it might just become your new go-to comfort food.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meatballs and Gravy

1. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Absolutely. If you want a less hands-on approach, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Then, add them to the gravy to simmer and absorb flavor.

2. How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?

The key to meatballs that hold together is balance. Use enough binder (egg and breadcrumbs), don’t overmix the meat, and refrigerate the shaped meatballs for at least 15 minutes before cooking. Browning them in batches and using a nonstick pan also helps.

3. What can I use instead of Kitchen Bouquet?

Kitchen Bouquet adds color and richness, but it’s optional. For a natural alternative, try a splash of soy sauce or a little extra Worcestershire sauce to darken and deepen the gravy’s flavor.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This meatballs and gravy recipe is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare the meatballs a day ahead or freeze them raw. Fully cooked meatballs with gravy also freeze well—just reheat gently with a splash of broth

More Relevant Recipes

Homestyle Chicken and Gravy: This dish delivers a similar comforting experience as meatballs and gravy, featuring tender chicken smothered in rich, savory brown gravy. It’s a perfect choice for those who love hearty, classic meat-and-gravy meals.

Creamy Chicken Stroganoff: With its creamy sauce and tender chicken pieces, this recipe mirrors the indulgent feel of meatballs and gravy. Serve it over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a full-bodied, satisfying dinner.
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff: Rich and flavorful with melt-in-your-mouth beef, this slow cooker stroganoff is an excellent alternative to traditional meatballs and gravy, providing similar flavors with minimal hands-on time.

Meatballs and Gravy – Best Classic Recipe to Try

Table of Contents