Homestyle Meatballs with Savory Brown Gravy

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Introduction

These classic meatballs are pure comfort food. Soft, juicy, and packed with flavor, they’re made with simple pantry ingredients and finished with a rich brown gravy that clings to every bite. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe delivers old-fashioned goodness with modern ease.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (or half beef, half turkey)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • ½ cup finely chopped celery
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried parsley or Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp oil (for frying)

For the Brown Gravy

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups beef broth (warm)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: ½ tsp onion powder or garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, celery, garlic, and all seasonings.
  2. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined (don’t overmix).

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

  • Roll into golf-ball sized meatballs.
  • Place on a plate and rest for 5 minutes to hold their shape.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add meatballs and brown on all sides (about 6–8 minutes total).
  3. Remove and set aside (they’ll finish cooking in the gravy).

Gravy Method

Step 4: Make the Gravy

  1. In the same pan, melt butter.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Slowly add warm beef broth while whisking.
  4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
  5. Simmer until thick and glossy.

Step 5: Combine

  • Return meatballs to the pan.
  • Spoon gravy over them.
  • Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until fully cooked and tender.

Serving Suggestions

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Buttered noodles
  • Rice
  • Crusty bread
  • With vegetables like green beans or peas

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

  • Milk keeps them tender
  • Breadcrumbs absorb juices
  • Gentle mixing = soft texture
  • Simmering in gravy adds flavor

Nutrition (Approx. per serving)

  • High protein
  • Rich in iron
  • Filling and satisfying
  • Can be made lighter using lean meat or turkey

Storage & Meal Prep

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Freeze cooked meatballs with gravy up to 2 months
  • Reheat gently on the stove or microwave

Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

  • Comforting & nostalgic
  • Budget-friendly
  • Crowd-pleasing
  • Perfect for any season

Conclusion

These homestyle meatballs with brown gravy are the kind of recipe that brings people together. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and a sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything. Once you make them, they’ll become a regular on your table.

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