Experience these irresistible smothered meatballs, where perfectly seared, tender meatballs are covered in brown gravy.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time40 minutesmins
Total Time55 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Smothered Meatballs and Gravy Recipe, Smothered Meatballs Recipe
Servings: 4
Calories: 414kcal
Ingredients
Meatballs
1poundlean ground beef(I used 93%lean/7%fat ground beef)
1largeegg,well beaten
¼cupplain breadcrumbs
3tablespoonswhole milk
1tablespoongarlic,minced
¼cupparmesan cheese,freshly shredded
3tablespoonssweet yellow onion,finely diced
2teaspoonsWorcestershire sauce
1teaspoonItalian seasoning
1teaspoonkosher salt
1teaspoonfresh cracked black pepper
2 to 3tablespoonsolive oil,extra virgin
Gravy
2tablespoonssalted butter,sliced into pats
2cupssweet yellow onion,thinly sliced (a medium-large onion)
3tablespoonsall-purpose flour
1½cupsbeef broth
1teaspoonWorcestershire sauce
2teaspoonskitchen bouquet,or your favorite browning and seasoning sauce
½cupwater
½teaspoonkosher salt
½teaspoonfresh cracked black pepper
2teaspoonschopped fresh parsley,optional garnish
Instructions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Set it aside.
Combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic, parmesan cheese, onion, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper in a large bowl.
Use a 1½-tablespoon scoop to scoop out the meatball filling. Roll the ground beef mixture into a tight ball. Place the meatball on the prepared baking sheet and repeat (I was able to get 24 meatballs).
Heat 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a 10 to 12-inch skillet over medium heat. (Be sure the oil is hot but not smoking before adding the meatballs. That way, you will get a nice sear without burning the meatballs.) Fry the meatballs, turning them to brown on all sides, for about 8-10 minutes or until cooked through. (If you use a smaller skillet, you may need to fry the meatballs in batches to ensure they cook evenly. If you overcrowd the skillet, you will steam the meatballs instead of frying) Transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent.
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in the beef broth to ensure there are no lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, kitchen bouquet, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the gravy is thickened, add the pan-fried meatballs to the skillet. Let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately over mashed potatoes or cooked egg noodles.
Notes
When combining the meatball ingredients, mix them until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense meatballs.
Use a scoop or your hands to ensure uniform meatball sizes. This ensures even cooking times.
If your skillet isn't large enough, fry the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying.