Smothered Meatballs

Smothered Meatballs

Smothered meatballs are a comforting and hearty dish that brings warmth to any family dinner or gathering. These juicy meatballs are covered in a rich and flavorful gravy and are sure to please everyone at the table.

Why Make This Recipe

Making smothered meatballs at home is a great option for many reasons. They are simple to prepare and use ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, they are perfect for feeding a crowd or for a cozy meal with family. Homemade meatballs are tender, flavorful, and so much better than frozen or pre-packaged options!

How to Make Smothered Meatballs

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious smothered meatballs from scratch.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 large egg (well beaten)
• 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (freshly shredded)
• 3 tablespoons sweet yellow onion (finely diced)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter (sliced into pats)
• 2 cups sweet yellow onion (thinly sliced)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons kitchen bouquet
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into meatballs.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add butter and sliced onions. Sauté until onions are soft and translucent.
4. Stir in flour and cook for a minute. Slowly whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, kitchen bouquet, water, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
5. Return meatballs to the gravy and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve Smothered Meatballs

Smothered meatballs are best served with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles to soak up the delicious gravy. You can also add a simple salad to make a complete meal.

How to Store Smothered Meatballs

To store leftover smothered meatballs, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Smothered Meatballs

• Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture; otherwise, they may become tough.
• For extra flavor, add some chopped herbs or spices to the meat mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the gravy.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add chopped vegetables to the meatball mixture for added nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen meatballs instead?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just cook them according to their package instructions before adding them to the gravy.

2. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge or freezer before cooking them. Just cook them just before serving.

3. What can I serve with smothered meatballs?
Smothered meatballs go well with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or even in a sub sandwich. Add a vegetable side for a balanced meal.