Meatballs and Gravy

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Few dishes bring comfort like a warm bowl of meatballs and gravy. Perfectly browned meatballs swimming in rich, savory gravy is the kind of homestyle cooking that speaks to the soul. Whether you’re cozying up on a cold evening or looking for a hearty family meal, this recipe never fails to deliver that classic, satisfying flavor we all crave.

The best part? This dish is surprisingly easy to make from scratch. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you can recreate this comforting favorite in your own kitchen — no need for store-bought sauces or frozen meatballs. Get ready for tender bites packed with flavor, smothered in golden brown gravy with just the right depth and richness.

---

Why You’ll Love This Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

This recipe is pure comfort food. The meatballs are juicy and full of flavor, seared to perfection before finishing in a luscious homemade gravy. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together with minimal effort, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or lazy Sundays. Even picky eaters will be won over by the savory, comforting goodness of this dish.

Plus, it pairs well with so many sides, from mashed potatoes to buttered noodles, which makes it incredibly versatile. You can easily double the recipe to feed a crowd or freeze leftovers for an easy meal later.

---

What Kind of Meat Should I Use for Meatballs and Gravy?

For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork. The beef brings hearty richness, while the pork adds tenderness and a bit of sweetness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken will work too, but make sure to add a touch more moisture (like an extra egg or splash of milk) to keep the meatballs from drying out.

---

Ingredients for the Meatballs and Gravy

Each ingredient in this dish plays a vital role in creating its savory, comforting taste. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground beef and pork: The base for juicy and flavorful meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
• Milk: Adds moisture and softness to the meatball mix.
• Garlic & Onion: Fresh aromatics for depth of flavor.
• Parsley: Adds brightness and a fresh herbal touch.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
• Butter & Flour: The base of the gravy roux.
• Beef broth: Forms the rich, savory backbone of the gravy.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and complexity to the gravy.
• Potatoes (optional): Adds heartiness if you want them cooked in the gravy.

---

How To Make the Meatballs and Gravy

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, minced garlic, grated onion, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined — don’t overwork it or the meatballs will be tough.

Step 2: Shape and Sear

Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. Don’t cook them through just yet; they’ll finish in the gravy.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

Remove meatballs and reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for a minute or two until it turns golden brown. Slowly add beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and let the gravy simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Gravy

Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover and simmer for about 15–20 minutes, until meatballs are fully cooked and tender. If using potatoes, add them before simmering.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with extra chopped parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for the ultimate comfort meal.

---

How to Serve and Store Meatballs and Gravy

This dish is a meal in itself but shines even more with the right presentation. Serve meatballs and gravy piping hot, ideally over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy rice. The gravy clings beautifully to the starch, making every bite incredibly rich and satisfying.

This recipe makes enough to feed 4–6 people generously. It’s also great for meal prep since both the meatballs and gravy reheat beautifully.

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the meatballs and gravy for up to 2 months. When reheating, warm slowly over the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the gravy if needed.

---

What to Serve With Meatballs and Gravy

Mashed Potatoes

A classic pairing — the smooth, buttery texture of mashed potatoes is perfect for soaking up the rich gravy.

Egg Noodles

Buttery egg noodles offer a soft and tender base that complements the meatballs perfectly.

Steamed Green Beans

Their light crunch adds a nice contrast to the soft meatballs and velvety gravy.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

The slightly bitter, caramelized flavor balances the richness of the dish.

Garlic Bread

Ideal for mopping up every last drop of that delicious gravy.

Side Salad

A crisp, fresh salad with a vinaigrette can help cut through the heaviness and balance the meal.

Rice Pilaf

Fluffy and lightly seasoned, rice pilaf is a great neutral base that lets the meatballs and gravy shine.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Their earthy flavor pairs wonderfully with both the meatballs and the gravy, adding extra depth.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can mix and roll the meatballs a day ahead and store them in the fridge. You can also fully cook and freeze them, then reheat in the gravy when ready to serve.

2. Can I use just one type of meat?
Yes, ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey can be used alone. Just note that pork and beef offer the most flavor and moisture. If using lean meats, consider adding more milk or fat to prevent dryness.

3. How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
The key is a good binder: use breadcrumbs, egg, and milk. Don’t overmix, and make sure the mixture isn’t too wet or dry.

4. Can I make the gravy gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) instead of all-purpose flour. Also, check your broth and Worcestershire sauce labels for gluten.

5. What’s the best way to reheat meatballs and gravy?
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water. The microwave works too, but be sure to stir occasionally to heat evenly.

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you serve them with potatoes or noodles? Did you add any special herbs or spices?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Find more easy comfort food ideas on my Life With Livia Pinterest.

---

Conclusion

Meatballs and gravy is the ultimate cozy dinner. It’s simple, hearty, and incredibly flavorful — the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With just a few pantry staples, you can bring this classic comfort meal to your table in under an hour. Try it once, and it might just earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?