There is something wonderfully comforting about a plate of Homemade Meatballs and Gravy. Tender, juicy meatballs are simmered in a rich, savory brown gravy until every bite is packed with flavor. Served over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or fluffy rice, this easy comfort food recipe makes a satisfying family dinner any night of the week.
Unlike complicated restaurant-style recipes, these homemade meatballs use simple pantry ingredients and can be prepared in one skillet. The meatballs are browned first to develop a delicious crust, then finished in a homemade onion gravy that becomes rich and flavorful as it simmers.
If you’re looking for an easy ground beef dinner, a cozy Sunday meal, or a budget-friendly family recipe, these meatballs and gravy are an excellent choice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender and flavorful homemade meatballs
- Rich, savory onion gravy
- Made with simple everyday ingredients
- Great for an easy weeknight dinner
- Delicious served over mashed potatoes or noodles
- Excellent for meal prep and leftovers
- Can be made in one large skillet
- Perfect comfort food for cold evenings
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound (225 g) ground pork
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
For the Gravy
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Homemade Meatballs and Gravy
1. Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for about 2 minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
Add the ground beef, ground pork, egg, grated onion, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
Mix gently with your hands or a wooden spoon until the ingredients are just combined.
Avoid overmixing. Working the meat too much can result in dense meatballs instead of tender ones.
2. Shape the Meatballs
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, divide the mixture into approximately 20–24 meatballs.
Aim for meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter so they cook evenly.
Place them on a plate while you prepare the skillet.
3. Brown the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
Add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
Brown them for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, turning gently until several sides are nicely browned.
They do not need to be completely cooked at this point because they will finish cooking in the gravy.
Transfer the browned meatballs to a clean plate.
4. Cook the Onions
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add the butter to the same skillet, using the flavorful browned bits left behind by the meatballs.
Add the sliced onion and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
5. Make the Gravy
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and butter.
Stir continuously for about 1–2 minutes. This cooks the raw flour and creates the base for a smooth gravy.
Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking or stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.
6. Return the Meatballs
Place the browned meatballs back into the skillet.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes.
The meatballs should be cooked through and tender, while the gravy should become thick and flavorful.
Stir occasionally and turn the meatballs gently so they are coated with gravy.
7. Finish the Gravy
Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream.
Simmer uncovered for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the gravy to become creamy and silky.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 6
Tips for Tender Meatballs
Don’t overmix the meat
Mix the ingredients only until everything is combined. Gentle handling keeps the meatballs tender.
Soak the breadcrumbs
Combining breadcrumbs with milk creates a soft panade that helps keep the meatballs moist.
Brown before simmering
Browning the meatballs creates a flavorful exterior and adds delicious browned bits to the skillet that become part of the gravy.
Keep the gravy at a gentle simmer
A hard boil can cause the meatballs to become tough. Low, steady heat produces a much more tender result.
Check the internal temperature
For food safety, ground meat should reach 160°F (71°C) in the center.
What to Serve With Meatballs and Gravy
These meatballs are especially delicious over creamy mashed potatoes because the potatoes soak up the rich gravy.
Other excellent options include:
- Egg noodles
- Buttered noodles
- White rice
- Brown rice
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Roasted potatoes
- Steamed vegetables
- Crusty bread
For a complete easy family dinner, serve the meatballs with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.
Easy Variations
Swedish-Style Meatballs
Replace the Italian seasoning with a small amount of nutmeg and allspice. Use a creamy gravy and serve with mashed potatoes.
Mushroom Gravy Meatballs
Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms after cooking the onions. Sauté until golden, then continue with the gravy.
Turkey Meatballs
Replace the beef and pork with 1 1/2 pounds of ground turkey. Because turkey is leaner, avoid overcooking the meatballs.
Cheesy Meatballs
Place a small cube of mozzarella in the center of each meatball before shaping. The result is a delicious cheesy surprise.
Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy
Brown the meatballs first, then transfer them to a slow cooker with the prepared gravy. Cook on LOW for approximately 4–5 hours.
Make-Ahead and Storage
These homemade meatballs are excellent for meal prep.
You can prepare and shape the uncooked meatballs up to 24 hours ahead. Keep them covered and refrigerated until ready to cook.
Cooked meatballs and gravy can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of beef broth or water. Cover and heat until warmed through.
The meatballs can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs with only ground beef?
Yes. Simply use 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef instead of the beef and pork combination.
Why are my meatballs tough?
Overmixing the meat is one of the most common causes of tough meatballs. Mix gently and avoid packing the meatballs too tightly when shaping them.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes. Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–22 minutes, depending on their size. Then transfer them to the gravy to finish cooking.
Can I make the gravy without heavy cream?
Absolutely. You can omit the cream for a traditional brown gravy. For a lighter creamy version, use whole milk instead.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, although homemade meatballs provide the best texture and flavor. If using frozen cooked meatballs, add them directly to the prepared gravy and simmer until heated through.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Meatballs and Gravy are the definition of classic comfort food. Tender beef and pork meatballs are browned until flavorful, then gently simmered in a rich onion gravy until everything is deliciously coated.
Serve them over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice for an affordable and satisfying homemade dinner recipe that works equally well for busy weeknights and relaxed Sunday dinners. With simple ingredients and plenty of rich gravy, this is the kind of family recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
