Homestyle Meatballs with Rich Brown Gravy

Homestyle Meatballs with Rich Brown Gravy

Serves

4–5 people
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes

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Ingredients

Meatballs

• 1 lb (450 g) ground meat
  (beef, pork, or 50/50 beef & pork = best flavor)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)

• ¼ cup milk

• 1 egg

• ½ cup finely diced onion (or green onion like in the photo)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika

• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional but very traditional)

• 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce

• 1–2 tbsp oil or butter (for frying)

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Brown Gravy

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• 1½ cups beef broth (warm)

• ½ cup cream or milk

• 1 tsp soy sauce or Worcestershire

• Salt & pepper to taste

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Meatball Mixture

1. In a large bowl, mix breadcrumbs + milk.
   Let it soak 2 minutes (this keeps meatballs super tender).

2. Add egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, nutmeg, and soy/Worcestershire.

3. Add ground meat.

4. Mix gently with your hands—don’t overmix or they’ll be dense.

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2. Shape the Meatballs

• Roll into golf-ball–sized balls.

• You should get about 16–20 meatballs.

👉 Pro tip: Slightly wet your hands so the meat doesn’t stick.

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3. Pan-Sear the Meatballs

1. Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add meatballs in batches (don’t crowd).

3. Brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total.

4. Remove and set aside (they’ll finish cooking in the gravy).

You want a golden crust, like in the photo.

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4. Make the Brown Gravy (Same Pan = Flavor!)

1. Lower heat to medium.

2. Add butter to the pan drippings.

3. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes (no raw flour taste).

4. Slowly whisk in beef broth.

5. Add cream + soy/Worcestershire.

6. Simmer until thick and glossy (3–5 minutes).

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5. Simmer Meatballs in Gravy

• Add meatballs back into the skillet.

• Spoon gravy over them.

• Simmer gently 8–10 minutes, until fully cooked and tender.

This is where they soak up all that goodness 😌

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How to Serve (Classic Options)

Serve with:

• Mashed potatoes (top-tier combo)

• Egg noodles

• Rice

• Buttered bread

Garnish with:

• Chopped parsley

• Extra cracked black pepper

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Pro Tips for That Exact Look

• Smaller onions = smoother meatballs (like in the photo)

• Use half pork for extra juiciness

• Let gravy simmer slowly—don’t rush it

• Finish with a tiny knob of butter for shine ✨