This Meatballs and Gravy recipe is a classic comfort food that makes for the perfect busy weeknight meal. Tender meatballs cooked in a delicious gravy adds an extra layer of flavor and makes this dish even more satisfying.
If you love Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs then this is recipe for you. After the first bite of these tender meatballs you will fall in love with this creamy recipe and want to make it over and over again.
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Meatball Gravy Recipe
I love using beef meatballs because beef is full of protein and other nutrients such as, iron, zinc and B vitamins. When you add the beef to this creamy gravy it adds a nice flavor and richness.
Why I Love This Recipe
This classic comfort food dish is a perfect hearty weeknight meal. Tender, juicy meatballs are cooked in a flavorful beef broth-based gravy for an extra layer of savory goodness.
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Easy to make
- Fills the house with a delicious aroma
If you love meatballs you may also enjoy this Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to help you make this easy meatball recipe. Gather all of the ingredients and get ready to enjoy this tasty meal.
Meatballs – I used homestyle beef meatballs from the frozen section.
Beef Broth – I like to use low-sodium beef broth.
Milk – Whole milk will give you the creamiest and richest gravy possible.
Substitutions
Meatballs: Instead of frozen meatballs, you can make your own homemade meatballs if you prefer.
Beef Broth: If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use bouillon and water to make your own.
Variations / Options / Add-Ins
Vegetables: If you want to add a little bit of flavor or texture, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or onions.
Flavor: To increase the flavor of the gravy you can add in garlic powder, worcestershire sauce, nutmeg. allspice, or onion powder.
Spicy: If you want to add a little kick, try adding some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Equipment
You only need a few kitchen tools to help you make this easy meatball recipe. Gather these tools and get ready to enjoy a hearty family friendly meal in no time at all.
- large skillet – You will need a large skillet to make this recipe. I like to use a 2 quart sauté pan.
- whisk – a whisk is really helpful when you are making gravy as it helps to keep the gravy smooth.
How to Make Meatballs and Gravy
Making this dish is so simple. Just follow the instructions below and you will have a delicious recipe in no time at all.
Step 1: Cook the meatballs in a skillet
Follow package directions to prepare meatballs in a skillet.
Step 2: Add the beef broth and simmer the meatballs
Add the beef broth and bring to a simmer, then remove meatballs to a bowl.
Step 3: Whisk in the flour
Whisk in the flour, breaking up any clumps.
Step 4: Add the milk to the gravy
Add milk and simmer for 8 minutes until thickened, adding additional milk as desired to make more “gravy.”
Step 5: Season to taste, add butter if desired
Season to taste with salt and pepper before adding the meatballs back to the skillet. Add optional butter for a smoother gravy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs on top of a bed of this Instant Pot White Rice, Instant Pot Rice Pilaf or these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes for a simple meal.
Pro Tips
Here are a few tips to make sure that this recipe turns out perfect every time that you make it.
- Make sure to wait until the gravy has finished thickening before adding the meatballs back into the skillet.
- If you want a smoother gravy, add a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
- If you don’t want to worry about lumps, mix the flour in equal portions to water or room temperature beef broth before adding it to the skillet.
- Making your own homemade meatballs with ground beef or ground pork? Make sure to cook them all the way through before you make the gravy.
- For creamy meatballs with a little tang, add 1/2 cup of sour cream to the gravy once it’s cooked.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice pop of color.
- Serve over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for a filling meal.
FAQs
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
You can reheat this dish in a skillet on the stove or in the microwave. Heat until warm throughout, stirring occasionally.
Yes, after cooking this recipe, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
More Meatball Recipes
If you like meatballs, give these recipes a try:
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📋 Recipe
Meatballs and Gravy
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds Meatballs
- 2-3 cups Beef Broth
- 1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1-2 cups Milk as needed
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 Tablespoons Butter optional
Instructions
- Follow package directions to prepare meatballs in a skillet.
- Add the beef broth and bring to a simmer, then remove meatballs to a bowl.
- Whisk in the flour, breaking up any clumps.
- Add milk and simmer for 8 minutes until thickened, adding additional milk as desired to make more “gravy.”
- Season to taste with salt and pepper before adding the meatballs back to the skillet.
- Add optional butter for a smoother gravy.
Notes
- Make sure to wait until the gravy has finished thickening before adding the meatballs back into the skillet.
- If you want a smoother gravy, add a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
- If you don’t want to worry about lumps, mix the flour in equal portions to water or room temperature beef broth before adding it to the skillet.
- Making your own homemade meatballs with ground beef or ground pork? Make sure to cook them all the way through before you make the gravy.
- For creamy meatballs with a little tang, add 1/2 cup of sour cream to the gravy once it’s cooked.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice pop of color.
- Serve over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for a filling meal.
Could this translate easily to a crockpot?
Yes, here’s how you can make this recipe in the crockpot:
1. If your meatballs are not pre-cooked, you can brown them in a skillet before transferring them to the slow cooker. This step helps to develop flavor and texture.
2. Place the pre-cooked meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the beef broth over the meatballs.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker over the meatballs and beef broth.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything gently to combine.
5. Cooking: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model and the size of your meatballs.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, check the consistency of the sauce. If it’s too thin, you can mix additional flour with a small amount of cold water until smooth, then gradually stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for another 20-30 minutes to thicken.
7. Optional Butter: If desired, you can add the optional butter for a richer gravy. Stir it into the sauce until melted.