Oh boy, let me tell you about my ultimate smothered meatballs recipe! These little gems are not just any meatballs; they’re tender bites of deliciousness coated in a rich, savory gravy that’ll make your taste buds dance. It’s the kind of comfort food that wraps you in a warm hug after a long day. And the best part? It’s super easy to whip up! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels fancy but is perfect for any weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try these meatballs, you’ll understand why they’re my go-to recipe for cozy nights in!

Ingredients List

Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create the ultimate smothered meatballs recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

1 pound ground beef – This is the heart of the dish! You can also use ground turkey for a lighter twist.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs – These add the perfect texture and help bind the meatballs together.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – A sprinkle of this cheesy goodness brings a delightful flavor boost.
1/4 cup chopped parsley – Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
1 egg – This is your secret binding agent to hold those meatballs together.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Trust me, you can’t go wrong with garlic; it adds so much depth!
1 teaspoon salt – Essential for enhancing all those wonderful flavors.
1/2 teaspoon pepper – Just the right amount of kick to complement the meatballs.
2 cups beef broth – This is what makes your gravy rich and luscious.
1 cup onion, chopped – Sweet, caramelized onions will bring your gravy to life.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – A splash of this adds a savory, umami punch.
2 tablespoons flour – This will help thicken your gravy to that perfect consistency.

How to Prepare Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to prepare the ultimate smothered meatballs that will have everyone raving about your culinary skills!

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting those meatballs perfectly cooked!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined—don’t overmix or your meatballs might turn out tough!
Now, shape the mixture into meatballs about the size of a golf ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps with cleanup later!
Bake those beauties in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and golden brown. You want them to be juicy, so don’t overdo it!
While the meatballs are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, sauté the chopped onions until they’re soft and translucent—this usually takes about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir for about a minute to cook it slightly, then gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly until you see it thicken up. This is where your gravy magic happens!
Finally, add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the gravy and let them simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows those flavors to meld beautifully!

And there you have it! Serve these smothered meatballs over mashed potatoes or rice for the ultimate comfort meal. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Nutritional Information Section

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of my ultimate smothered meatballs recipe! While these meatballs are a comforting treat, it’s always good to know what you’re serving up. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But don’t let those numbers scare you! Just think about the deliciousness that awaits you with every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have these meatballs ready in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich flavors: The combination of savory beef, aromatic garlic, and the delicious gravy creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist!
Satisfying comfort food: These meatballs are the ultimate hug on a plate, ideal for cozy dinners with family or friends.
Versatility: Serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta for a delightful twist. You can also switch up the meat for different flavor profiles!
Kid-friendly: Everyone, from kids to adults, loves a good meatball, making this a great dish for the whole family.
Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tips for Success

Want to nail my ultimate smothered meatballs recipe? Here are some pro tips that I swear by to make sure your meatballs turn out perfect every time!

Use quality ingredients: When it comes to the ground beef, I always opt for a blend with a bit of fat (like 80/20) for extra juiciness. Trust me, it makes a difference in flavor and texture!
Don’t overmix: Mixing the meatball mixture just until combined is key. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, and we definitely want them tender and juicy!
Shape uniformly: Try to make your meatballs the same size for even cooking. A cookie scoop can be a game changer here for consistency!
Check for doneness: I recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 160°F (71°C) for safe eating without worrying about overcooking.
Let the gravy simmer: After adding the meatballs to the gravy, let them simmer for a bit longer if you have time. This really allows the flavors to meld and soak into the meatballs.
Serving suggestions: For a complete meal, serve these meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, but don’t forget a side of steamed veggies or a crisp salad to balance things out!
Garnish for flair: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of Parmesan cheese on top right before serving adds a nice touch and makes the dish look extra inviting!

With these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating the ultimate smothered meatballs that will impress everyone at your table. Happy cooking!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to change up my ultimate smothered meatballs recipe! Here are some ideas to spark your creativity and cater to your taste buds:

Different Meats: Switch things up by using ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of beef and pork for a different flavor profile. Each meat adds its unique twist!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the meatball mixture for a spicy version that’ll wake up your taste buds!
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil instead of parsley to bring a whole new aromatic experience to your meatballs.
Alternative Sauces: While the classic gravy is amazing, try using a creamy mushroom sauce or a tangy barbecue sauce for a totally different vibe. Yum!
Cheesy Goodness: Mix in some shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar into the meatball mixture for an extra ooey-gooey surprise when you bite into them!
Veggie Boost: Finely chop and add your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor. They’ll blend right in!
Asian-Inspired: Use ground pork or beef and mix in soy sauce, ginger, and green onions for an Asian twist. Serve them over rice with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce!

These variations not only keep things exciting but also allow you to customize the ultimate smothered meatballs recipe to fit any occasion or craving. Get creative and have fun with it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers from my ultimate smothered meatballs recipe? No worries, they store beautifully! Here’s how to keep those delicious meatballs fresh and ready for your next meal.

First, let the meatballs cool down to room temperature before storing. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. Make sure to include the gravy because that’s where all the flavor is! They’ll stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I recommend labeling the container with the date, so you know when they were made.

If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the meatballs! Just place them in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They should last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.

Now, for reheating! If you’re warming them up from the fridge, pop them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re reheating from frozen, let them thaw first, then heat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Just cover them with foil to keep them moist!

And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor the flavors of my ultimate smothered meatballs recipe even on your busiest days. Enjoy every last bite!

Your Turn to Cook!

Now that you’ve got all the details, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive into making my ultimate smothered meatballs recipe! I can’t wait for you to experience those tender meatballs smothered in that rich gravy—it’s pure comfort food bliss. Once you’ve whipped up your own batch, I’d love to hear all about it! What did you think? Did you make any fun variations? Did your family gobble them up? Sharing your experiences not only inspires me but also helps fellow cooks discover this delicious recipe.

Don’t forget to snap a pic of your mouthwatering meatballs and share it on social media! Tag me so I can see your culinary creations and cheer you on! Happy cooking, and enjoy every savory bite!

ultimate smothered meatballs recipe that comforts deeply

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking and sautéing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This ultimate smothered meatballs recipe features tender meatballs coated in a rich gravy.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Form into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes until cooked through.
In a skillet, sauté onions until soft.
Add flour and stir for 1 minute.
Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until thickened.
Add meatballs to the gravy and simmer for 5 minutes.

Notes

Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.
You can use ground turkey for a lighter option.
Adjust seasoning to taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: ultimate smothered meatballs recipe

Spread the love