Easy Ground Beef Meatballs and Rich Onion Gravy Recipe
Classic and comforting, this Easy Ground Beef Meatballs and Gravy recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a rich, savory meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The juicy meatballs are gently browned and then simmered in a homemade gravy made from caramelized onions and a flavorful broth blend, making a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1.75 lbs 80/20 ground beef
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely minced
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 large egg
- 1.5 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1.25 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp parsley, chopped
For the Gravy:
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter (Kerrygold recommended)
- 1.25 cups chicken broth
- 1.25 cups beef broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 1.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 drops kitchen bouquet (optional, for color)
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture and Shape: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, parsley, and finely minced half yellow onion. Mix gently by hand until just combined to avoid dense meatballs. Wet your hands with cold water to prevent sticking and roll the mixture into 24-26 meatballs approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. In batches of 5-6, add meatballs without crowding and cook for 2 minutes per side until golden brown crust forms. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate. Browning adds flavor but does not fully cook the meatballs.
- Caramelize the Onions: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add diced medium yellow onion and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft, golden, and sweet. This develops the rich flavor base for the gravy.
- Create the Braising Liquid: Pour chicken and beef broth into the skillet with caramelized onions. Crumble in the beef bouillon cube and stir in onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and kitchen bouquet. Stir until bouillon is dissolved. Increase heat to bring to a gentle boil to activate flavors and slightly reduce the liquid.
- Thicken the Gravy and Return Meatballs: In a small container, combine cornstarch and cold water, shaking until smooth. Slowly stir the slurry into the boiling gravy, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring 1-2 minutes until gravy thickens. Gently add the browned meatballs back into the skillet, coating them in the gravy.
- Simmer and Finish: Reduce heat to low, cover if desired, and simmer meatballs in gravy for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and coating. This allows the meatballs to cook through fully and absorb the gravy’s rich flavors. Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving for flavors to settle and texture to improve.
Notes
- Do not overmix meatball ingredients to keep meatballs tender.
- Cook meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper browning.
- Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to hot gravy to prevent lumps.
- Caramelizing onions for the full 15 minutes is essential for a sweet, flavorful gravy base.
- Kitchen bouquet is optional and used only for color; you can skip it if unavailable.
- These meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months; reheat gently on stovetop to maintain gravy texture.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice with a vegetable side for a balanced meal.
Keywords: ground beef meatballs, homemade gravy, comfort food, easy dinner, meal prep, stovetop meatballs, savory gravy, family recipe
