Grandma'S Meatball And Potato Dish
A hearty, comforting meatball and potato stew with rich gravy, perfect for family dinners and cold evenings, featuring flavorful beef meatballs, tender potatoes, and savory onions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Form the ground beef into extra large meatballs about 6 inches in diameter and brown them well in a heavy skillet.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Add cold water to the skillet and scrape all the brown bits from the bottom while the pan is still hot.
- Turn the heat to low and add enough water to cover all the meat, potatoes, and onions to make the gravy.
- Make the gravy with flour, salt, pepper, and crushed gravy to taste.
- Place the meatballs back into the skillet, then cover them with thinly sliced onions and peeled potatoes cut in half.
- Pour the gravy over everything so it is completely covered.
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, as long as possible for better flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the gravy. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. Make sure to keep an eye on the moisture level; if it gets too dry, add more water or beef broth during simmering. Using a heavy skillet ensures even cooking, similar to traditional oven dinners.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up the gravy. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a side of garlic bread. It also makes a great centerpiece for family gatherings, similar to other comforting beef recipes.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For reheating, place the meatballs and potatoes in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to help steam and rehydrate the dish, ensuring it's heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Meatball And Potato Dish contains roughly 1409 calories, with 29g protein, 175g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (88% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), and protein (58% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of meat for the meatballs?
Yes, you can experiment with different meats such as ground turkey or pork for a variation. Each will give a unique flavor and texture to the dish, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the meat used.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
To thicken the gravy, you can create a slurry by mixing equal parts flour and cold water, then gradually adding it to the simmering sauce while stirring until you reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can add cornstarch mixed with water as a thickening agent.
What type of potatoes work best for this dish?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are excellent choices for this recipe as they hold their shape well during cooking and absorb the flavors of the gravy. Avoid waxy potatoes such as red potatoes, as they may become too soft and mushy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).