Meat Balls And Gravy
A hearty meatball and gravy dish featuring flavorful seasoned beef meatballs simmered in a savory gravy, perfect for comforting family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, chopped onion, bell pepper, salt, black pepper, and dried onion in a large bowl.
- Shape the mixture into ball-like meatballs and place them in a deep pan.
- Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides.
- Add shortening and flour to the pan, stirring until the flour turns brown.
- Pour 2 cups of water into the pan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding minced garlic or Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you don't have dried onion mix, finely chop fresh onions and sauté them before adding to the meat. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Ensure the meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a comforting meal. They pair well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad on the side. For a variation, try them in a hoagie roll for a meatball sandwich, which is a favorite in many American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. They can also be microwaved in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Balls And Gravy contains roughly 477 calories, with 10g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2730mg per serving (119% of the Daily Value).
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 freeze the meatballs and gravy?
Yes, you can freeze meatballs and gravy together or separately. Make sure they are cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you're looking for alternatives to ground beef, try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, so adjust seasonings as needed to fit your taste.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
To ensure meatballs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F. Alternatively, break one open; it should no longer be pink in the center and juices should run clear.
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).