Spicy Meat Balls In Milk Gravy
Spicy meatballs in a rich milk gravy feature seasoned ground meat with potatoes, offering a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together hamburger, grated raw potato, salt, mace, nutmeg, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into 16 balls.
- Roll each meatball in flour to coat well.
- Brown the meatballs slowly in hot margarine in a heavy skillet.
- Pour off the fat drippings from the skillet.
- Add water to the skillet; cover and cook for 30 minutes slowly.
- Add more water if necessary to prevent sticking.
- Mix milk with 1 tablespoon of flour, then add this mixture to the skillet.
- Cook until the gravy thickens slightly.
- Season to taste and sprinkle with paprika, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding minced garlic or finely chopped onions to the meat mixture. If you want a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the hamburger. To avoid sticking, ensure the skillet is well-heated before adding the meatballs, and adjust the amount of flour based on the desired thickness of the gravy.
Serving Suggestions
These spicy meatballs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the creamy gravy. For a complete meal, serve alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. They also make a great appetizer when served with toothpicks. Consider serving with a side of Vagabond Beans for a hearty combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to maintain moisture, or use a microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Meat Balls In Milk Gravy contains roughly 791 calories, with 23g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (166% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value), and iron (87% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 792mg per serving (34% 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 make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them after shaping, then cook from frozen by adding additional cooking time to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
What can I substitute for margarine in this recipe?
You can easily substitute butter or olive oil for margarine. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter are great alternatives that will also provide a good flavor for browning the meatballs.
How do I adjust the spice level of the meatballs?
To increase the spice level, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. Alternatively, for a milder flavor, reduce the amount of pepper and season with herbs like parsley or thyme to enhance the taste without added heat.
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).