Description
These Ground Beef Meatballs are juicy and perfectly seasoned, generously smothered in a rich, aromatic garlic herb gravy. A comforting dish that feels gourmet yet is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb 80/20 lean ground beef
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 finely minced yellow onion
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced (for gravy)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely minced onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until just combined.
- Using a 1.5-inch cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or baking sheet.
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned meatballs and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. If there's excess fat in the pan, drain some, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons. Sprinkle the flour into the pan drippings and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until a light golden-brown roux forms.
- Add the minced garlic to the roux and cook for another minute. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking as the gravy simmers and thickens.
- Stir in the fresh thyme, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce. Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
- Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Remove the bay leaf. If using heavy cream, stir it in now and let it warm through. Adjust seasonings if necessary and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: To ensure tender meatballs, avoid overmixing. Use fresh herbs for better flavor, and serve over creamy mashed potatoes or with egg noodles.