Few meals are as satisfying as tender, juicy meatballs smothered in a rich, cheesy gravy. This recipe combines hearty ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and a savory gravy for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, these meatballs are both easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
- For the Gravy:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Toppings and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.
- Form the mixture into 12-15 evenly sized meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually add the beef broth while whisking to create a smooth sauce. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Simmer the Meatballs:
- Return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Spoon the gravy over them, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10 minutes to cook through and infuse flavors.
- Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the meatballs. Cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, pasta, or with crusty garlic bread for a cozy, comforting meal.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 2 g
Enjoy this deliciously rich and cheesy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Cheesy Meatballs with Gravy
Few meals capture the essence of comfort food as perfectly as tender, juicy meatballs smothered in rich, cheesy gravy. This dish combines the heartiness of seasoned ground beef with the indulgence of melted cheese and a savory sauce, making it an irresistible choice for family dinners or special occasions. Whether served over creamy mashed potatoes, a bed of al dente pasta, or alongside crusty garlic bread, cheesy meatballs with gravy are a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s as versatile as it is satisfying.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This recipe is a celebration of rich flavors and hearty textures. What sets it apart from traditional meatball dishes is the combination of cheesy goodness with the comforting embrace of a robust gravy. Here are some reasons why this recipe is worth adding to your culinary repertoire:
- Flavorful Base: The meatballs are seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and black pepper, ensuring a depth of flavor in every bite. Breadcrumbs and eggs are added for binding, creating a perfect texture.
- Golden Browning: Browning the meatballs before simmering them in gravy gives them a rich, caramelized exterior while sealing in the juices for a tender interior.
- Decadent Gravy: The gravy is a highlight of this dish, crafted with sautéed onions, a roux of flour, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. It’s savory, silky, and ties all the components together beautifully.
- Cheesy Indulgence: The addition of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses elevates the dish to new heights of decadence. The melted, bubbly cheese complements the savory gravy and meatballs, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Versatile Pairings: The recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Serve it with starches like potatoes, rice, or noodles, or let it shine as a standalone entrée.
Tips for Perfecting Your Cheesy Meatballs
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh ground beef and good-quality cheese to maximize flavor. Fresh parsley for garnish also adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Avoid Overmixing: When preparing the meatballs, mix the ingredients just until combined. Overworking the meat can lead to dense, tough meatballs.
- Achieve Even Browning: Use a heavy skillet and make sure the oil is hot before adding the meatballs. Turn them gently to achieve a uniform golden crust.
- Gravy Consistency: The roux is the foundation of the gravy. Stir the flour and cook it just enough to remove the raw taste before adding the beef broth. Whisk continuously to avoid lumps and adjust the thickness to your preference by adding a little more broth or simmering longer.
- Cheese Melting Tips: Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the meatballs, cover the skillet, and allow the heat to melt the cheese completely. For an extra touch, broil the dish briefly to create a golden, bubbly topping.
Variations and Customizations
While the recipe as written is a perfect balance of flavors, you can personalize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Alternative Meats: Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or a mix of pork and beef for different flavor profiles.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meatballs with plant-based alternatives or mushroom-based patties for a vegetarian twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for a hint of heat.
- Herbaceous Touch: Mix fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the gravy for a fragrant upgrade.
- Creamy Gravy: Incorporate a splash of heavy cream into the gravy for an even richer texture.
The Science of Comfort Food
Dishes like cheesy meatballs with gravy aren’t just tasty—they’re also emotionally satisfying. The combination of fat, salt, and umami-rich ingredients like cheese and Worcestershire sauce stimulates our brain’s reward centers. Pairing these with the warmth of a hearty meal triggers feelings of nostalgia and comfort, making this recipe not just a meal, but an experience.
Perfect Pairings
While these cheesy meatballs are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary sides can turn your meal into a feast:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the classic choice, soaking up the gravy and providing a soft, buttery contrast to the meatballs.
- Pasta: Egg noodles, fettuccine, or spaghetti are excellent options, offering a satisfying base for the savory sauce.
- Crusty Bread: Warm, toasted garlic bread or a fresh baguette is perfect for mopping up every drop of gravy.
- Steamed Vegetables: For a touch of brightness, serve the dish with steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots.
- Rice or Polenta: These starchy sides add a rustic element that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors.
Storing and Reheating
This recipe is as practical as it is delicious, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers:
- Storage: Store the cooked meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The meatballs (without cheese) can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, reheat them in the gravy until warmed through.
- Reheating: Warm the meatballs gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
Conclusion
Cheesy meatballs with gravy are more than just a meal—they’re an expression of comfort and indulgence. Combining tender, flavorful meatballs with rich, cheesy gravy creates a dish that’s as satisfying to eat as it is simple to prepare. Ideal for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even special occasions, this recipe is a testament to the power of good food to bring people together.
Whether you’re savoring them over mashed potatoes or alongside garlic bread, these cheesy meatballs are sure to become a staple in your culinary lineup. Try this recipe today and discover why it’s destined to be a new favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Meatballs in Savory Gravy
Description
Few meals are as satisfying as tender, juicy meatballs smothered in a rich, cheesy gravy. This recipe combines hearty ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and a savory gravy for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, these meatballs are both easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
- For the Gravy:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Toppings and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.
- Form the mixture into 12-15 evenly sized meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually add the beef broth while whisking to create a smooth sauce. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Simmer the Meatballs:
- Return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Spoon the gravy over them, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10 minutes to cook through and infuse flavors.
- Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the meatballs. Cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, pasta, or with crusty garlic bread for a cozy, comforting meal.
