The Best Smothered Meatballs Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Juicy smothered meatballs dance with rich, velvety sauce in a comfort food symphony that’ll make you swoon.

Hearty flavors build layers of deliciousness from the first bite.

Mediterranean and Italian influences weave through this classic dish, creating magic on your plate.

Tender ground beef mingles with herbs and spices, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Weeknight dinner just got an upgrade with this soul-warming recipe.

Fragrant seasonings and slow-cooked sauce elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible culinary experience.

Reusing Smothered Meatballs

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container, keeping them covered in gravy to prevent drying out. Place in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled meatballs and gravy to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Frozen meatballs will maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture. Stir gently and heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 6-8 minutes.
• Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

Savory Matches for Smothered Meatballs

• Perfectly Pair Classic Comfort: Red Wine Complement elevates the rich, savory flavors of smothered meatballs with a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that matches the dish's hearty beef profile.
• Starch Support: Creamy Mashed Potatoes provide the ultimate sidekick, soaking up the delicious gravy and creating a perfect texture contrast to the tender meatballs.
• Fresh Balance: Crisp Green Salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the meat and gravy, adding a light, refreshing element to the plate that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Bread Bonus: Crusty Garlic Bread serves as an excellent accompaniment, allowing diners to mop up every last drop of the delectable gravy while adding a satisfying crunch to the meal.

Smothered Meatballs Hearty Versions

• Gluten-Free Meatballs: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko. Use tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce for a celiac-friendly version.
• Lean Protein Option: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat alternative. Adjust seasoning to complement the lighter meat.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use olive oil instead of butter for the roux. Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or water. Omit Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast.
• Keto-Friendly Variation: Use ground pork or beef with high fat content. Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or finely grated cauliflower. Skip flour and use xanthan gum to thicken gravy.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat for these meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or a mix of ground pork and beef for different flavor profiles.

• How do I prevent my meatballs from becoming tough?

Mix the ingredients gently and avoid overmixing the meat. Use a light touch when forming meatballs and don’t compress them too tightly to keep them tender.

• Is it necessary to brown the meatballs before simmering?

Browning creates a delicious outer crust and adds depth of flavor to the meatballs. It also helps seal in the juices, making the meatballs more flavorful and moist.

• Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them uncooked for up to a month.

Smothered Meatballs Packed With Bold, Cozy Flavor

• Quickly Customize Meatballs: Easily swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option, making this recipe adaptable to different dietary preferences.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Perfect for home cooks at any skill level, the recipe provides straightforward steps that even beginner chefs can confidently execute without complex techniques.
• Comfort Food Champion: Delivers a hearty, rich meal with classic gravy that wraps you in warm, satisfying flavors reminiscent of traditional home-cooked dinners that everyone loves.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Streamlines cooking process by using the same pan for browning meatballs and creating gravy, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup time after preparing a delicious meal.

Smothered Meatballs Ingredients

• Ground Beef: The main protein base for juicy, hearty meatballs with rich flavor.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatball ingredients together for perfect texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and savory notes to the meatball mixture.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates structure and helps retain moisture in the meatballs.
• Milk: Softens the breadcrumbs and keeps meatballs tender.

• Garlic: Provides a sharp, aromatic base note to the meatball mixture.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings deep, umami taste to both meatballs and gravy.
• Italian Seasoning: Offers a classic herb blend for traditional meatball flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all other flavors.

• Olive Oil: Used for initial browning of meatballs with high smoke point.
• Butter: Creates a rich base for the gravy with a smooth texture.
• Flour: Thickens the gravy and creates a smooth consistency.
• Beef Broth: Provides deep meaty flavor for the gravy.
• Kitchen Bouquet: Adds color and extra depth to the gravy.
• Water: Helps adjust gravy consistency.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herb finish to the dish.

Meatballs in Gravy Cooking Method

Step 1: Prepare Meatball Mixture

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine the ground beef with all the flavor-packed ingredients.

Gently fold everything together, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

The key is to mix just until the ingredients are evenly distributed, keeping the meatballs tender and juicy.

• Ground beef
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• Onion
• Worcestershire sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 2: Shape Perfect Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into uniform balls, aiming for a bite-sized diameter that’s easy to enjoy.

Consistent sizing ensures even cooking and a professional look.

Step 3: Sear and Brown Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the meatballs in the pan, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Rotate them to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust on all sides.

Once perfectly seared, transfer the meatballs to a separate plate.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Gravy Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until they turn soft and develop a golden color.

Sprinkle flour over the onions, stirring to create a rich roux that will thicken the gravy.

Step 5: Build Luxurious Gravy

Slowly whisk in the liquid ingredients, creating a smooth and velvety sauce.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the depth of flavor.

• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Kitchen Bouquet
• Water

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Gently return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.

Cover and let them simmer on low heat.

This slow cooking process allows the meatballs to finish cooking completely while the gravy thickens and intensifies in flavor.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the meatballs for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.

Serve piping hot, ready to delight everyone at the table.

Smothering Tips for Saucy Meatballs

• Mix ingredients gently and minimally to keep the meat tender and prevent dense, compact texture.
• Use medium heat and turn meatballs carefully to create a golden, flavorful crust without burning.
• Add beef broth slowly while whisking to achieve smooth, lump-free gravy with perfect thickness.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version without compromising flavor.
• Prepare meatballs a day ahead and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to develop and improving overall taste.

Smothered Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian “smothered meatballs” bring comfort and rich flavor straight from Nonna’s kitchen, delivering pure culinary warmth. Savory beef nestled in silky marinara sauce promises a memorable meal that welcomes you to indulge in authentic, soul-satisfying comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly shredded

Herbs, Seasonings, and Binding Agents:

• 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons sweet yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

Cooking Liquids and Oils:

• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil

Gravy Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 cups sweet yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons kitchen bouquet
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend ground beef with egg, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, finely chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring ingredients are just incorporated without excessive manipulation.
2. Craft uniform spherical meatballs approximately 1½ inches in diameter, maintaining consistent size for even cooking.
3. Warm olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium temperature, methodically browning meatballs in batches until achieving a rich golden exterior on all surfaces, then transfer to a separate plate.
4. Utilizing the same skillet, melt butter and gently caramelize onions until translucent and golden, then sprinkle flour to create a smooth roux, stirring continuously.
5. Gradually introduce beef broth, additional Worcestershire sauce, Kitchen Bouquet, and water, whisking systematically to prevent lumps and develop a silky sauce consistency.
6. Carefully reintroduce meatballs into the simmering sauce, covering the skillet and allowing them to cook slowly for 15-20 minutes, ensuring complete internal cooking and sauce thickening.
7. Once meatballs are thoroughly cooked and gravy has reached desired consistency, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juicier, more flavorful meatballs that won’t dry out during cooking.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Use a light touch when combining ingredients to prevent dense, tough meatballs by avoiding excessive handling of the meat mixture.
• Roux Perfection: Carefully cook the flour and butter mixture until it turns golden to develop a rich, nutty flavor without burning, creating a more complex gravy base.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives and use cornstarch instead of flour to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg