Beef Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy

Beef Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy

Introduction

Did you know that over 80% of home cooks express concern about finding the perfect comfort food recipe? If you’re part of that group, let me introduce you to the ultimate solution: Beef Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy. This savory dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers a hearty, warming experience perfect for any occasion. Why settle for bland, uninspiring meals when you can savor tender beef meatballs, drenched in a rich, velvety mushroom gravy? Dive in and discover how easy it is to create this satisfying dish right at home!

Ingredients List

To whip up these mouthwatering Beef Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy, you’ll need:

• For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground beef (80% lean for juiciness)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternatives)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for a flavor boost)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (adds aromatic depth)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Mushroom Gravy:

  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (preferably cremini or button)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for richness)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or a lighter alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds umami)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Substitutions: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, and for a dairy-free version, opt for coconut cream in the gravy.

Timing

This delightful dish takes about 90 minutes to prepare and cook, which is 20% less time than the average meatball recipe! Here’s the breakdown:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 90 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure your meatballs are tender. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add meatballs in batches and cook for about 8-10 minutes until browned on all sides. Don’t rush this step; we want that nice crust! Remove the meatballs and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add butter and the chopped shallot. Sauté until the shallots are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, throw in the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Gravy

Once the mushrooms are ready, add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate all those flavorful browned bits.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

Add the cornstarch mixture to the gravy and stir continuously until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the meatballs to the pan and simmer everything together for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Toss gently to coat the meatballs in the rich mushroom gravy.

Nutritional Information

This delightful Beef Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy recipe serves about 4 people. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking to cut down on calories or enhance nutrition? Consider:

• Using lean ground turkey instead of beef.
• Swapping heavy cream for Greek yogurt for a tangy and lower-calorie option.
• Including vegetables like spinach or zoodles in the gravy for added fiber and vitamins.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Beef Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or cauliflower rice for a comfort-food delight. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and an inviting aroma, or pair with a side salad for a balance of flavors!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Meatball Mixture: This can lead to tough meatballs. Mix gently until combined, and don’t fuss over it!
• Cooking Meatballs Over High Heat: This can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Monitor the temperature and keep it medium.
• Using Incorrect Measuring Tools: Precision is key. Make sure to measure ingredients closely for the best flavor balance.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Leftovers? No problem! Store the Beef Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and gravy in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Embark on a culinary journey with these delectable Beef Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy! They’re not just easy to make; they’re also a surefire way to impress friends and family. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your experience or explore more similar posts on our blog!

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A1: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them. Just add them to the gravy when you’re ready to serve.

Q2: Are there any gluten-free options?
A2: Yes! Substitute traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats.

Q3: Can I use different types of mushrooms?
A3: Definitely! While cremini and button mushrooms are great, feel free to experiment with portobello or shiitake for varied tastes.

By following these steps and suggestions, you’ll master the art of making Beef Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy—all while enhancing your culinary skills and impressing your guests!

Beef Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy

Satisfy your comfort food cravings with these tender beef meatballs drenched in a rich, velvety mushroom gravy, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Comfort Food, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 540 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean) for juiciness
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or gluten-free alternatives
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a flavor boost
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced adds aromatic depth
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mushroom Gravy

• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced preferably cremini or button
• 2 tablespoons butter for richness
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
• 1 cup beef broth low-sodium preferred
• 1 cup heavy cream or a lighter alternative
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce adds umami
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
• Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and set aside.

Cooking the Meatballs

• In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add meatballs in batches and cook for about 8-10 minutes until browned on all sides.
• Remove the meatballs and set them aside.

Sautéing the Mushrooms

• In the same skillet, add butter and the chopped shallot. Sauté until the shallots are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes.

Preparing the Gravy

• Once the mushrooms are ready, add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate all those flavorful browned bits.

Thickening the Gravy

• Add the cornstarch mixture to the gravy and stir continuously until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Combining and Serving

• Return the meatballs to the pan and simmer everything together for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Toss gently to coat the meatballs in the rich mushroom gravy.

Notes

For healthier alternatives, consider using lean ground turkey, Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, or adding vegetables like spinach for added nutrients. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; freeze for longer storage.

Keyword Beef Meatballs, Comfort Food, Make Ahead, Mushroom Gravy, Savory Dish

Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest