Meatballs with Gravy

These freezer-friendly, juicy meatballs in rich, homemade gravy are easier than you think – and guaranteed to be a family favourite!

At our place, anything involving gravy is an automatic win. But I’ll admit, making meatballs and gravy from scratch might seem like a lot. You’re just going to have to trust me on this one – it’s easier and faster than you think.

A few little shortcuts (looking at you, freezer-friendly mashed potatoes) make this the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something homemade, hearty and ridiculously satisfying, without spending hours in the kitchen.

The meatballs are juicy, the gravy is rich and silky, and the sautéed garlic spinach and peas bring the perfect balance. Serve them over mash, noodles or rice – whatever makes your weeknight chaos feel a little easier.

And if you need another reason to love these meatballs? You can make them ahead and freeze a batch for later, meaning future-you can pull out a dinner winner whenever needed. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.

My meatballs fall apart when cooking – what am I doing wrong?

Meatballs can fall apart if the mixture is too wet or if they’re over-handled. Make sure you measure the breadcrumbs and egg accurately, as they help bind everything together. Also, gently mix the ingredients until just combined – overmixing can make them tough and more prone to breaking.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! You can swap the minced (ground) beef for minced pork, chicken, turkey, or even a mix of pork and veal.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! This recipe is flexible – try adding finely diced carrot or mushrooms to the gravy. Add up to 2 cups immediately after the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until softened before proceeding with the recipe. You can also add some sneaky vegetables to the meatballs! Add up to 1 cup (150 g) of finely grated carrot or zucchini (courgette) to your meatball mixture. You may need to add an extra ¼ cup (15 g) of panko breadcrumbs if the mixture is looking a little too wet and if it’s difficult to roll the meatballs.

Watch how to make Meatballs with Gravy

What are some other easy meatball recipes?

If you enjoy meatballs, I think you’ll love:

Meatball Bake
Chicken Meatball Parmigiana
Swedish Meatballs
Risoni Mozzarella Meatballs
Pasta with Baked Meatballs in Garlicky Tomato Sauce

Meatballs with Gravy

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5 from 3 reviews

These freezer-friendly Meatballs with Gravy feature juicy meatballs cooked in a rich, homemade gravy and served over creamy mashed potatoes with sautéed spinach and peas. This is the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort!

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

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MEATBALLS

• 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) lean minced (ground) beef
• ½ brown onion, grated (using a box grater), or finely diced
• ¾ cup (45 g) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp sea salt flakes
• ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

GRAVY

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ brown onion, finely diced
• 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
• 3 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
• 2 cups (500 ml) beef stock
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves)
• Sea salt flakes, to taste (see note 1)
• ¼ tsp cracked black pepper

SAUTEED SPINACH AND PEAS

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
• 12/3 cups (120 g) baby spinach
• 1 cup (155 g) frozen peas
• ½ tsp sea salt flakes
• Cracked black pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon

TO SERVE

• Freezer-Friendly Mashed Potatoes 
• Thyme leaves (optional)
• Cracked black pepper (optional)

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Instructions

MEATBALLS

1. Add all the ingredients, except the olive oil, to a bowl and mix using your hands until just combined (try not to overmix as this can produce tough meatballs).
2. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based pan over medium–high heat, Cook the meatballs for 3–4 minutes, turning regularly, until browned all over. Set aside on a plate. The meatballs will still be raw in the centre but will continue cooking in the gravy later.

GRAVY

1. Turn the heat down to medium–low, add the butter and, once melted, add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes.
2. Stir the flour through for 30 seconds to create a paste. Slowly add the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
3. Return the meatballs to the pan and simmer, uncovered, for 6–8 minutes on low heat, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has thickened.

SAUTEED SPINACH AND PEAS 

1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium–high heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the spinach and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until wilted. Add the peas and cook, stirring, for a further 1 minute.
3. Turn the heat off and stir through the salt, pepper and lemon juice.

TO SERVE

1. Serve the meatballs, gravy and sauteed spinach and peas on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with thyme leaves and more cracked black pepper, if desired.

Equipment

Chef Knife

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Tongs

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Notes

Note 1 – The amount of salt you use in the gravy will depend on how salty your stock is. I didn’t use any additional salt in this recipe.

 

Make ahead

Meatballs – Refrigerate pre-made, uncooked meatballs for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Store the meatballs in an airtight container with baking (parchment) paper in between the layers to stop the meatballs sticking. Thaw completely overnight in the fridge before use. Cook as per the recipe.

Leftovers

Meatballs and gravy – Store leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight for best results.

Sauteed spinach and peas – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Not suitable to freeze.

• Author: Nicole
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Beef, Quick and Easy
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Comfort Food