Ingredients
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)
Instructions
MEATBALLS
- 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).
- 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
- Turn the heat down to medium–low, add the butter and, once melted, add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes.
- Stir the flour through for 30 seconds to create a paste. Slowly add the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
- 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
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium–high heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the spinach and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until wilted. Add the peas and cook, stirring, for a further 1 minute.
- Turn the heat off and stir through the salt, pepper and lemon juice.
TO SERVE
- 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.
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Beef, Quick and Easy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food