Juicy, savory meatballs simmered in a rich, velvety brown sauce—comfort food at its finest, perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or 50/50 beef and pork mix)
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • dashes of Tabasco sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire saucemeatballs, brown sauce, Chef Ed, beef meatballs, pork and beef, savory dinner, classic comfort food, skillet meal, mashed potatoes and gravy, rich sauce, gravy meatballs, juicy meatballs, easy dinner, homemade recipe, sauce from scratch, buttery roux, egg noodles, Swedish meatballs, hearty meal, ground beef, kitchen comfort, rich beef sauce, family dinner, tasty meatballs, meatball recipe, simple brown sauce, rustic dinner, gourmet home cooking, oven to table, parsley garnish, meatball gravy, creamy sauce option, ultimate meatballs, skillet dish, home-style cooking, indulgent sauce, cozy food, classic gravy, ground pork option, satisfying meal, winter comfort, stovetop recipe
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Brown Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream (for richness)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)meatballs, brown sauce, Chef Ed, beef meatballs, pork and beef, savory dinner, classic comfort food, skillet meal, mashed potatoes and gravy, rich sauce, gravy meatballs, juicy meatballs, easy dinner, homemade recipe, sauce from scratch, buttery roux, egg noodles, Swedish meatballs, hearty meal, ground beef, kitchen comfort, rich beef sauce, family dinner, tasty meatballs, meatball recipe, simple brown sauce, rustic dinner, gourmet home cooking, oven to table, parsley garnish, meatball gravy, creamy sauce option, ultimate meatballs, skillet dish, home-style cooking, indulgent sauce, cozy food, classic gravy, ground pork option, satisfying meal, winter comfort, stovetop recipe

 

 

Instructions:

  1. Make the Meatballs:
    In a mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently by hand until just combined—don’t overwork it. Form into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs (about 16–18 total).
  2. Brown the Meatballs:
    Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and cook meatballs in batches until browned on all sides (about 6–8 minutes total). Transfer to a plate; they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
  3. Make the Brown Sauce:
    In the same skillet, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in beef broth until smooth. Stir in soy sauce, Dijon, and Worcestershire. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Simmer to Finish:
    Return meatballs to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low for 10–12 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens. Add cream now if using.
  5. Serve Hot:
    Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or buttered rice.

Chef Ed Tips:

  • For deeper flavor, splash a little red wine into the sauce while simmering.
  • Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for a Swedish twist.

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    • Buttery Mashed Potatoes – The ultimate comfort combo. Creamy potatoes soak up the rich brown sauce like a dream.
    • Buttered Egg Noodles – A classic pairing with meatballs; simple, soft, and perfect for catching that gravy.
    • Steamed White Rice or Garlic Rice – Adds a light, fluffy base to carry the savory meat and sauce.
    • Roasted Baby Potatoes – Tossed in olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, they bring texture and a herby bite.
    • Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls – For mopping up every last bit of sauce. Chef-approved.
    • Sautéed Green Beans or Asparagus – Adds freshness and crunch to balance the richness.
    • Roasted Carrots or Glazed Carrots – Sweet contrast that complements the deep flavors of the sauce.
    • Creamed Spinach or Swiss Chard – A silky green that pairs well with the dish’s earthy notes.
    • Pickled Red Onions or Gherkins – A tangy twist if you want some acidity to cut the richness.
    • Simple Garden Salad with Vinaigrette – Lightens the plate with fresh greens and a touch of acid.Want it spicy? A dash of Tabasco sauce or Chipotle will give it a subtle kick. 

 

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