Meatballs in Savory Onion Gravy

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of juicy meatballs smothered in rich, homemade onion gravy. This dish takes your everyday meatballs to a whole new level—packed with flavor, cooked to golden perfection, then bathed in a luscious sauce made with caramelized onions and hearty broth. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone to the table fast.

Whether you serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, over egg noodles, or simply with a side of crusty bread, these meatballs in savory onion gravy make for the ultimate cozy dinner. Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a hearty, soul-warming meal, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Meatballs in Savory Onion Gravy

These meatballs are incredibly tender on the inside, with a slight crisp on the outside for texture. The real star is the onion gravy: slow-cooked onions, perfectly seasoned, and simmered until velvety smooth. This dish is comforting, deeply flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare.

Plus, it’s versatile. You can make a big batch ahead of time, freeze extras, or customize the seasonings and meat blend to suit your taste. It’s also kid-friendly and perfect for both casual dinners and hearty gatherings.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use?

The beauty of this recipe is that you can use a variety of ground meats. Traditional beef gives a deep, savory flavor, while a mix of beef and pork results in even more tender and juicy meatballs. Ground turkey or chicken also works great if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just be sure to include a bit of fat in your mix to keep things moist and flavorful.

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Ingredients for the Meatballs in Savory Onion Gravy

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a role in building deep, hearty flavor. Here’s what you need:

• Ground beef and pork: This blend ensures the meatballs are rich, juicy, and tender.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together while keeping them light and moist.
• Milk: Soaks the breadcrumbs to add extra tenderness to the meat.
• Egg: Essential for binding the mixture and giving the meatballs structure.
• Garlic and onion: Adds aromatic depth to both the meatballs and the gravy.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the meatballs with a touch of freshness.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
• Olive oil: Used to brown the meatballs for that delicious outer crust.
• Butter: Adds richness to the onion gravy.
• Flour: Thickens the gravy into a silky consistency.
• Beef broth: The base of the gravy, giving it hearty flavor.
• Fresh thyme: Infuses the sauce with a subtle herbal note.

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How To Make the Meatballs in Savory Onion Gravy

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined without overworking the meat.

Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs

Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. Set them aside.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

In the same skillet, add butter and sliced onions. Cook slowly over medium-low heat until they turn golden and soft, releasing all their sweet flavor.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to coat. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add fresh thyme and let it simmer until thickened.

Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs in Gravy

Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until they are fully cooked and have absorbed the flavors of the gravy.

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How to Serve and Store Meatballs in Savory Onion Gravy

This dish is best served hot and fresh, right out of the skillet. The meatballs soak up the gravy beautifully, making every bite rich and flavorful. It serves 4 to 6 people comfortably, depending on portion size. To store, place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the gravy thickens too much.

For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs and gravy together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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What to Serve With Meatballs in Savory Onion Gravy?

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are the classic companion. They soak up the onion gravy like a dream and balance the savory flavors perfectly.

Egg Noodles

Buttery egg noodles are a great alternative if you want a pasta-style dish with extra comfort.

Rice

Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a simple yet satisfying base.

Crusty Bread

Nothing beats a chunk of crusty bread for scooping up the extra gravy.

Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make a hearty and colorful side.

Steamed Green Beans

For a lighter contrast, crisp-tender green beans with a squeeze of lemon add freshness.

Garden Salad

A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the meatballs and gravy.

Cauliflower Mash

A low-carb alternative that still gives you the creamy texture of mashed potatoes without the starch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use only ground beef instead of a mix?

Yes, you can! Using only ground beef will still give you delicious results, though the blend with pork adds a bit more richness and tenderness. If using just beef, opt for 80/20 to maintain enough fat for juicy meatballs.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare and shape the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Or, freeze them raw or fully cooked for up to 2 months. Just thaw before reheating or cooking from frozen.

How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure your breadcrumb and egg ratio is balanced. Avoid overmixing the meat, and chill the meatballs briefly before browning to help them hold their shape.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Double-check your broth to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner ideas board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use beef only or mix in some pork? Did you go with mashed potatoes or noodles?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Follow more delicious ideas on my Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally

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Conclusion

Meatballs in Savory Onion Gravy is the kind of dinner that turns a regular night into something special. Hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for leftovers that taste even better the next day, this dish has you covered.

Don’t forget to explore more of my cozy, satisfying meals on Pinterest and bring comfort to your table with every bite.

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