Description
This classic comfort food recipe brings together tender, flavorful meatballs smothered in a rich gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, and simple, yet satisfying, carrots and peas. It’s a hearty and nostalgic meal perfect for a cozy night in, or a family dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mixture of both)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ small onion, finely chopped (about ¼ cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cubed
- ½ cup milk (warmed)
- ¼ cup butter (unsalted or salted)
- Salt to taste
Carrots & Peas:
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Gently mix all ingredients together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs from this recipe. Place the formed meatballs on a clean plate or tray.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the meatballs into the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they are cooked through and no longer pink inside. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
In the same skillet you used to brown the meatballs, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste forms (this is called a roux). Be careful not to burn the roux.
Step 5: Finish the Gravy
Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook, whisking occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Season the gravy with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and onion powder (if using).
Step 6: Combine Meatballs and Gravy
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the gravy.
Step 7: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While the meatballs and gravy are simmering, prepare the mashed potatoes. Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the potatoes to a boil and cook until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 8: Mash the Potatoes
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add the warmed milk and butter to the potatoes. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or an electric mixer until they are smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
Step 9: Cook the Carrots & Peas
While the meatballs, gravy, and mashed potatoes are cooking, prepare the carrots and peas. You can steam or boil the baby carrots until they are tender-crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Separately, boil or steam the frozen peas until they are tender, about 3-5 minutes. Season the carrots and peas with salt, pepper, and butter (if using).
Step 10: Serve
Serve the meatballs and gravy over a generous helping of mashed potatoes. Add a side of the cooked carrots and peas for a complete and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a timeless classic that offers a comforting and familiar taste. The combination of savory meatballs, rich gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, and slightly sweet vegetables creates a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s also a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to your own preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious gravy.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to the mashed potatoes for extra creaminess.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips:
- For extra flavorful meatballs, try using a mixture of ground beef and ground pork.
- To prevent the meatballs from sticking to the pan, make sure the oil is hot before adding them.
- If the gravy is too thick, add a little more beef broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce.
- For a smoother gravy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
- To make the mashed potatoes extra creamy, use a potato ricer instead of a masher.
- You can easily customize the vegetables to your liking. Try adding green beans, corn, or broccoli instead of carrots and peas.
- Make Ahead: The meatballs can be made a day in advance. Store covered in the fridge, cook as directed when ready to serve.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutrition Information: (Estimated, per serving)
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 35-45g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion
This Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Carrots, and Peas recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will bring comfort and joy to your dinner table. With its classic flavors and simple preparation, it’s a recipe that you’ll turn to again and again. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
- Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef or pork?
- A: Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey as a substitute. However, keep in mind that ground turkey tends to be drier than ground beef or pork, so you may need to add a little extra milk or broth to the meatball mixture to keep them moist.
- Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- A: Absolutely! The meatballs and gravy can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat them before serving. You can also peel and cube the potatoes ahead of time and store them in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning.
- Q: Can I freeze the meatballs and gravy?
- A: Yes, this recipe freezes well. Allow the meatballs and gravy to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Q: What can I add to the gravy for extra flavor?
- A: There are many ways to add extra flavor to the gravy. You can try adding a splash of red wine, a bay leaf, a sprig of thyme, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free all-purpose flour. Make sure to check the labels of all your ingredients to ensure that they are gluten-free.
