Few meals deliver the same satisfaction as a plate of tender, juicy meatballs smothered in a rich, cheesy gravy. This recipe for Cheesy Garlic Meatballs combines hearty flavors, creamy textures, and a touch of elegance, making it a family favorite or the perfect centerpiece for a cozy dinner party.
With its flavorful ground beef base, luscious gravy, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to create this irresistible comfort food.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Garlic Meatballs
1. Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food
The combination of seasoned beef, rich gravy, and melted cheese makes this dish a hit for all ages.
2. Versatile Pairings
Serve these meatballs with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or crusty garlic bread. The options are endless.
3. Easy Yet Impressive
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and elegance, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients Breakdown
Each ingredient in this recipe contributes to its flavor and texture, creating a well-rounded dish. Let’s take a closer look:
Ground Beef
The foundation of the meatballs, ground beef provides a hearty and savory base. Opt for an 80/20 blend for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
Breadcrumbs and Egg
Breadcrumbs act as a binder, giving the meatballs their tender texture. The egg ensures they hold together while cooking.
Garlic and Onion Powder
These seasonings add depth to the meatballs, enhancing their savory flavor profile.
Olive Oil
Used for browning the meatballs, olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps form a delicious crust.
Beef Broth and Flour
Beef broth creates the base of the gravy, while flour thickens it to a luscious consistency.
Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese
Mozzarella brings a creamy, melty finish, while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty contrast.
Worcestershire Sauce
This pantry staple provides a tangy umami kick, elevating the flavor of the gravy.
Fresh Parsley
A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own cheesy garlic meatballs in savory gravy:
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat. Form the mixture into 12-15 evenly sized meatballs.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onions until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and let the gravy simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, spooning the gravy over them to coat evenly. Cover the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the gravy’s flavors.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the meatballs. Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, pasta, or alongside garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Meatballs
1. Don’t Overmix
Overworking the meat mixture can result in dense, tough meatballs. Mix gently until the ingredients are just combined.
2. Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese melt more smoothly and have better flavor than pre-shredded options.
3. Sear for Flavor
Browning the meatballs before simmering them in the gravy adds depth and locks in their juices.
4. Keep it Even
Use a cookie scoop to ensure your meatballs are uniform in size, allowing them to cook evenly.
Variations to Try
1. Spicy Meatballs
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
2. Herbaceous Twist
Mix in chopped fresh basil or oregano for an herby flavor profile.
3. Creamier Gravy
For an extra creamy gravy, stir in 2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt before adding the cheese.
4. Turkey or Chicken Option
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these cheesy garlic meatballs with the following sides for a well-rounded meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the savory gravy.
- Pasta: Serve over spaghetti, linguine, or egg noodles for a comforting, Italian-inspired dinner.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make great accompaniments.
- Crusty Bread: Use garlic bread or a baguette to soak up every last bit of gravy.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead
Prepare the meatballs and gravy in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers. Reheat and assemble just before serving.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to loosen the gravy as needed.
Why This Recipe Works
This cheesy garlic meatball recipe hits all the right notes for flavor, texture, and versatility. The combination of tender, juicy meatballs, savory gravy, and melty cheese creates a comforting dish that feels indulgent without being overly complicated.
The addition of Worcestershire sauce and Parmesan cheese enhances the umami flavor, while fresh parsley adds a pop of freshness to balance the richness. Best of all, it’s a one-pan meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is to devour.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Freeze These Meatballs?
Yes! Freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
2. Can I Use Store-Bought Gravy?
While homemade gravy provides the best flavor, you can use store-bought beef gravy in a pinch. Add Worcestershire sauce and spices to enhance the taste.
3. What’s the Best Meat for Meatballs?
An 80/20 blend of ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) works best for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Garlic Meatballs are the epitome of comfort food done right. With their rich, savory flavors and melty cheese topping, they’re guaranteed to please a crowd. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting a cozy gathering, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the perfect combination of hearty, cheesy goodness. One bite, and you’ll see why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
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Cheesy Garlic Meatballs in Savory Gravy: A Comfort Food Delight
Ingredients
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 12-15 meatballs.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onions until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, whisking to create a smooth gravy. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Return the meatballs to the skillet and spoon the gravy over them. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes until fully cooked.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the meatballs. Cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.