Smothered meatballs are juicy little bites covered in a rich, tasty sauce that makes them hard to resist. Perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends!
Honestly, I could eat these meatballs every day. They’re great over pasta or on their own, and they always make me feel at home. What’s not to love about meatballs? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: While 1 lb of ground beef gives great flavor, mixing in pork can add a nice touch of richness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken also work well.
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs are perfect for binding the meatballs. If you’re gluten-free, swap with gluten-free breadcrumbs or mashed oats.
Parmesan Cheese: For that cheesy goodness, fresh grated parmesan is ideal. If you’re out, pecorino or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can be good substitutes.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess to the sauce. However, if you want a lighter option, half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk can do the trick.
Beef Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth works as a fantastic alternative if you need to adjust flavors or cater to dietary preferences.
How Do I Properly Brown Meatballs?
Browning meatballs is key for flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium heat for even cooking, not too hot or the meat will burn before cooking through.
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This allows each meatball to brown properly.
- Let them sit for a minute on each side without moving them too much for a nice crust.
Following these tips will help you achieve beautifully browned and flavorful meatballs that elevate your dish. Enjoy the process!
How to Make Smothered Meatballs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking, totaling about 45 minutes. You’ll be mixing, forming meatballs, frying them, and then cooking them in a creamy sauce. Sounds delicious, right?
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Meatball Mixture:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. In the bowl, combine the ground beef (or pork), breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Get your hands in there or use a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. This will be your meatball mixture!
2. Forming the Meatballs:
Now that your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape it into meatballs. Take a handful of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form meatballs about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate once you’ve shaped them all.
3. Browning the Meatballs:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. Once done, carefully remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet where you browned the meatballs, add in the beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir everything together to combine those tasty bits left in the pan with the sauce!
5. Thickening the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the flour with a little water to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the skillet while stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens nicely.
6. Finishing the Meatballs:
Now, it’s time to return the meatballs to the skillet. Place them back in and spoon some sauce over the top. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and soak up all those delicious flavors from the sauce.
7. Serving Time:
Your smothered meatballs are ready to serve! You can enjoy them over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a colorful touch. Enjoy every bite of this hearty dish!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that turkey can be drier, so you might want to add a little extra milk or oil to maintain moisture. Adding some extra seasoning can also enhance the flavor!
How Can I Make It Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour. Both are readily available and will work just as well in the recipe. Be sure to check that your beef broth and soy sauce are also gluten-free.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of beef broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy!
Can I Freeze Smothered Meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stove, adding a little cream or broth to the sauce for freshness.
