Smothered meatballs are juicy bites of goodness, covered in a rich and tasty sauce. With simple ingredients like ground beef and spices, they’re a hit for any meal!
Making these meatballs is a breeze! I love to serve them over rice or pasta. It’s so comforting and perfect for when you want something filling and warm. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor. If you want a healthier option or a different flavor, ground turkey or chicken work as great substitutes!
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs add texture, but if you’re gluten-free, you can swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes. I’ve tried both and they work well!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, pre-grated cheese is fine. Nutritional yeast can also be a wonderful dairy-free alternative!
Heavy Cream: This ingredient makes the sauce creamy and dreamy. If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half or coconut cream can be used instead.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is the best, but store-bought works perfectly too. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth is a suitable substitute that still provides good flavor.
How Can You Ensure Your Meatballs Stay Juicy and Flavorful?
To keep the meatballs tender and flavorful, blending the right ingredients is key. The breadcrumbs help retain moisture while the egg acts as a binder. Make sure not to overmix the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Mix all the ingredients just until combined; this keeps them light.
- Form them gently into balls—don’t pack them too tightly.
- When frying, let them brown without moving them too much. This keeps the crust intact.
Let them simmer in the sauce, as this not only cooks them through but also infuses them with flavor. Trust me, these tips will give you a delicious result every time!
How to Make Smothered Meatballs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 40 minutes total: 15 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for cooking. It’s a simple and enjoyable dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything together until well combined. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Form the Meatballs:
Take about a handful of the mixture and roll it into balls that are about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 12-16 meatballs, depending on how big you make them. Place them on a plate or tray as you go.
3. Brown the Meatballs:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the meatballs for about 6-8 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are browned all over. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, without cleaning it, pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and mustard. Stir everything together, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Cook the Meatballs in the Sauce:
Once the sauce is simmering, carefully return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Make sure they are coated in the sauce, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the meatballs are done, you can serve them over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice. Pour some of the delicious sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your homemade smothered meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it may produce a slightly different texture and flavor, so you might want to enhance it with extra seasoning or a bit of olive oil to maintain moisture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make smothered meatballs gluten-free, simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, ensure that the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce you use are labeled gluten-free.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the meatballs in the sauce for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Sauce?
Definitely! You can add chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition. Sauté the vegetables in the skillet after browning the meatballs, before adding the broth and cream, to develop their flavors.
