One-Pan Meatballs – Cooking Frog https://cookingfrog.com Easy and Delicious Recipes Tue, 23 Apr 2024 17:19:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://cookingfrog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/cropped-Frog-512-x-512-150x150.png One-Pan Meatballs – Cooking Frog https://cookingfrog.com 32 32 One-Pan Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy https://cookingfrog.com/meatballs-in-mushroom-gravy/ https://cookingfrog.com/meatballs-in-mushroom-gravy/#respond Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:27:00 +0000 https://cookingfrog.com/?p=16944 Read More]]> Looking for a meal that wraps comfort and sophistication into one delicious package? Our recipe for Homemade Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy might just be your new go-to. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it ideal for those nights when you want something both satisfying and a bit special.

Made with everyday ingredients, this recipe turns the humble meatball into a centerpiece worthy of your dinner table. The rich, earthy mushroom gravy complements the juicy meatballs perfectly, creating a dish that’s as fulfilling to make as it is to eat.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is designed to impress without the stress. So, why not give it a try and see how simple ingredients can be transformed into a meal that’s anything but ordinary?

Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 2 lbs ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Mushroom Gravy

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 20 oz sliced baby Bella mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • A pinch of seasoned salt
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme leaves
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Gravy Master

Instructions

  1. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—overworking the mixture can make the meatballs tough.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch balls. You should have about 24-30 meatballs, depending on the exact size.
  3. Brown Meatballs: Heat half of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides but not cooking them through. This should take about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Gravy: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and the sliced mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms, stirring to combine, and cook for an additional minute to remove the raw flour taste.
  5. Combine and Cook: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the seasoned salt, thyme leaves, garlic powder, and Gravy Master. Bring to a simmer, then gently add the meatballs back to the skillet. Cover and let simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the meatballs and gravy warm, ideally over mashed potatoes or your choice of sides for a comforting, flavorful meal.

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Variations to Spice Up Your Meal

  • Go Beyond Beef: While beef is traditional, don’t shy away from mixing in other meats. Pork adds a juicy tenderness, turkey or chicken can lighten the dish, and a mix can add depth to the flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Swap meatballs for a plant-based alternative, like lentil balls or mushroom caps, and use vegetable broth to keep the essence of the dish while making it vegetarian-friendly.
  • Cheese, Please: Add a cube of mozzarella or cheddar inside each meatball for a gooey surprise. Or, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before serving for a cheesy finish.
  • Gravy Variations: Experiment with the gravy by adding a splash of red wine for depth or a dollop of sour cream for a stroganoff twist. A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce can also add a complex umami flavor.

Tips and Tricks for Perfection

  • Browning is Key: Take the time to brown the meatballs properly. This step isn’t just about cooking; it’s about building a rich flavor foundation that will carry through the entire dish.
  • Simmer Gently: Once the meatballs are in the gravy, maintain a gentle simmer. This ensures they cook through evenly without becoming tough.
  • Thickening the Gravy: If your gravy isn’t thickening as much as you’d like, a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) can be your best friend. Stir it in and watch the magic happen.
  • Resting Time: Let the dish rest for a few minutes off the heat before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more and the gravy to achieve the perfect consistency.

Making It Ahead and Storing

  • Meal Prep Friendly: Both the meatballs and gravy can be made ahead of time, refrigerated, and then gently reheated, making this dish a weeknight lifesaver.
  • Freezing for Later: Freeze the meatballs and gravy separately in airtight containers. They’ll be ready to thaw and reheat for a delicious meal anytime you’re too busy to cook from scratch.

With these variations and tips, you can keep this comforting dish fresh and exciting each time it graces your table. Whether sticking to the classic or venturing into new culinary territories, the result is sure to be deliciously rewarding.

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