Savory Meatballs and Rich Red Gravy Recipe
Are you tired of the same old boring meatballs and spaghetti dish that you always prepare for dinner? Look no further, as I have the perfect recipe for you: Meatballs and Red Gravy. This classic Italian-American dish is sure to become a family favorite. The juicy and flavorful meatballs covered in a rich tomato sauce will tantalize your taste buds and leave everyone craving for more.
There is something truly satisfying about cooking from scratch, knowing every ingredient that goes into your meal. With this recipe, you will be able to prepare everything easily in just 30 minutes, using simple and easy-to-find ingredients such as ground beef, garlic cloves, tomato sauce, and onion. You can even make it more special by using lean ground pork instead of beef.
Not only is this recipe delicious and satisfying, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spiciness level to your liking using cayenne pepper or black pepper. Add extra parmesan cheese for an extra umami flavor. You could even turn these meatballs into Creole or Greek-style by adding some traditional ingredients to the mix.
So why not give this Meatballs and Red Gravy recipe a try today? It’s perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back Sunday afternoons when you want something comforting and simple. And trust me when I say that there is nothing quite like homemade meatballs simmering on the stove with the aroma of garlic, onions, and tomato sauce filling your kitchen. Bon appétit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Meatballs and Red Gravy: the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a dish to warm your soul on a chilly Sunday afternoon, this recipe has got you covered.
First of all, let’s talk about the flavor. The combination of savory meatballs and rich tomato sauce creates a taste explosion in your mouth that will leave you craving more. With ingredients like garlic, onion, and cayenne pepper, this recipe packs a punch of bold flavors that will satisfy even the most sophisticated palates. But don’t worry, it is also kid-friendly and won’t scare away picky eaters.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. It can be served with mashed potatoes, pasta, or as a sandwich filling. It can also be adjusted to different dietary restrictions by using ground turkey, chicken or lamb mince instead of pork and beef.
But wait, there’s more! The recipe is easy to follow and takes only 30 minutes to prep plus an hour to cook it slow and simmer in the pot to maximize the flavors. Use fresh or canned tomatoes for even better results, depending on what’s available.
The Meatballs and Red Gravy recipe is perfect for meal-prep enthusiasts as well. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy leftovers throughout the week: either reheat them in the oven or enjoy cold meatballs as part of your lunch salad.
In conclusion, why will you love this recipe? Because it has all the qualities we are looking for in comfort food: it tastes great, is versatile and adaptable to different dietary needs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed) and can be enjoyed any day of the week. Give Meatballs and Red Gravy a try; your taste buds (and probably your family) will thank you for it!
Ingredient List
Before jumping into cooking instructions, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients to make these meatballs and red gravy perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup onions, finely chopped
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
If you’re looking for something different, don’t be afraid to mix it up by using ground turkey or lamb mince instead of pork. Want a more creole-style twist? Try adding some green onions and a bit of hot sauce to your meat mixture. As always, feel free to adjust seasonings to your liking.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
To make the meatballs, you will need 1 lb. ground beef and 1 lb. ground pork. In a large bowl, mix together the two types of meat until well combined. Add in 2 eggs beaten, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 chopped green onions, and 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Using your hands, mix everything together until it is evenly distributed. Be sure not to overwork the meat as this can make the meatballs tough. Form the mixture into 12 meatballs, making sure that each one is roughly the same size.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Once hot, place the meatballs in the skillet and brown them on all sides. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point, just brown them to create a nice crust on the outside.
Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Red Gravy
In a medium saucepan, heat up some olive oil over medium heat. Add in 1 diced onion and 2 diced celery stalks and cook for about 5 minutes or until they begin to soften. Then, add in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute.
Add in two cans of tomato sauce, one can of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and a pinch of black pepper, white pepper, salt to taste.
Stir everything together until well combined, then bring it to a boil before reducing the heat down to low. Add in your browned meatballs into saucepan one by one gently and let it simmer for an hour or more allowing all flavors come together.
Step 4: Serve
Serve your delicious meatballs hot with your choice of side dishes like mashed potatoes or pasta. Enjoy!
Note: This recipe can also be made ahead and frozen or stored for later use. Simply allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.
Substitutions and Variations
There are several substitutions and variations you can make to this Meatballs and Red Gravy recipe to suit your taste preferences or if you don’t have some of the ingredients on hand.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, pork mince, or lamb for a different flavor and texture.
• Add diced bell peppers or carrots to the meatball mixture for some extra crunch and nutrition.
• Use a slow cooker instead of a stovetop pot to simmer the meatballs in red gravy. This is perfect when you want to set it and forget it.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of parsley, or use a mix of all three for a burst of flavors.
• Make creamy tomato sauce by adding heavy cream or coconut milk instead of using plain tomato sauce.
• For a Greek twist, season the meatballs with oregano and serve them with feta cheese and a side of tzatziki sauce.
• You can also transform this recipe into Vietnamese-style meatballs by adding fish sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and green onions to the mixture. When serving, add these meatballs into hot noodle soup with lime wedges on top.
• If you’re in a hurry or short on ingredients, try using frozen meatballs that you can quickly heat up in the oven before pouring over your homemade red gravy.
Whatever variation you choose to take for your Meatballs and Red Gravy recipe will be sure to be delicious as long as it suits your taste buds!
Serving and Pairing
These meatballs in red gravy are an absolute comfort food winner, and there are a variety of delicious ways to serve and pair them. One classic serving method is over spaghetti or pasta, creating an unforgettable hearty Italian dish. The tender meatballs soak up the rich tomato sauce to create a flavorful, savory bite that you won’t forget anytime soon.
To elevate your dish, you can sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and added flavor. You can also serve these meatballs alongside mashed potatoes, rice or even polenta for a comforting winter meal.
If you want to add some green nutrients to your meal, roasted vegetables or crispy salad make fantastic sides. Roasted garlic broccoli or asparagus provide the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. A crisp Caesar salad with garlicky croutons is another delightful option.
Looking for something to pair with these meatballs besides red wine? Beer lovers should reach for a cold Pilsner or Brown Ale. If you prefer white wine, Pinot Gris is acidic enough to cut through the richness of the tomato sauce and complement the complex spices in the meatballs.
No matter how you choose to serve this dish, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser at your next family gathering or dinner party!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy culinary explorer, I understand the importance of convenient meal planning. Luckily, this meatballs and red gravy recipe is perfect for making ahead, storing, and reheating for later consumption.
If you plan on making the meatballs in advance, be sure to let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to use them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or reheat them directly from frozen by warming them up in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes.
The same goes for the red gravy sauce: if you have some leftover after eating, let it cool down before storing it. It will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to reheat it, either microwave it or warm it over low heat on the stovetop.
One quick tip: If you’re planning on serving these meatballs at a party or gathering, slow cookers are your best friend! You can cook and serve meatballs directly from the slow cooker so they stay warm and fresh all night long.
Making these meatballs ahead of time can save you a ton of time and stress later on. Plus, having these delicious Italian-style meatballs readily available makes meal planning a breeze. Whether you’re needing a quick lunch or surprise dinner guests, this recipe has you covered.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making meatballs and red gravy is an art that requires patience, practice, and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure that you get perfect results every time:
1. Don’t Overwork the Meat Mixture
When mixing the meat mixture for your meatballs, be careful not to overwork it. Overworking the meat will make it tough and dense, rather than tender and juicy. Gently mix the ingredients with your hands until they just come together.
2. Use Good Quality Meat
The quality of meat you use plays a huge role in how your meatballs taste. Go for lean ground beef and ground pork or beef-pork blends. Make sure to pick unprocessed cuts which can preserve more flavour and moisture.
3. Add Enough Binders
Binders like eggs, breadcrumbs or milk ensure that your meatballs maintain their shape when cooking. Keep 2 beaten eggs around 1 pound of ground meat, about ½ cup of breadcrumbs or oats or a mix of these with some milk.
4. Brown the Meatballs before simmering
Before adding the pre-baked meatballs to the sauce, be sure to brown them thoroughly in a cast iron pan first. This will bring out more flavors from Maillard reaction and help seal them together so they don’t fall apart during cooking.
5. Make Extra Red Gravy
If you’re going through all this effort to prepare perfect meatballs then make extra red gravy too as that’s where all of these recipes shine most uniquely! Quantity is enough when you have around 2 cups worth.
6. Use a High-Quality Tomato Sauce.
Finally, use only the finest ingredients for an exceptionally delicious taste! Opt for high-quality tomato paste or tomato sauce which would make a core difference by developing a consistent flavor profile throughout the cooking process.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the meatballs and red gravy recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be customized to fit different dietary requirements or preferences. You can use ground beef, pork, turkey, or lamb depending on your taste. Additionally, you can add a variety of spices and herbs to give it a unique flavor.
This recipe is perfect for those who desire a sumptuous meal in 30 minutes or less. It’s easy to make and requires minimal skills. All the ingredients are readily available in your local grocery store.
Whether you want to prepare this meal for your family dinner, friends gathering or potluck party, this recipe will impress them all. So why not make a big batch and share with your loved ones?
I cannot end without emphasizing the importance of quality ingredients in this dish. Invest in fresh produce, extra virgin olive oil, and premium meat cuts for the best results. And always remember to follow the instructions carefully for perfect meatballs and red gravy every time.
In conclusion, this recipe is a game-changer in your kitchen. Try it today and let your taste buds dance with joy! Bon appétit!
Meatballs and Red Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
meatball
- 2 lbs ground chuck
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup celery
- 2 cups onions
- 1 bunch green onion
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons white pepper
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons italian seasoning
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
red gravy
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
- 3 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Meatballs.
- Mix all ingredients and form into balls. Bake in 350 oven for 45 minutes.
- Gravy.
- On a low fire, fry paste in olive oil for 30-45 minutes. Add sugar, seasonings and paste can of water. Cook 15 minute Add the tomato sauce and then fill each sauce can half way with water and add. Add the Parmesan cheese. Simmer 2 hours.
- When the meatballs are finished, add to the gravy.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.