This easy meatballs and gravy recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, and it’s simple enough that anyone can make it. Making a hearty, delicious meal doesn’t have to be hard. Plus, the leftovers are great for lunch the next day.
Make this comforting and delicious meal in the oven, stovetop, or the slow cooker. So versatile with amazing results. We love to have this by themselves as meatball appetizers, or as a main dish. Serve this on the side or over cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
For our family, it is one of the best things to come in the house to an amazing aroma and delicious hot meal waiting for you.
IKEA Meatball Recipe
During the pandemic, IKEA released their recipe for their famous meatballs. They have a delicious tasting rich gravy surrounding tender and flavorful meatballs. We think our meatball recipe is Just like IKEA but only better, and easier.
How to Make Easy Meatballs and Gravy
Today, I used frozen meatballs. This is a scrumptious dump and bake recipe when using frozen meatballs. On those busy weeknights when you are low on energy yet want to feed the family a hearty and filling meal, this is one of those favorite recipes that I turn to. Frozen meatballs are a great option even when you are not tired and short on time. I seem to always have a bag or two in my freezer.
If you have the time or prefer to make your own meatballs, here are the ingredients for your own homemade meatball mixture.
Note: this makes a large batch – enough to feed 12 people. Therefore, adjust the amount ingredients as needed for a smaller batch.
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 large onion, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon ground ginger
3 pounds lean ground beef
6 tablespoons butter
Instructions for homemade meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, milk, cornstarch, onion, salt, pepper, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger. Add the ground beef and mix well to combine. Shape into 1-2-inch round meatballs. Pro Tip. If the meat mixture sticks to your hands, rinse hands frequently in cool water.
Next add a few tablespoons of the butter to a large skillet and heat butter to melting. Cook the meatballs on medium-high heat in a few batches. Once melted, add the meatballs in a single layer. Brown on all sides and continue cooking until all the pink is gone; about 10 minutes. Remove the meatballs, set aside while you brown the rest of the meatballs.
Once all the meatballs are browned, continue onto the gravy.
If using the frozen meatballs, you would add them to a prepared 9 X 13 baking dish, large skillet, or slow cooker. I used 48 ounces of frozen meatballs. Then continue onto the gravy.
Creamy Gravy
1 Cup Heavy Cream
3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
2 Cups Water
2 Teaspoons Beef Bouillon
In a small bowl, whisk the heavy cream and the corn starch, set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat the water and beef bouillon to boiling. Pro Tip. If you have homemade beef broth, you can use that in place of the water and beef bouillon. Slowly add the cream and cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly to combine.
Once combined, it is ready for the meatballs.
If you have made your homemade meatballs in the skillet, add the gravy and cook until thickened and bubbly. Just a few minutes.
Making the meatballs in a slow cooker using frozen meatballs, add the meatballs and gravy to the skillet and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 3 hours until hot and bubbly. If using homemade meatballs that are already warm, cook on high for 1 hour and low for 2 hours.
If baking the meatballs in the oven using frozen cook for 45 minutes in an oven that has been pre-heated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tender meatballs cooked in flavorful and rich brown gravy. This is complete comfort food, and it is about to be on rotation on your weeknight dinner table. Your whole family will thank you.
Make Ahead Recipe
This is a great dish to make ahead of time. Once cooked, just cool to room temperature, place meatballs and gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate.
It will last in the refrigerator up to 5 days. That way, you can make this on the weekend. During the week, just come home and make the sides, reheat the meatballs and gravy and serve. It will just take minutes.
Freeze these little gems too. They will freeze well up to 4 months. When ready to serve, just thaw and reheat.
What to Serve with Meatballs and Gravy
Of course, my top choice is egg noodles, followed by rich mashed potatoes, then comes a side of peas and carrots, or green beans. While we don’t often serve this with white rice, the gravy and rice is another scrumptious combination. It is amazing how a simple side dish pairs so well with this delicious recipe.
Meatballs and Gravy Options
This recipe is simple and delicious and even your pickiest eater is sure to enjoy this hearty recipe.
Swap all or part of the ground beef for ground pork, ground chicken, ground turkey, or even a ground venison.
If using frozen meatballs, use a blend of them. I like to use a combination of Italian meatballs, and a three-cheese meatball.
Add cooked mushrooms and sliced onions to the gravy mixture for even more flavor.
Swap out the heavy cream for sour cream. They both add a delicious creamy, velvety, and luxurious texture to the gravy.
Use beef or chicken stock in place of the water and beef bouillon if you have a good tasting stock on hand.
Swap out the butter for olive oil if you are frying your own homemade meatball mixture.
If you love meatballs, we have a few other meatball recipes for you to try out.
Slow Cooker Swedish Meatball Recipe
Banh Mi Sandwich “Vietnamese Meatball Sub”
Easy Meatballs and Gravy Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 48 Ounces Meatballs frozen or homemade
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
- 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- 2 Cups Water
- 2 Teaspoons Beef Bouillon
Instructions
- If using the frozen meatballs, you would add them to a prepared 9 X 13 baking dish, large skillet, or slow cooker. I used 48 ounces of frozen meatballs. Then continue onto the gravy.48 Ounces Meatballs
- In a small bowl, whisk the heavy cream and the corn starch, set aside.1 Cup Heavy Cream, 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- In a medium saucepan, heat the water and beef bouillon to boiling. Pro Tip. If you have homemade beef broth, you can use that in place of the water and beef bouillon. Slowly add the cream and cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly to combine.2 Cups Water, 2 Teaspoons Beef Bouillon
- Once combined, it is ready for the meatballs.
- If you have made your homemade meatballs in the skillet, add the gravy and cook until thickened and bubbly. Just a few minutes.
- Making the meatballs in a slow cooker using frozen meatballs, add the meatballs and gravy to the skillet and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 3 hours until hot and bubbly. If using homemade meatballs that are already warm, cook on high for 1 hour and low for 2 hours.
- If baking the meatballs in the oven using frozen cook for 45 minutes in an oven that has been pre-heated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
