There’s something irresistibly comforting about a plate of tender meatballs smothered in a luscious, velvety mushroom gravy. This dish brings together the best of classic home-cooked comfort food — juicy, flavorful meatballs and a deeply savory sauce that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. The combination of ground beef, fresh herbs, and umami-rich mushrooms creates a meal that’s cozy enough for a chilly night but elegant enough for entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic & comforting: A timeless dish with rich, homey flavors.
- Make-ahead friendly: Meatballs and gravy can be prepared in advance and reheated.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with many sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted veggies.
- Crowd-pleaser: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy date nights.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a 50/50 mix of beef and pork for extra juiciness)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small onion, finely grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Mushroom Gravy:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms recommended)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (and pork, if using), breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, grated onion, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Use clean hands or a spoon to gently mix until all ingredients are well combined — but do not overmix or the meatballs will become dense.
- Shape and Brown the Meatballs
- Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter.
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the meatballs on all sides until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. (They don’t need to be fully cooked through yet — they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.)
- Remove the meatballs and set them aside on a plate.
- Make the Mushroom Base
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and golden, about 6–8 minutes.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Create the Gravy
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, a little at a time, until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Meatballs
- Return the seared meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let them simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and the gravy is rich and thick.
- Garnish and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
- Make it creamier: Add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the gravy for extra richness.
- Add depth: A splash of red wine or a dash of soy sauce deepens the gravy’s flavor.
- Make ahead: Meatballs can be made 1 day in advance and reheated gently in the gravy before serving.
Pairing Ideas
- Classic sides: Creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice.
- Vegetable sides: Roasted carrots, sautéed green beans, or a simple garden salad.
- Bread: Crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the extra gravy.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs and gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth if needed.
Quick Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Classic American Comfort Food
