Name: Meatballs in Savory Onion Gravy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound ground pork; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 large eggs; 1 small onion, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 large yellow onions, sliced; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 cups beef broth; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Nothing says cozy comfort food quite like a skillet full of tender meatballs simmering in a rich, savory onion gravy. Whether you need an easy weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend meal, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and that irresistible homemade feel.

With juicy meatballs browned to perfection and then bathed in a golden-brown onion gravy, every bite feels like a warm hug. Serve it with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or just crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Meatballs in Savory Onion Gravy

Hearty and Satisfying: It’s comfort food at its finest with tender, juicy meatballs.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Versatile: Perfect over potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Flavors deepen as it rests, great for leftovers.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use for the Meatballs?

For the juiciest, most flavorful meatballs, use a blend of ground beef and pork. The beef provides that meaty flavor, while pork keeps everything moist and tender. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted, but be sure to add extra seasoning and maybe a splash of cream to keep them from drying out.

Ingredients for the Meatballs in Savory Onion Gravy

Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor and texture in this dish.

Ground Beef & Pork: A 50/50 mix ensures flavor and tenderness.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keep them juicy.
Eggs: Essential for holding the mixture together.
Grated Onion: Adds moisture and flavor directly to the meatballs.
Garlic: Provides a punch of savory depth.
Salt & Pepper: Simple but crucial.
Butter & Olive Oil: Used for browning and building the gravy base.
Yellow Onions: The star of the gravy, cooked down until sweet and golden.
Beef Broth: Forms the base of the gravy, rich and flavorful.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and a hint of tang.
Flour: Thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency.
Fresh Thyme: Brings an earthy, herby finish.

How To Make the Meatballs in Savory Onion Gravy

Step 1: Mix and Form the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, grated onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form into small, even-sized balls.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a mix of butter and olive oil in a large skillet. Brown the meatballs in batches until golden on all sides. Set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

In the same skillet, add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook low and slow until deeply golden and soft.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle flour over the caramelized onions and stir to coat. Slowly pour in beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Simmer Everything Together

Return meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through and infused with the onion flavor.

Serving and Storing Meatballs in Savory Onion Gravy

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people generously. Serve immediately over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

What to Serve With Meatballs in Savory Onion Gravy?

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy potatoes are the classic choice to soak up that luscious gravy.

Buttered Egg Noodles

They’re quick, simple, and oh-so satisfying with these meatballs.

Roasted Green Beans

Adds crunch and color to your plate.

Garlic Bread

Mop up every last drop of gravy with warm, crusty bread.

Steamed Broccoli

Lightens up the plate with a bit of green.

Creamy Polenta

A rich, southern-style base for the meatballs and gravy.

Garden Salad

A crisp side dish balances the warmth and richness of the main.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Brings an earthy depth that complements the onion gravy beautifully.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love this Meatballs in Savory Onion Gravy recipe, you’ll probably enjoy these other cozy, hearty dishes:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a different meat blend? Maybe added mushrooms or used red wine in the gravy?

I love hearing your delicious variations and tips. Ask away if you have questions—we’re all about sharing good food and good vibes.

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Meatballs in Savory Onion Gravy

Author: Nora
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Warm, rich, and undeniably satisfying, these Meatballs in Savory Onion Gravy are the perfect comfort food dinner. Juicy meatballs simmer gently in a golden onion-packed gravy that coats every bite with soul-warming flavor. Whether you’re after a quick dinner idea, an easy recipe for guests, or hearty food ideas for chilly nights, this dish delivers. Great with mashed potatoes, noodles, or even a thick slice of bread, it’s one of those easy dinner recipes that becomes a regular on your menu.

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, grated onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

2. Form the mixture into meatballs, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter.

3. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat until caramelized and golden, about 15–20 minutes.

5. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well. Slowly whisk in the beef broth until smooth. Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

6. Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let simmer in the gravy for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked and infused with flavor.

7. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.