Meatballs with Gravy

Meatballs with gravy and mashed potatoes is a comforting, hearty dish that has roots in various European cuisines, particularly in Sweden and other Nordic countries.

The dish spread worldwide, gaining popularity due to its simple yet satisfying combination of flavors and textures. The pairing of tender, savory meatballs, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich gravy creates a meal that feels both indulgent and comforting. This trio offers a perfect balance: the meatballs provide a satisfying protein, the mashed potatoes bring a buttery softness, and the gravy ties everything together with its smooth, flavorful sauce.

Serving suggestions for Meatballs with Gravy

Family Style on a Large Platter – Serve the meatballs, mashed potatoes, and gravy on a large platter, allowing family and guests to help themselves. This style encourages sharing and creates a cozy, communal meal. Add fresh parsley as a garnish for a pop of color, and serve with small bowls of lingonberry sauce or mustard on the side.

In Individual Bowls for Comfort – Serve this dish in deep bowls, layering the mashed potatoes on the bottom, meatballs on top, and generously ladling the gravy over everything. This presentation emphasizes the dish’s comforting nature, with each bite incorporating all three elements in a warm, satisfying portion.

With a Rustic Table Setting – For a more refined presentation, serve the dish with rustic table settings: white plates, wooden serving spoons, and a simple garnish of herbs. Complement the meal with a glass of red wine or a hearty ale, which pairs well with the richness of the gravy and meatballs.

Perfect Pairings

Green Beans with Almonds
Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds add a crunchy, fresh contrast to the soft meatballs and mashed potatoes. The slight bitterness of the green beans complements the richness of the gravy, while the almonds bring a nutty depth that enhances the dish’s overall complexity.

Lingonberry Sauce
Traditionally served alongside Swedish meatballs, lingonberry sauce brings a sweet-tart burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish. Its fruitiness pairs well with the savory meatballs and creamy gravy, adding a bright, palate-cleansing contrast that elevates the meal.

Braised Red Cabbage
Braised red cabbage, with its sweet and sour profile, provides a tangy counterpoint to the rich, buttery mashed potatoes and gravy. The vibrant purple color also enhances the visual appeal of the plate. It’s a side dish commonly found in Scandinavian and German cuisine, complementing the meatball tradition.

What do you need to make Meatballs with Gravy?

• Ground Beef and Pork: The combination of ground beef and pork provides the meatballs with both flavor and texture. The beef adds richness and depth, while the pork contributes fat and moisture, ensuring that the meatballs remain juicy and tender after cooking.

• Breadcrumbs and Milk: Breadcrumbs soaked in milk create a binding mixture that helps keep the meatballs soft and moist. This combination prevents the meatballs from becoming dry and dense during cooking, and the milk adds a slight creaminess to the overall texture.

• Onion and Garlic: Onion and garlic are essential for building the savory, aromatic base of the meatballs. The onions add sweetness and depth, while the garlic contributes a sharp, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Egg: The egg acts as a binder, holding the meatball mixture together so that it doesn’t fall apart during frying. It also contributes to the richness of the meatballs, ensuring they have a smooth, cohesive texture.

• Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for mashed potatoes because they yield a fluffy, creamy texture. Their mild flavor acts as a perfect canvas for the buttery richness of the cream and butter, and they serve as a hearty base for the meal.

• Butter and Cream: Both butter and cream are key to making rich mashed potatoes and a luxurious gravy. They contribute to the creamy texture and provide a richness that balances the savory meatballs. In the gravy, butter adds flavor, while cream helps create a smooth, luscious consistency.

• Flour and Broth: Flour is used to thicken the gravy, creating a velvety sauce that coats the meatballs and potatoes. Beef or chicken broth provides the base of the gravy, infusing it with a rich, meaty flavor that ties the dish together.

Meatballs with Gravy step by step

Prepare the Meatballs:

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined but do not overwork the meat.

Shape the Meatballs:

Form the meat mixture into small balls (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter). Set aside on a plate.

Cook the Meatballs:

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, frying them until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Mashed Potatoes:

Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water for 15–20 minutes, until tender. Drain and mash the potatoes. Stir in the butter, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Prepare the Gravy:

In the same skillet used for the meatballs, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the broth, followed by the cream. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Dish:

Serve the meatballs over the mashed potatoes, generously drizzling with gravy. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of meat is best for meatballs?

A mix of ground beef and pork offers the best flavor and moisture, making the meatballs tender and juicy.

→ How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Use a combination of breadcrumbs, milk, and an egg to bind the meat mixture and help maintain shape during cooking.

→ What’s the secret to smooth mashed potatoes?

Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet, and mash with butter and cream while still hot for a silky texture.

→ How is the gravy made rich and flavorful?

The gravy is made from pan drippings, flour, broth, and a splash of cream or butter, creating a rich, velvety sauce.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

Lingonberry sauce, braised red cabbage, or green beans with almonds provide great contrast to the rich main elements.

→ Can I make this meal ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the meatballs and gravy in advance and reheat gently. Mashed potatoes can also be made ahead and warmed with added cream.