🍽️ Homestyle Meatballs & Gravy Dinner

with Mashed Potatoes, Peas & Carrots

Serves: 4
Total Time: ~45–50 minutes
Skill level: Easy / Weeknight-friendly

🥩 MEATBALLS

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is best)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup milk

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp oil or butter (for browning)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak 1 minute.

2. Add ground beef, egg, seasonings, and Worcestershire.

3. Mix gently until just combined (don’t overmix).

4. Roll into golf-ball-size meatballs.

5. Heat oil/butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

6. Brown meatballs on all sides (about 5–7 minutes total).

7. Remove meatballs to a plate (they’ll finish cooking in the gravy).

🟤 BROWN GRAVY

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• 2 cups beef broth (warm)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: 1 tsp Worcestershire or soy sauce

Instructions

1. In the same skillet, melt butter.

2. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.

3. Slowly whisk in beef broth.

4. Simmer until thickened.

5. Add meatballs back to the pan.

6. Cover and simmer 10–15 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.

🥔 CREAMY MASHED POTATOES

Ingredients

• 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)

• 4 tbsp butter

• ½–¾ cup warm milk or cream

• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Peel and cube potatoes.

2. Boil in salted water until fork-tender (15–20 minutes).

3. Drain well.

4. Mash with butter and warm milk.

5. Season generously with salt.

🥕 VEGETABLE SIDES (LIKE THE PLATE)

Peas

• 1½ cups frozen peas

• 1 tbsp butter

• Salt to taste
  Steam or microwave, then butter and season.

Carrots

• 3–4 whole carrots (or baby carrots)

• 1 tbsp butter

• Salt
  Boil or steam until tender, finish with butter.

🍽️ TO SERVE

1. Spoon mashed potatoes onto the plate.

2. Top with meatballs and plenty of gravy.

3. Add peas and carrots on the side.

4. Optional garnish: chopped parsley.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! Meatballs and gravy reheat beautifully. Store in the fridge up to 4 days. Mashed potatoes are best fresh but can be reheated with a splash of milk.

Q: Can I freeze this meal?

A:

• Meatballs & gravy: ✅ freeze up to 3 months

• Mashed potatoes: ⚠️ freeze okay but texture may change

• Veggies: ✅ fine to freeze

Q: Why are my meatballs tough?

A: Overmixing the meat or using very lean beef. Mix gently and use 80/20 beef.

Q: Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

A: Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, then add to gravy.

Q: How do I make the gravy thicker or thinner?

A:

• Thicker: simmer longer or add a slurry (1 tsp flour + water)

• Thinner: whisk in more broth

Q: Can I use ground turkey or pork?

A: Absolutely.

• Turkey: add 1 tbsp oil or butter for moisture

• Pork: extra juicy and flavorful

Q: Is this kid-friendly?

A: Very! Mild flavors, soft textures, and classic ingredients.

Q: Can I make this carnivore or low-carb?

A:

• Skip peas & carrots

• Serve over mashed cauliflower or extra gravy

• Use pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs