Smothered Meatballs: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Smothered Meatballs: Just the name conjures up images of cozy comfort food, doesn’t it? Imagine tender, juicy meatballs, simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy until they’re practically melting in your mouth. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting Sunday supper.

Meatballs themselves have a long and fascinating history, with variations found in cuisines around the globe. From Italian polpette to Swedish köttbullar, these little spheres of deliciousness have been a staple for centuries. But smothered meatballs take things to a whole new level. The addition of a luscious gravy transforms a simple dish into something truly special.

What’s the secret to their enduring appeal? Well, for starters, they’re incredibly delicious! The combination of savory meat and a rich, often slightly sweet, gravy is simply irresistible. But beyond the taste, smothered meatballs are also incredibly versatile and convenient. They can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or even on a crusty roll for a satisfying sandwich. Plus, they’re relatively easy to make, making them a weeknight winner for busy families. So, get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food – you won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:
• 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend is recommended for flavor and moisture)
• 1 lb Ground Pork (adds richness and depth of flavor)
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs (plain, unseasoned)
• 1/2 cup Milk (whole milk preferred for moisture)
• 1 large Egg (lightly beaten, acts as a binder)
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (adds savory flavor)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp Dried Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for browning the meatballs)
• For the Smothered Sauce:
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 large Onion (sliced)
• 2 Green Bell Peppers (sliced)
• 2 Red Bell Peppers (sliced)
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 (28 oz) can Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can Tomato Sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 1 tbsp Dried Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Preparing the Meatballs:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
3. Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, form the meat mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 24-30 meatballs.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
5. Carefully place the meatballs in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to work in batches.
6. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them occasionally with tongs. This step is crucial for developing flavor and creating a nice crust. The meatballs don’t need to be cooked through at this point, just browned.
7. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Making the Smothered Sauce:

1. In the same skillet or Dutch oven (without cleaning it), add the remaining olive oil.
2. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. This step is important for building the flavor of the sauce. Don’t rush it!
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (with their juice).
5. Add the beef broth, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and brown sugar (if using).
6. Stir everything together well to combine.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.

Smothering and Simmering:

1. Gently place the browned meatballs into the simmering sauce, making sure they are mostly submerged.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet or Dutch oven, and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours. The longer they simmer, the more flavorful and tender they will become. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Check the meatballs for doneness. They should be cooked through and very tender. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
4. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking.
5. If the sauce becomes too thick during simmering, you can add a little more beef broth to thin it out.

Serving:

1. Serve the smothered meatballs hot, spooning plenty of sauce over them.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
3. These smothered meatballs are delicious served over pasta (spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni are all good choices), rice, mashed potatoes, or even on their own with some crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
4. They also make great meatball subs!

Tips and Variations:

• Meatball Texture: For softer meatballs, use more milk and less breadcrumbs. For firmer meatballs, use less milk and more breadcrumbs.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, carrots, or celery.
• Cheese: Add a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese to the sauce during the last 15 minutes of simmering for a cheesy twist.
• Wine: For a richer sauce, add 1/2 cup of red wine to the skillet after cooking the onions and peppers. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce before adding the tomatoes.
• Slow Cooker: This recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Brown the meatballs as directed, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with all the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Freezing: Smothered meatballs freeze well. Let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Breadcrumb Options: Panko breadcrumbs can be used in place of regular breadcrumbs for a crispier texture. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the sauce, such as fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary.
• Serving Size: This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings. Adjust the quantities as needed to suit your needs.

Make Ahead Tips:

• The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before browning.
• The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a quick weeknight meal, make both the meatballs and the sauce ahead of time, then simply combine them and simmer until heated through.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 550-650
• Protein: 35-45g
• Fat: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g

Enjoy your delicious and comforting smothered meatballs! I hope you and your family love this recipe as much as mine does. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Smothered Meatballs are truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners or even a special occasion. I know, I know, there are a million meatball recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The combination of the perfectly seasoned, juicy meatballs and that rich, savory gravy is simply irresistible. It’s comfort food at its finest, elevated with just enough flavor to keep things interesting.

Why is this recipe a must-try? Well, first and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip up a batch of these beauties. The ingredients are simple and readily available, and the steps are straightforward. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover breadcrumbs or stale bread you might have lying around. But beyond the ease of preparation, it’s the taste that really seals the deal. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, and the gravy is so good you’ll want to lick the plate clean (go ahead, I won’t judge!). It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it to your family, friends, or even just yourself.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions. I personally love serving these Smothered Meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The gravy soaks into the potatoes, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply divine. You could also serve them over pasta – spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne would work beautifully. For a lighter option, try serving them with a side of steamed rice or quinoa. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even use them as a filling for meatball subs!

Looking for variations? No problem! If you’re a fan of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a little kick. You could also experiment with different types of ground meat. Ground turkey or chicken would be a healthier alternative to ground beef, or you could even use a combination of meats for a more complex flavor. For a vegetarian option, try using plant-based ground meat substitutes. And if you’re short on time, you can even use pre-made meatballs – just be sure to choose a high-quality brand.

Serving Suggestions:

• Over creamy mashed potatoes
• With spaghetti or your favorite pasta
• Alongside steamed rice or quinoa
• In meatball subs

Variations:

• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option
• Experiment with different types of ground meat
• Try plant-based ground meat substitutes for a vegetarian option
• Use pre-made meatballs for a quick and easy meal

I truly believe that this recipe for Smothered Meatballs will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy, delicious, and incredibly versatile. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!

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