Picture this: tender, flavorful meatballs drenched in a rich, velvety non-alcoholic gravy. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table, satisfying both cravings and hunger. This Juicy Meatballs with Savory Non-Alcoholic Gravy recipe is easy to prepare and bursting with mouthwatering flavors.
Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, these meatballs pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, dumplings, or even steamed vegetables for a complete, hearty meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together the comforting texture of homemade meatballs and a flavorful, alcohol-free gravy. The meatballs are seasoned to perfection, while the vegetable-based gravy adds a rich depth of flavor. What makes this dish even better? It’s incredibly easy to prepare and uses simple, everyday ingredients.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress without adding stress to your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Minced meat (pork or mixed) | 1000 grams |
| Parsley, chopped | 1 bunch |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Mustard | 2 teaspoons |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Breadcrumbs | 50 grams |
| Eggs | 2 |
For the Gravy
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions, finely chopped | 2 |
| Carrots, finely chopped | 2 |
| Celery, finely chopped | 50-80 grams |
| Tomato paste | 3 teaspoons |
| Vegetable broth | 700-800 milliliters |
| Cold water + cornstarch | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix together the minced meat, parsley, onion, mustard, garlic powder, ground cumin, dried rosemary, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and eggs.
- Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything thoroughly until the mixture is well blended.
- Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs. You can make smaller ones for bite-sized portions or larger ones for a heartier meal.
2. Cook the Meatballs
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in a bit of oil.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
- Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté over medium heat until the onions become translucent and the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Make the Non-Alcoholic Gravy
- Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for an additional minute to develop its flavor.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet, stirring well to deglaze the pan and incorporate the tomato paste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cold water with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the skillet while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Let the gravy simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine the Meatballs and Gravy
- Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, gently nestling them into the gravy.
- Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Spoon the thickened gravy over the meatballs to ensure they are well-coated.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the meatballs hot, with a generous helping of gravy.
- Pair them with mashed potatoes, dumplings, or even red cabbage for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Overmixing can make the meatballs dense. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Sear for Flavor: Browning the meatballs before simmering them adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
- Adjust the Gravy Thickness: If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth. If it’s too thin, add more cornstarch mixed with cold water.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh parsley and finely chop the vegetables for a more vibrant, flavorful gravy.
- Double the Recipe: This dish freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch to save time later!
Nutritional Benefits
This dish isn’t just comforting—it’s also packed with nutritional goodness:
- Minced Meat: A great source of protein, iron, and essential vitamins.
- Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Parsley: Contains vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants, adding both flavor and nutrition.
- Homemade Gravy: Unlike store-bought options, this gravy contains no artificial additives or alcohol.
Common Variations of the Recipe
- Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or beef instead of pork for a different flavor.
- Add More Herbs: Experiment with fresh thyme, sage, or oregano in the meatball mixture.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the gravy for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and ensure your vegetable broth is gluten-free.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream to the gravy for a richer, velvety texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, use pre-made meatballs and prepare the gravy as instructed.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Allow the meatballs and gravy to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Mashed potatoes, dumplings, red cabbage, or even rice make excellent accompaniments.
5. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
6. How do I thicken the gravy further?
Mix more cornstarch with cold water and add it to the gravy while stirring continuously. Let it simmer to thicken.
Final Thoughts
This Juicy Meatballs with Savory Non-Alcoholic Gravy is the ultimate comfort dish that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With perfectly seasoned meatballs and a rich, flavorful gravy, this recipe is a surefire hit for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.
What are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, grab your skillet, and create this comforting classic today. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Juicy Meatballs with Savory Non-Alcoholic Gravy: A Comfort Food Delight
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 3-4
Description
This recipe for Juicy Meatballs with Savory Non-Alcoholic Gravy is a comfort food classic! Tender meatballs, perfectly seasoned, are paired with a rich, velvety gravy made from fresh vegetables. This dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests. Serve it with mashed potatoes, dumplings, or steamed vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1000 grams minced meat (pork or mixed)
- 1 bunch parsley, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 50 grams breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
For the Gravy:
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 50–80 grams celery, finely chopped
- 3 teaspoons tomato paste
- 700–800 milliliters vegetable broth
- 1–2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with cold water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine minced meat, parsley, onion, mustard, garlic powder, ground cumin, dried rosemary, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and eggs.
- Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs. You can make them small or large, depending on your preference.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté over medium heat until the onions turn translucent and the vegetables soften (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Make the Gravy:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance its flavor.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan and mix with the vegetables.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cold water with cornstarch until smooth, then pour this mixture into the skillet while stirring continuously.
- Let the gravy simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine the Meatballs and Gravy:
- Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Spoon the gravy over the meatballs to coat them evenly.
6. Serve:
- Serve the meatballs hot with a generous amount of gravy.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, dumplings, or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adjust the Seasoning: Add chili flakes to the meatballs or gravy for a spicy kick.
- Thicker Gravy: If the gravy is too thin, add more cornstarch mixed with cold water.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stove-Top Cooking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
