Meatballs and Gravy

Meatballs and Gravy Recipe with Instant Rice | Easy and Delicious

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Meatballs and gravy is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. The combination of tender meatballs smothered in a rich and savory gravy is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Meatballs and gravy have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The exact origins of this recipe are unclear, but variations of meatballs in gravy can be found in Italian, Swedish, and American cuisine.

Ingredients

2 cups lean ground round (15% fat)
1 tbsp salt
0.75 cup instant rice
1 cup water
0.25 cup prepared bread crumbs
1.5 cups buttermilk
1 tbsp diet margarine
0.5 tbsp arrowroot

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, combine beef, crumbs, salt, 0.5 cup of buttermilk, and rice.
Shape the mixture into two dozen meatballs, each about 1 inch thick.
Heat margarine in a large skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides.
Pour water over the meatballs and cover the skillet tightly.
Allow the mixture to boil for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
Remove the meatballs from the skillet.
In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 1 cup of buttermilk with arrowroot to form a smooth paste.
Stir the buttermilk mixture into the liquid remaining in the skillet.
Continuously stir the mixture and cook until the gravy thickens, being careful not to let it boil.
Return the meatballs to the skillet and gently heat them.
Serve the meatballs with the gravy.

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of this dish.
Add herbs and spices like garlic, parsley, or thyme to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
Make a creamy gravy by adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the meatballs on all sides before adding them to the gravy to ensure they are cooked through.

- Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish.

- If the gravy is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water or beef broth.

Serving Suggestions

Meatballs and gravy can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Add a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making tender meatballs is to not overmix the meat mixture. Gently combine the ingredients until just combined.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk, you can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. The gravy can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the meatballs and gravy in a shallow bowl garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Meatballs and gravy pair well with a side salad, crusty bread, or a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of meatballs and gravy contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of meatballs and gravy contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of meatballs and gravy contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of meatballs and gravy contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Meatballs and gravy are a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (buttermilk) and gluten (bread crumbs).

Summary

Meatballs and gravy are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Meatballs and gravy is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. With a rich and savory gravy smothering tender meatballs, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in the small town of Tuscany. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and she had promised to teach me her secret recipe for meatballs and gravy.

As we entered her cozy kitchen, the smell of garlic and herbs filled the air. Maria smiled at me and handed me an apron, inviting me to join her in preparing the meal. She began by showing me how to mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a variety of Italian spices to create the perfect meatball mixture.

I watched in awe as Maria expertly shaped the mixture into small, round balls and placed them in a sizzling pan of olive oil. The sound of the meatballs sizzling and the aroma of the garlic and herbs cooking filled the kitchen with warmth and comfort.

As the meatballs browned, Maria poured a rich tomato sauce over them and let them simmer on low heat for hours. She explained that the longer they cooked, the more flavorful and tender they would become. I could hardly wait to taste the final result.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Maria served the meatballs and gravy over a bed of creamy polenta. The first bite was pure bliss. The meatballs were juicy and flavorful, and the gravy was rich and savory. I had never tasted anything like it before.

After that day, I begged Maria to teach me her recipe for meatballs and gravy. She laughed and agreed, but only if I promised to keep it a secret and pass it down to future generations. I gladly agreed, and Maria took me under her wing, teaching me all of her tricks and tips for creating the perfect meatballs and gravy.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times for my family and friends, and it has become a staple in our household. Every time I make it, I think of Maria and that warm summer day in Tuscany when I first discovered the magic of meatballs and gravy.

I have shared the recipe with my children and grandchildren, passing down not just the ingredients and cooking techniques, but also the memories and stories that make this dish so special. It has become a tradition in our family, a way to connect with our heritage and honor the generations of cooks who came before us.

As I stand in my own kitchen now, stirring a pot of simmering meatballs and gravy, I can't help but smile. The aroma of garlic and herbs fills the air, and I am transported back to that warm summer day in Tuscany, learning from Maria and falling in love with the art of cooking.

I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, for the memories it holds, and for the joy it brings to my family. And as I serve the meatballs and gravy to my loved ones, I know that I am passing down more than just a recipe – I am passing down a piece of my heart and soul.