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Classic Cozy Sunday Gravy with Juicy Meatballs

classic sunday gravy meatballs - featured image
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A comforting homemade tomato gravy with juicy, tender meatballs simmered to perfection, perfect for family meals and cozy Sundays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for juiciness; can mix half pork for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano preferred)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for gravy)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano if available)
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently by hand until just combined, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, yielding 15-18 meatballs.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden but not fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.
  4. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add dry red wine (if using) and cook for 2 minutes to evaporate alcohol. Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  6. Reduce heat to low and simmer sauce gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Nestle browned meatballs into the simmering sauce. Cover partially and simmer on low for 20-25 minutes, turning meatballs gently once or twice.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
  9. Serve meatballs and gravy over your favorite pasta, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Avoid overmixing meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender. Brown meatballs well before simmering to lock in flavor. Use good quality canned tomatoes for best sauce flavor. Red wine adds richness but can be substituted with beef broth or balsamic vinegar. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour. Chill meatball mixture if it feels too wet to help hold shape.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sunday gravy, meatballs, tomato sauce, comfort food, family meal, homemade gravy, Italian recipe

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/classic-cozy-sunday-gravy-with-juicy-meatballs-easy-homemade-recipe-for-family-meals/