Smothered Meatballs

1. Make the Meatballs:
   1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano (or Italian seasoning), and chopped parsley. Mix until just combined.
   2. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
2. Brown the Meatballs:
   1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides, then transfer to a plate. They don’t need to be cooked through at this point.
3. Make the Gravy:
   1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt.
   2. Stir in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
   3. Gradually whisk in beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add sliced onion and mushrooms (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook until the gravy begins to thicken.
   4. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if using).
4. Smother the Meatballs:
   1. Return the meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy is thickened.
   2. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the smothered meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles to soak up the delicious gravy.

Tips for Perfect Smothered Meatballs:

• Meatball Consistency: Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk (a process called panade) helps keep the meatballs tender.
• Browning: Browning the meatballs before simmering them in the gravy adds depth of flavor to the dish.
• Simmering: Simmering the meatballs in the gravy not only cooks them through but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Gravy Thickness: If the gravy is too thick, you can thin it with a little more beef broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.

This Smothered Meatballs recipe is sure to become a comforting favorite, offering a rich and savory dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Enjoy your meal!