Meatballs in Brown Gravy are super-quick to make if you start with frozen meatballs (See my Easy Delicious Meatballs recipe to make the BEST flavor-kicked-up meatballs and keep your freezer stocked, at all times.)

Meatballs in Brown Gravy over Mashed Potatoes with Cole Slaw on the side - meatballs in brown gravy - Swedish meatballs

Meatballs in gravy are very much like Swedish meatballs. They can be served over mashed potatoes, noodles or even rice. It’s a simple, affordable meal that can be on the table quickly, (even on a weeknight) and makes a fantastic family dinner.

Gravy. It’s comfort food. I won’t argue that it is healthy or that it’s “good for us”. But, my friends, SOMETIMES gravy is that warm hug you need after a long day. Meatballs in brown gravy is SO delicious!

Gravy’s warm. It’s creamy. It’s deeply rich in savory flavors. And from a food standpoint, gravy’s just plain satisfying.

Gravy tastes like “home”. Which is why it almost always appears on the table, when I have a large family gathering – get-togethers where I want everyone to feel welcome, comfortable and “at home”.

This recipe for Meatballs in Brown Gravy is EASY. Here’s how to get it on the table for supper, tonight.

Table of Contents

The Ingredients

Frozen Meatballs : My homemade freezer meatballs are THE best you will ever eat. I encourage you to try the easy recipe.
Avocado Oil: or the vegetable oil of your choice
All Purpose Flour
Beef Base or bouillon (I use Better than Bouillon Beef Base.)
Beef Broth:I like the Sam’s brand Beef Bone Broth I can get at Walmart.
Heavy Cream
Sour Cream
salt and pepper, to taste optional, chopped parsley garnish

How to Make Meatballs in Brown Gravy

flour and oil in cast iron skillet meatballs in brown gravy - Swedish meatballs

This is a pretty basic gravy, that starts with a roux. The texture and flavor get amped up a bit with the addition of heavy cream and zingy sour cream. Otherwise, it’s pretty straight-forward.

roux for meatballs in brown gravy - Swedish meatballs

Begin by making the roux in a 12″ cast iron skillet. Pour the oil and flour into the skillet and whisk them together over medium heat. They will begin to form a loose “paste” and start bubbling as you get them combined. Allow the roux to continue cooking for 2-3 minutes. That gives the flour a chance to take on a more nutty flavor and the roux will become a deeper color.

adding broth to roux for meatballs in brown gravy - Swedish meatballs

Whisk the beef broth and bouillon into the roux and continue stirring to incorporate it completely and smooth out any lumps.

adding cream to brown gravy for meatballs in brown gravy _ meatballs in brown gravy - Swedish meatballs

Add the cream and sour cream, whisking them into the gravy.

Then add the meatballs. Continue to cook over medium low heat until the meatballs are warmed through.

Meatballs in brown gravy warming in a cast iron skillet - meatballs in brown gravy - Swedish meatballs

Salt and pepper to taste and garnish with minced parsley. It’s ready to serve.

How to Serve Meatballs in Gravy

As I mentioned, we love these over mashed potatoes, but egg noodles or rice are also great.

When selecting side dishes, plan for lighter, brighter complements. Something with acidic or citrus will help to balance the savory flavors of the gravy.

Serve it alongside Bell Pepper Salad, Creamy Coleslaw, Shirazi Salad or Asian Cucumber Salad. It will be one of your favorite easy meals!

The Recipe