Description
A comforting dish featuring tender meatballs in a rich mushroom gravy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 or lean)
- 4 slices sandwich bread, torn into small pieces
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder
- 1 teaspoon mushroom powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- To create succulent meatballs, begin by preparing a panade. In a medium bowl, combine the torn pieces of bread and milk. Press the bread down into the milk completely until it is saturated and softened. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes.
- Next, in a large bowl, add the ground beef along with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, beef bouillon, optional mushroom powder, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and egg. Pour in the soaked bread mixture with any residual milk. Mix gently until just combined.
- Once your mixture is ready, portion about 3 tablespoons of the mixture into your hands and roll them into 2-inch balls.
- In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle in some oil and add the meatballs to lightly brown their exterior. Once browned, transfer the meatballs into the slow cooker. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and shallots and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried thyme, rosemary, soy sauce, and brown sugar, cooking for an additional minute. Pour in the beef broth and allow it to come to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid, cooking on a Low setting for 4 to 5 hours.
- Carefully remove the cooked meatballs and make the gravy, whisking together cornstarch and heavy cream until smooth, then gradually adding to the cooking liquid.
- Return the cooked meatballs to the thickened gravy and serve warm.
Notes
For the best texture, do not overmix the meatball mixture; it should be just combined.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Protein: 28 g