Meatballs and Gravy over Noodles: aka Poor Man's Beef and Noodles

Welcome to my West Virginia Kitchen!  Looking for a comforting, hearty meal that satisfies the whole family?  Look no further than this Meatballs and Gravy Over Noodles Recipe.

Tender, flavorful meatballs smothered in a rich, savory gravy and served over a bed of perfectly cooked noodles.  This dish is easy to make and perfect for any night of the week.  Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, you'll find this recipe both simple and rewarding.  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started! 

INGREDIENTS:

For this Meatballs and Gravy over Noodles recipe you will need to gather a few simple ingredeints:

For the Meatballs:

• 2 lb of Ground Beef
• 1/2 cup of Bread Crumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup Milk
• 1 Egg
• 1 tsp Parsley
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

For the Gravy:

• 4 cups Beef Broth
• 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 Tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Tbsp Cornstarch
• Salt and Pepper to taste

For the Noodles:

• 12 oz Egg Noodles
• Salt (for boiling water) 
• 2 Tbsp Butter (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:  In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.  Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.  Roll the mixture into a 1 inch meatball and place them on a baking sheet. 
2. Brown the Meatballs:  Add a little butter and oil to a large, deep pan.  Place the pan over medium-high heat and allow to get hot.  Place the meatballs in the pan and brown on all sides, about 203 minutes per side.  You will not fully cook the meatballs. 
3. Make the Gravy:  Add the beef broth to the pan.  Add the tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce,  and cornstarch.  Whisk together until smooth.  Bring the broth to simmer and allow the gravy to thicken. 
4. Cook the Meatballs:  Add the browned meatballs to the gravy and simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked.  
5. Cook the Noodles:  While the meatballs are simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions in salted water.  Drain the noodles and toss with butter if desired.  
6. Combine and Serve:  Serve the meatballs over a bed of egg noodles and slather in the luscious gravy.  

STEP-BY-STEP PHOTOGRAPHS:

TIPS AND TRICKS:

• For Juicy Meatballs:  Don't over mix the meat mixture.  This can make the meatballs dense. 
• Gravy Consistency:  If gravy is too thick, add a little more beef broth or water.  If it's too thin, let simmer longer to reduce.  
• Make Ahead:  Both the meatballs and the gravy can be made ahead and reheated when ready to serve.  

FAQs:

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or a mix of beef and veal for a richer flavor.  

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Absolutely!  You will need to fully cook them.  Freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet,  then transfer to a freezer bag.  They can be stored for up to 3 months.  

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.   

This Meatballs and Gravy over Noodles recipe is a surefire way to bring comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table.  With it's rich flavors and easy preparation, it's bound to become a family favorite.  Try it tonight and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal that everyone will love!  

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~