1. Make the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes until the milk is absorbed.
- Add the ground meat, beaten egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs.
2. Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside. They don’t need to be cooked through at this point.
3. Prepare the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown, creating a roux.
- Gradually add the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook until it thickens, about 5 minutes. If using, stir in the Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Smother the Meatballs:
- Return the meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has infused into the meatballs.
5. Serve:
- Serve the smothered meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, cooked rice, or buttered noodles, which all make excellent bases to soak up the rich gravy.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, consider adding finely grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture.
- The gravy can be adjusted according to taste; for a thinner gravy, add more beef broth. For a thicker gravy, use less broth or cook it down longer.
Smothered Meatballs are a classic comfort food dish that warms the soul. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for a cozy night in or a hearty weekend meal. Enjoy the tender meatballs and savory gravy with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.