Traditional German Meatballs with Savory Gravy
These traditional German meatballs are infused with warming spices and paired with a rich, savory gravy. Perfect as a standalone main dish or served with hot mashed potatoes, this recipe offers a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet
- spatula
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk for meatball mixture
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup finely shredded uncooked, peeled potatoes
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 2 pounds ground beef
For the Gravy:
- ¼ cup cubed butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk for gravy
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, shredded potatoes, chopped onion, salt, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and pepper.
- Crumble the ground beef over the mixture and mix well until fully combined.
- Shape the mixture into approximately 48 meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs:
- In a large skillet, melt the cubed butter over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, cooking until they are browned on all sides and no longer pink in the center.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and keep them warm.
Prepare the Gravy:
- After removing the meatballs, stir the flour into the skillet with the remaining butter, blending well to form a roux.
- Gradually add the remaining 3 cups of milk to the skillet, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring the gravy to a boil, then cook and stir for about 2 minutes or until thickened.
Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, combining them with the gravy.
- Heat thoroughly before serving.
- If desired, serve the meatballs with hot mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes & Wine Advice
Pair with a full-bodied red wine such as a German Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) or a rich beer like a Dunkel.
Nutrition values
Calories: 450 kcal | Carbohydrates: 18 g | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 30 g | Sugar: 7 g