Embark on a culinary journey to celebrate German heritage with the delectable German Meatballs and Gravy. This cherished family recipe, lovingly prepared by Marshelle Greenmyer-Bittner from Lisbon, North Dakota, is a delightful tribute to her roots. The best part? These savory meatballs come together quickly, making them a perfect choice for a satisfying and comforting family meal. With a delightful blend of spices and a creamy gravy, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 egg
- 3½ cups milk, divided
- 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
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ¼ cup butter, cubed
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Hot mashed potatoes, optional
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large bowl, combine the egg, ½ cup milk, Worcestershire sauce, shredded potatoes, chopped onion, salt, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and pepper. Crumble the ground beef over the mixture and mix well. Shape the mixture into 48 meatballs.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the meatballs in the cubed butter in batches until they are no longer pink. Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and keep them warm.
- Stir the all-purpose flour into the remaining drippings in the skillet until it is blended. Gradually add the remaining milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook and stir the gravy for 2 minutes or until it thickens. Return the cooked meatballs to the pan and heat them through. Serve the meatballs with mashed potatoes if desired.
YIELD: 8 servings
COOKING TIME: 35 minutes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Serve the German Meatballs and Gravy with hot mashed potatoes for a traditional and comforting combination.
TIPS:
- You can customize the spices in the meatballs to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to adjust the amounts of nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and pepper to create your perfect flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, you can use lean ground beef or a combination of beef and pork.
In conclusion, German Meatballs and Gravy offer a delectable way to celebrate heritage and create a memorable family meal. Passed down through generations, this cherished recipe, crafted by Marshelle Greenmyer-Bittner from Lisbon, North Dakota, pays tribute to her German roots and offers a taste of tradition and comfort in each bite.
The combination of tender ground beef blended with a medley of spices, including nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and pepper, creates a symphony of flavors that evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia. The addition of finely shredded potatoes and chopped onion brings both texture and depth to the meatballs, ensuring a delightful experience with every mouthful.
What makes this dish even more appealing is its quick and straightforward preparation. With just 30 minutes of preparation and 35 minutes of cooking time, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.
The creamy gravy, made from the meatball drippings, all-purpose flour, and milk, ties the dish together with a luscious and comforting finish. Served with hot mashed potatoes, the German Meatballs and Gravy offer a traditional pairing that elevates the meal to a whole new level of satisfaction.
For those looking to personalize the dish, the spice levels in the meatballs can be adjusted to suit individual tastes. Feel free to experiment with the amounts of nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and pepper to create a flavor profile that speaks to your palate.
Incorporate this treasured German Meatballs and Gravy recipe into your family traditions and savor the joy it brings to your table. With its homage to heritage and its delightful combination of flavors, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite among your loved ones.
