Skillet German Meatballs Gravy

Featured in: Warm Comfort Bites

This dish highlights juicy German-style meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with garlic, onion, and paprika, then pan-seared to a golden brown. The skillet gravy combines butter, flour, beef broth, and heavy cream to create a luscious, savory sauce that perfectly complements the meatballs. Ideal for serving with mashed potatoes or crusty bread, this hearty dish offers robust flavors and a creamy texture for a satisfying meal.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:46:00 GMT
Golden-brown skillet German meatballs smothered in a rich, creamy gravy, ready to serve and enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown skillet German meatballs smothered in a rich, creamy gravy, ready to serve and enjoy. | nibbro.com

Juicy, flavorful German-style meatballs, pan-seared to perfection and served with a rich, creamy gravy—an irresistible comfort food classic.

This is a family favorite that always brings everyone to the table with smiles and full plates.

Ingredients

  • For the Meatballs: 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef (or half beef, half pork), 1 small onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 large egg, 60 g (1/2 cup) breadcrumbs, 80 ml (1/3 cup) milk, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
  • For the Creamy Gravy: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 375 ml (1 1/2 cups) beef broth, 125 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 2 minutes.
Step 2:
Add ground meat, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined do not overmix.
Step 3:
Shape mixture into 8 10 meatballs (about the size of a golf ball) flattening slightly into small patties.
Step 4:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 4 5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Step 5:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux.
Step 6:
Gradually whisk in beef broth scraping up browned bits. Simmer until slightly thickened about 3 4 minutes.
Step 7:
Stir in heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for another 2 3 minutes seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8:
Return meatballs to the skillet spoon gravy over them and simmer for 2 3 minutes until heated through.
Step 9:
Serve hot garnished with extra parsley if desired.
A close-up of tender German meatballs, glistening with gravy, offering a comforting, savory aroma. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of tender German meatballs, glistening with gravy, offering a comforting, savory aroma. | nibbro.com

Making these meatballs always creates warm family memories as everyone eagerly waits for dinner.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Add a pinch of nutmeg to the meat mixture for extra flavor.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make the recipe suitable for gluten intolerant guests.

Hearty German meatballs with flavorful gravy, steaming in a skillet, perfect with mashed potatoes. Save to Pinterest
Hearty German meatballs with flavorful gravy, steaming in a skillet, perfect with mashed potatoes. | nibbro.com

This classic skillet dish is perfect for any occasion and sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Recipe FAQs

What type of meat is best for these meatballs?

A mix of ground beef and pork works well to keep the meatballs juicy and flavorful, but ground beef alone can also be used.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart while cooking?

Gently combine the ingredients without overmixing and shape the meatballs firmly to help them hold their shape during pan-searing.

Can I make the gravy thicker or thinner?

Adjust the gravy thickness by simmering longer to thicken or adding a bit more beef broth to thin it out to your liking.

What are good side dishes to serve with this skillet meal?

Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread complement the rich meatballs and creamy gravy nicely.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute regular flour with a gluten-free alternative when preparing the gravy roux.

Skillet German Meatballs Gravy

Pan-seared German-style meatballs with a rich, creamy gravy, perfect for comforting meals.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Duration
50 minutes
Created by Evan Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine German

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Meatballs

01 1.1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
02 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 large egg
05 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
06 1/3 cup milk
07 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
08 1 tsp Dijon mustard
09 1/2 tsp paprika
10 1/2 tsp salt
11 1/4 tsp black pepper
12 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

Creamy Gravy

01 2 tbsp unsalted butter
02 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
03 1 1/2 cups beef broth
04 1/2 cup heavy cream
05 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
06 Salt and pepper, to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

Soak Breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 2 minutes.

Step 02

Combine Meatball Ingredients: Add ground meat, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix gently until just combined without overmixing.

Step 03

Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into 8 to 10 meatballs about the size of a golf ball, flattening slightly into small patties.

Step 04

Cook Meatballs: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs 4 to 5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.

Step 05

Prepare Roux: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.

Step 06

Add Broth: Gradually whisk in beef broth, scraping the browned bits from the skillet. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 07

Incorporate Cream and Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 08

Simmer Meatballs in Gravy: Return the meatballs to the skillet, spoon gravy over them, and simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.

Step 09

Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Info

For allergen concerns, review each food item and check with your healthcare provider.
  • Contains eggs, dairy, and gluten (breadcrumbs, flour). May contain mustard. Verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutritional values are for reference and aren't a substitute for professional health guidance.
  • Kcal: 490
  • Fats: 33 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 31 g