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

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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.

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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

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