Next, I pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the meatballs bake for about 25 minutes until they’re golden brown. The scent wafting through my kitchen at this point is pure bliss! Meanwhile, I heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, I remove them from the oven and transfer them to the skillet. It’s time to make that divine sauce!
In the same skillet, I pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. I whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl and add it to the simmering broth, stirring until it thickens. This is where the magic happens. I then gently tuck the meatballs into the thick gravy to soak up all that flavor. Allowing them to simmer for a few minutes not only makes the meatballs juicy but also aromas the entire kitchen.
Finally, it’s time to serve! Once everything is well combined and hot, I can’t resist plating these beauties with a side of mashed potatoes or a scoop of rice to catch all that lovely sauce. The texture is so comforting, and the taste is simply delightful.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways: baking alone, stovetop crisping, and simmering in the sauce. The sweet spot for me was to bake them first and then pan-sear for extra crispiness before adding them to the gravy. It gives that delightful contrast!
Also, don’t skip on the flavoring. You can really adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you want to melt in some grated cheese or add your favorite herbs, go for it! I love adding a touch of fresh parsley or thyme at the end.
Finally, if you’re short on time, you can mix everything up and form your meatballs ahead of time. Just refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook! This makes it a breeze to serve a hearty meal on busy evenings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I made the first time around was overmixing the ingredients. It can be tempting to really work the mixture, but doing so can result in tough meatballs. I learned that gentle mixing is key to achieving that tender, juicy texture. (See the next page below to continue…)
Another issue I’ve seen is not seasoning enough. Adding salt and pepper to the ground beef is crucial; otherwise, your meatballs can turn out bland. Don’t shy away from experimenting with different spices either!
Make sure to monitor the cooking time closely. It’s easy to forget about them while the fragrant aroma fills the kitchen! Overcooked meatballs can become dry, and we definitely want them juicy and succulent.
Lastly, don’t crowd the skillet while cooking. If you try to fit too many in there, they won’t brown evenly and could end up steaming instead of searing. Give them space to develop that lovely crust!