Juicy Meatballs with Buttery Barley and Caramelized Onion Gravy

Welcome to a culinary delight that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that perfectly combines juicy meatballs with a rich, buttery barley and a luscious caramelized onion gravy. This dish is not just about the flavors; it’s about creating a comforting meal that brings family and friends together around the dinner table. Imagine biting into a tender meatball, bursting with flavor, and then pairing it with the nutty, chewy texture of barley, all enveloped in a savory gravy. It’s a meal that embodies home cooking at its finest, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

In this article, you will discover the secrets to crafting Juicy Meatballs with Buttery Barley and Caramelized Onion Gravy step-by-step. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a celebration of comfort food, combining a variety of textures and flavors that are sure to please everyone at your table. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love making this dish:

• Flavor Explosion: The meatballs are seasoned to perfection, with garlic and parsley enhancing the beef’s natural flavors. The caramelized onions add a sweet, savory depth that elevates the entire dish.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Barley is a nutritious grain packed with fiber and protein, making it a great alternative to rice or pasta. It complements the meatballs beautifully while providing a hearty base.
• Easy to Make: This recipe may seem elaborate, but it’s quite straightforward. The steps are simple, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Perfect for a family dinner!
• Meal Prep Friendly: The meatballs and gravy can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort on busy nights. Just reheat and serve!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish fits right in. It’s comforting, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that embodies warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction, look no further. The Juicy Meatballs with Buttery Barley and Caramelized Onion Gravy is a standout recipe that combines classic flavors with wholesome ingredients. Here’s why you should try it:

• Impressive Presentation: Serve this dish in a large bowl, surrounded by freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and watch as your guests’ eyes light up. The visual appeal is just as delightful as the taste!
• Customizable: Feel free to customize the meatballs by adding your favorite spices or herbs. You can even swap out beef for turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
• Kid-Friendly: Meatballs are a hit with kids, and adding them to a dish with barley makes it nutritious without sacrificing taste. Let the little ones help shape the meatballs for a fun cooking experience!
• Perfect Comfort Food: There’s something about meatballs and gravy that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This dish is perfect for those chilly nights when you need a little extra comfort.
• Delicious Leftovers: The flavors only get better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Buttery Barley:

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt to taste

For the Caramelized Onion Gravy:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Necessary Utensils

To ensure your cooking experience is smooth, gather these utensils:

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet
• Saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients and utensils ready, let’s dive into the preparation of your Juicy Meatballs with Buttery Barley and Caramelized Onion Gravy.

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper.
2. Mix the ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, aiming for a size of about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
4. Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Cook the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are browned on all sides and cooked through, which should take about 10-12 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Barley

1. In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the pearl barley along with a pinch of salt.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the barley is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
3. Once cooked, stir in the butter until it melts and combines with the barley.

Step 3: Make the Caramelized Onion Gravy

1. Using the same skillet you cooked the meatballs in, add olive oil and butter over medium heat.
2. Introduce the sliced onions and cook them, stirring frequently, until they become golden brown and caramelized, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
3. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

1. On each plate, place a generous scoop of buttery barley, top it with your juicy meatballs, and spoon the caramelized onion gravy over the top.
2. Garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your hearty meal!

FAQs

Conclusion

There you have it! A complete guide to making Juicy Meatballs with Buttery Barley and Caramelized Onion Gravy. This dish is not only delicious but also offers a wholesome meal that is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below, and feel free to share this recipe with your friends and family. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out my Pinterest page or explore some of our favorites like Crispy Chicken Meatballs and Spicy Beef Bites!

Enjoy your delicious and hearty meal!

Juicy Meatballs with Buttery Barley and Caramelized Onion Gravy

These juicy meatballs served over buttery barley with a rich caramelized onion gravy make for a comforting and hearty meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Skillet
• Saucepan

Ingredients

  

For the Meatballs

• 1 pound Ground beef
• 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup Chopped fresh parsley
• 1 Large egg
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• to taste Salt and pepper

For the Buttery Barley

• 1 cup Pearl barley
• 3 cups Chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• to taste Salt

For the Caramelized Onion Gravy

• 2 Large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Butter
• 2 cups Beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
• Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil.
• Cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove and set aside.
• In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the pearl barley and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the barley is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
• Stir in the butter until melted and combined.
• In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
• Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
• Place a scoop of buttery barley on each plate, top with meatballs, and generously spoon the caramelized onion gravy over the top. Enjoy!

Notes

For added flavor, consider adding some Italian herbs to the meatball mixture.

Keyword barley, gravy, meatballs