Friday Lunch Recipes
On the first Friday of every month, our very own Chandra T volunteers her time to prepare meals for the Freeport Community Services “First Friday Free Lunch Program.” Her meals are so delicious, that we often receive requests for her recipes. Please enjoy!
Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, & Gravy
Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, & Gravy Recipe (Serves 4-6) Here’s a cozy and satisfying go-to weeknight recipe. The meatballs come together quickly, and the rich brown gravy poured over creamy mashed potatoes makes it a hearty, satisfying meal that feels homemade without the fuss. The secret to my meatballs… I use stuffing mix instead of breadcrumbs! Not only does it add built-in seasoning and texture, but it cuts down on prep time! Plus, it’s a great way to use pantry staples!
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1-1/3 cups ground up stuffing mix
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lb potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup half-and-half cream
- 1 tsp paprika
- salt and pepper, to taste
Brown Gravy
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Method
Meatballs
1) Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2) In a large bowl, crumble beef. Add eggs, milk, onion, stuffing mix, parmesan cheese, garlic and seasonings; mix lightly but thoroughly.
3) Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls. Place meatballs on greased racks in shallow baking pans.
4) Bake, uncovered, until no longer pink, 15-18 minutes.
Mashed Potatoes
1) Bring several cups of water to a boil over high heat. Toss in a dash of salt. (about 1 tsp)
2) Rinse the chunked potatoes under cold water to remove the starch, then add them to the boiling water. Cook about 20 minutes, until fork tender, drain well, and return the potatoes to the pot.
3) Use a potato masher or hand mixer to break down the potatoes until mostly smooth.
4) Gently stir in the half-and-half, minced garlic, and butter. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Brown Gravy
1) Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2) Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
3) Gradually whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
4) Simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes). Season to taste.
5) Pour liberally over both the meatballs and mashed potatoes. Enjoy!