Get ready to transport your kitchen to the heart of Louisiana with this mouthwatering Cajun meatballs recipe that's been passed down through generations! These aren't just ordinary meatballs - they're a flavor-packed journey that combines tender, seasoned beef with a rich, velvety gravy that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're craving a hearty weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests with authentic Southern cuisine, this recipe is about to become your new comfort food obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of chopped onion, 1 egg, and 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Using your hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is well combined, form it into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the gravy. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once hot, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of flour, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 3-5 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups of beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to stir until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes. If the gravy is too thick, you can add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them to the skillet with the gravy. Stir gently to coat the meatballs with the gravy.
- Let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Cajun meatballs and gravy over rice or mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Don't overwork the meat mixture - gently combine ingredients to keep meatballs tender
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160°F for food safety
- For extra flavor, toast your breadcrumbs lightly before mixing
- If the gravy is too thick, add beef broth gradually to thin it out
- For a spicier kick, increase Cajun seasoning or add a dash of hot sauce
- Let meatballs rest in the gravy for maximum flavor absorption
- Choose a high-quality ground beef with some fat content for juicier meatballs
- Serve over rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
