Beef and Sausage Meatball Stew with Red Gravy

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage simmered in a vibrant red tomato gravy, perfect for a comforting meal. This italian-inspired beef ready in about 60 minutes pairs ground beef, Italian sausage (casings removed), breadcrumbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb Italian sausage (casings removed), 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 large egg, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 24 uniform meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, turning carefully, for 6-7 minutes until golden on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
  5. Step 5: Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Step 6: Return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and the sauce thickens.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot as a stew or over pasta for a complete meal.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Beef and Sausage Meatball Stew with Red Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Beef and Sausage Meatball Stew with Red Gravy?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Beef and Sausage Meatball Stew with Red Gravy?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Beef and Sausage Meatball Stew with Red Gravy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Beef and Sausage Meatball Stew with Red Gravy?

Italian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes