Print

Stuffed Meatballs in Guinness Gravy Recipe

Stuffed Meatballs in Guinness Gravy Recipe

4.7 from 5 reviews

Deliciously rich and comforting stuffed meatballs filled with Dubliner cheese, cooked in a savory Guinness gravy made with fresh vegetables and herbs. This hearty dish combines tender meatballs with a flavorful, velvety sauce, perfect served over mashed potatoes or traditional Colcannon for an Irish-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For The Meatballs

  • lbs. meatloaf mix (or ground beef/lamb/pork)
  • 1 medium-sized onion, diced finely
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 oz. Dubliner cheese, cut into small cubes

For The Guinness Gravy

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 45 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dry)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ¼ cup toasted flour
  • 1 envelope unflavored gelatin powder
  • 2½ cups low-sodium beef or chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 (330 ml) bottle Guinness Blonde
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Sauté the diced onion in a little bit of oil until soft, about 5 minutes. Let the onion cool completely, then in a large bowl mix it with ground meat, minced garlic, chopped parsley, kosher salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and panko breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly using clean hands until combined.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Divide the meat mixture into 20 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a patty, place 1 or 2 cubes of Dubliner cheese in the center, then carefully enclose the meat around the cheese, shaping it into a ball to seal the filling.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: Brown the meatballs by pan-frying them over medium heat until nicely browned on all sides or bake them in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15 minutes until cooked through.
  4. Prepare the Gelatin-Stock Mixture: Whisk the unflavored gelatin powder into the beef or chicken stock until dissolved and set aside to bloom.
  5. Make the Guinness Gravy Base: In a large pan, sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in a tablespoon of olive oil until soft. Add the minced garlic, bay leaves, thyme, tomato paste, and toasted flour. Stir continually and scrape the bottom of the pan to release the fond until the mixture is toasted and brown, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the gelatin-stock mixture and the Guinness Blonde beer, stirring to de-froth. Add Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let the gravy simmer until slightly thickened.
  7. Combine Meatballs and Gravy: Add the browned meatballs to the gravy, cover, and cook on low heat until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the gravy is glossy and thickened to your preference, about 10-15 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve: Serve the stuffed meatballs hot with generous spoonfuls of the Guinness gravy over Colcannon or creamy mashed potatoes for a warming and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Use meatloaf mix or a blend of ground beef, lamb, and pork for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Ensure the onion is completely cooled before mixing to keep the meat mixture from becoming too warm and sticky.
  • Dubliner cheese melts well and adds a delicious sharpness, but you can substitute with another melting cheese if unavailable.
  • Toasted flour is flour that has been lightly browned in a pan to deepen the flavor and color of the gravy; do not skip this step.
  • The gelatin helps thicken the gravy and adds richness without flour-thickening alone.
  • Guinness Blonde is used here for a milder beer flavor; substitute with Irish stout if you prefer a stronger taste.
  • Leftover gravy can be strained and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed meatballs, Guinness gravy, Irish recipe, comfort food, meatloaf mix, Dubliner cheese, mashed potatoes