Print

Stuffed Meatballs in Guinness Gravy Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 3 reviews

This recipe features savory stuffed meatballs filled with Dubliner cheese, cooked to golden perfection and served in a rich, glossy Guinness-infused gravy. The hearty meatballs are enhanced with a flavorful mix of onions, garlic, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce, while the Guinness gravy combines aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a touch of tomato paste for a comforting dish ideal for cozy dinners. Served best with Colcannon or mashed potatoes, this meal brings traditional Irish-inspired flavors to your table.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1½ lbs. meatloaf mix (or ground beef, lamb, pork)
  • 1 medium-sized onion, diced finely
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons 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

Guinness Gravy

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 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 Onion: Sauté the diced onion in a little bit of oil over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
  2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled sautéed onion, meatloaf mix, minced garlic, chopped parsley, kosher salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and panko breadcrumbs. Use clean hands to mix thoroughly until well combined.
  3. Shape Meatballs: Divide the mixture into 20 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a patty, place one or two cubes of Dubliner cheese in the center, then carefully enclose the cheese by forming the meat around it into a ball shape.
  4. Brown Meatballs: Brown the meatballs either by pan-frying them in a bit of oil over medium-high heat until nice and browned on all sides or by baking them in a 400° Fahrenheit oven for 15 minutes.
  5. Bloom Gelatin: In a bowl, whisk the unflavored gelatin powder into the beef or chicken stock to dissolve and bloom. Set aside.
  6. Sauté Vegetables for Gravy: In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened. Add the minced garlic, bay leaves, thyme, tomato paste, and toasted flour. Stir well and scrape the pan bottom to release any browned bits (fond), cooking for a few minutes until the mixture turns nicely brown and toasty.
  7. Add Liquids to Gravy: Gradually pour in the gelatin-infused stock and the Guinness Blonde beer. Stir down any froth from the Guinness. Add Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and allow the gravy to simmer gently.
  8. Cook Meatballs in Gravy: Once the gravy thickens slightly, add the browned meatballs to the pan. Continue cooking until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the gravy appears glossy and thickened to your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  9. Serve: Serve the stuffed meatballs hot, spooned with generous amounts of Guinness gravy, ideally over Colcannon or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Notes

  • Toasting the flour enhances the flavor and helps thicken the gravy without lumps.
  • If you cannot find gelatin powder, use a small amount of arrowroot or cornstarch slurry as a thickener instead.
  • For a twist, try different cheeses such as sharp cheddar or mozzarella for filling.
  • Make sure the sautéed onion for the meatballs is completely cool before mixing to prevent partially cooking the meat prematurely.
  • Leftover meatballs and gravy store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
  • If preferred, bake meatballs instead of frying for a lighter preparation.