Irresistibly Savory: Delicious Bacon & Thyme Meatballs in Creamy Gravy

Prepare yourself for a culinary journey that elevates a humble classic to an extraordinary meal. These aren’t just any meatballs; they are a symphony of flavors, where the savory depth of ground meat meets the irresistible crunch of salty bacon and the aromatic warmth of sweet thyme. Nestled in a lusciously creamy gravy, each bite promises a burst of comfort and profound satisfaction. While the Netherlands might famously celebrate “Meatball Wednesday,” we firmly believe a meatball of this caliber deserves to be enjoyed any day of the week, transforming an ordinary meal into something truly special.

Indeed, a well-made meatball is always a crowd-pleaser, and in our kitchen, they are consistently met with enthusiastic cheers from everyone gathered around the table. Traditionally, especially during the colder months, we often savor meatballs alongside a hearty hotchpot – a quintessential Dutch mashed potato dish, often combined with other root vegetables. There’s a particular, comforting ritual in creating a small hollow in your mound of hotchpot, placing a generous meatball within, and then allowing that rich, creamy gravy to cascade generously over it. It’s a simple pleasure that defines true comfort food for many, a taste of home and warmth.

While a classic Dutch meatball certainly holds a special, nostalgic place in our hearts, this particular recipe takes things to an entirely new level of deliciousness. The thoughtful combination of salty, perfectly rendered bacon, integrated directly into the meat mixture, and the earthy, subtly sweet notes of thyme infused throughout both the meatballs and their accompanying gravy, creates an irresistibly delicious experience that is truly unforgettable. It’s a recipe that seamlessly marries familiar comfort with sophisticated, well-balanced flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a festive gathering. We’re genuinely confident that you’ll be captivated by its charm once you try it yourself!

Why These Bacon & Thyme Meatballs Will Become Your New Favorite

What truly sets these meatballs apart and makes them so uniquely appealing? It’s the thoughtful and harmonious interplay of ingredients that transforms a simple meal into a gourmet delight. The strategic addition of finely diced bacon, pan-fried until it reaches a delightful crispness, provides not only a wonderful textural contrast but also infuses the entire ground meat mixture with a smoky, salty richness that is utterly addictive. This isn’t just about adding a topping; it’s about integrating the bacon’s distinctive, savory flavor directly into the very heart of the meatball, ensuring every single bite is packed with incredible depth and goodness.

Then there’s the star herb: thyme. Often underestimated or merely used as a garnish, sweet thyme lends an herbaceous, subtly floral, and delightfully sweet undertone that perfectly complements the robust flavors of the beef and bacon. It’s the kind of aromatic herb that skillfully elevates the entire dish, adding a sophisticated layer of complexity without ever overpowering the main ingredients. The irresistible aroma alone, as these meatballs simmer gently in their rich gravy, is enough to make your mouth water instantly and draw everyone in your household straight to the kitchen, eagerly anticipating dinner.

And let’s not overlook the pivotal role of the creamy gravy, a true highlight of this dish. This luscious sauce is skillfully crafted directly from the pan drippings left behind after searing the meatballs. It meticulously captures all the delicious, caramelized bits (known as “fond”), ensuring that every single drop is bursting with concentrated flavor. A careful touch of hot water is then added to the pan, allowing you to effectively deglaze and scrape up those delectable brown bits, which then form the rich and velvety base of your sauce. This gravy isn’t merely an accompaniment; it’s an integral and indispensable part of the entire culinary experience, enveloping the tender meatballs in a warm, comforting embrace that truly defines comfort food at its finest.

Mastering the Art of Perfect Meatballs: Expert Tips from the Kitchen

Creating truly outstanding meatballs that are both incredibly tender and bursting with flavor is simpler than you might imagine, and a few expert tips can make all the difference, elevating your dish from good to unforgettable. Firstly, the choice of ground meat is paramount. We highly recommend using good quality minced beef, ideally with about 15-20% fat content, or a blend of beef and pork for an even richer flavor and superior moisture. Remember, the fat content contributes significantly to the succulence and juiciness of the meatballs, so avoid overly lean options, which can result in dry meatballs.

Secondly, resist the common pitfall of overmixing the meatball mixture. Overworking the ground meat can activate the protein strands excessively, resulting in tough, dense meatballs with an undesirable chewy texture. Instead, mix the ingredients just enough until they are evenly combined, no more. Using your hands for this process allows for a gentle touch, ensuring all components – from the soaked breadcrumbs and milk to the aromatic bacon, finely chopped shallots, garlic, and thyme – are thoroughly incorporated without compressing the meat too much.

The crucial role of the breadcrumbs and milk mixture cannot be overstated. This combination serves a dual and vital purpose: it acts as an excellent binder, helping the meatballs hold their perfectly round shape during cooking, but more importantly, it effectively locks in moisture. The milk softens the breadcrumbs, which then absorb the precious juices from the meat as it cooks, preventing the meatballs from drying out and ensuring they remain wonderfully tender and succulent with every single bite.

When it comes to browning the meatballs, patience and proper heat are key. Melting the butter and searing the meatballs until they develop a beautiful, golden-brown crust is not just for aesthetics. This crucial initial step creates a flavorful crust that locks in the juices, enhancing their savory notes, and develops deep, rich, caramelized flavors that will later form the robust foundation of your creamy gravy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook them in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and a proper sear. This fond (the delicious browned bits at the bottom of the pan) is liquid gold for your sauce, so make sure to effectively scrape it up when you add the water for simmering.

Finally, the gentle, slow simmer in hot water ensures the meatballs cook through gradually and evenly, remaining incredibly moist and tender while simultaneously infusing the liquid with their incredible, developed flavors, further enriching the gravy. This gradual cooking process allows the savory bacon and aromatic thyme to fully release their complex aromas and integrate deeply into the meat, creating a cohesive and deeply satisfying flavor profile. By paying careful attention to these simple yet vital details, you’ll consistently achieve meatballs that are not only perfectly cooked but also bursting with a harmonious and unforgettable blend of flavors.

Versatile Pairings: What to Serve with Your Bacon & Thyme Meatballs

One of the many irresistible charms of these delicious bacon and thyme meatballs is their incredible versatility when it comes to serving. They are robust and hearty enough to effortlessly be the centerpiece of a comforting family dinner, yet sophisticated and flavorful enough to grace a special occasion. As we highlighted earlier, the classic Dutch hotchpot (stamppot), with its rich, mashed vegetable base (often potatoes combined with kale, sauerkraut, or endive), provides a wonderfully comforting and traditional accompaniment. The velvety texture of the mashed potatoes or root vegetables perfectly complements the tender meatballs and acts as an ideal sponge, soaking up every drop of that irresistible creamy gravy.

For those who prefer a more universally recognized pairing, creamy mashed potatoes are an absolute dream companion. Their smooth, mild flavor offers an ideal and delicious contrast to the savory, robust taste of the meatballs. Imagine a generous dollop of light and fluffy mashed potatoes, expertly crowned with a few of these succulent bacon and thyme meatballs and lavishly drenched in their savory, homemade gravy – it creates a satisfying meal that appeals to all ages and palates. It’s a combination that speaks eloquently of home, warmth, and pure culinary delight, a truly heartwarming experience.

But the exciting possibilities extend far beyond these traditional options! Consider serving these flavor-packed meatballs with other beloved starches to absorb that glorious sauce. A bed of perfectly cooked fluffy white rice, creamy risotto, or a warm, savory polenta will also wonderfully absorb the rich gravy, making for a truly comforting and complete meal. For a lighter touch and to balance the richness, you could pair them with vibrant steamed or roasted green vegetables like crisp green beans, tender broccoli florets, or delicate asparagus spears, providing a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the richness of the meat and sauce.

Looking for an Italian-inspired twist? These meatballs are fantastic with your favorite pasta. Wide, flat noodles like tagliatelle or pappardelle are excellent choices, as their generous surface area allows them to cling beautifully to the creamy gravy, ensuring every single forkful is a burst of cohesive flavor. Don’t forget a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of salty umami. And for those who simply can’t get enough of the exquisite gravy, ensure you have some crusty artisan bread, such as a baguette or sourdough, on hand to lovingly mop up every last drop from your plate – a truly gratifying and essential experience!

Whether you’re aiming for a classic comfort meal, an elevated weeknight dinner, or looking to experiment with new and exciting flavor combinations, these bacon and thyme meatballs in creamy gravy are sure to be a resounding hit. Their robust and well-rounded flavor profile ensures they stand out, no matter what you choose to serve them with, making them a fantastic and versatile addition to your culinary repertoire that you’ll return to again and again.

📖 Recipe

RECIPE CARD

Meatballs with bacon and thyme

Andréa

A meatball full of flavor in a creamy gravy. Prepared with some salty bacon and sweet thyme. A lovely ball served with a nice hotchpot or mashed potatoes.

5 of 3 votes

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Other

Servings 4 persons

Calories 540 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 shallot
• ▢ 1 clove garlic
• ▢ 75 grams bacon
• ▢ 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• ▢ 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• ▢ 3 tablespoons milk
• ▢ 1 egg, size L
• ▢ 500 grams minced beef
• ▢ 3 tablespoons butter
• ▢ salt and pepper , to taste

All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.

Instructions

• ▢
  Chop the shallot and slice the garlic finely.
• ▢
  In a large pan, fry the bacon strips over medium heat for about 1 minute until they start to crisp.
• ▢
  Add the chopped shallot to the pan and continue to cook for another 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• ▢
  Stir in the finely sliced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for approximately 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
• ▢
  Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
• ▢
  In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let stand for a few minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk.
• ▢
  Add the cooled bacon and shallot mixture, the egg, and the minced beef to the breadcrumb mixture.
• ▢
  Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
• ▢
  Divide the meat mixture into eight equal portions and roll them into firm, round meatballs.
• ▢
  Melt the butter in the same pan (or a clean one if preferred) over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and fry them, turning occasionally, until they are beautifully golden brown on all sides.
• ▢
  Reduce the heat to low. Carefully add 1 cup of hot water to the pan, ensuring you scrape the bottom with a wooden spatula to deglaze and loosen any browned bits (fond), which will add immense flavor to your gravy.
• ▢
  Cover the pan with a lid and let the meatballs simmer gently in the liquid for about 20 minutes, or until they are thoroughly cooked through and tender. Check occasionally and turn them to ensure even cooking.
• ▢
  Once cooked, carefully remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside on a plate, keeping them warm while you prepare the rich, creamy gravy.
• ▢
  To create the luscious gravy, continue to use a wooden spatula to scrape any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the pan, ensuring all the flavorful fond is thoroughly incorporated into the liquid.
• ▢
  Add an additional 2 tablespoons of hot water (and an optional teaspoon of fresh or dried thyme for an extra aromatic boost) to the pan, stirring to combine and allowing the gravy to slightly thicken and reduce to your desired consistency. Serve the luscious gravy generously over the meatballs and your chosen side dish. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, flavor-packed bacon and thyme meatballs – a truly comforting and delicious meal!

Nutrition

Calories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 27gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 166mgSodium: 378mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 359IUVitamin C: 1mgIron: 4mg

Keyword a delicious meatball recipe

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!