Mini Meatballs

I Created these out of the desire (as if there would be any other reason for creation) to replicate a meatball served in brown gravy at a restaurant called Shakey's. It was a buffet/pizza restaurant. Mom loved going there, I confess I did too. I remember the first time we went there, it was opening week and they were showing The Muppet Movie on a huge TV screen, it was spectacular!
In true form of commentary on this blog, again, I was not thrilled about the meatballs when I was younger, mom really liked them. Then once again one day, mom shoved one on my plate and said try one.. I did... they were sooo good. Shakey's just sorta closed down one day for some reason, I am sure it was not for lack of business, they were always busy! So, this is my tribute to Shakey's and the meatballs they served, its the closest I can get them, and mine have more flavor! Of course in true Shakey's form you need to have Velveeta Shells and Cheese, steamed broccoli or skillet corn. (made with frozen corn of course!) Or, instant mashed potatoes, garlic bread, heck order a pizza while your at it and get the REAL Shakey's experience!! I could go on.....

Mini Meatballs

1-2 pounds hamburger

1 packet Onion Soup Mix ( I use half of one in addition to raw onion)

2 garlic cloves put through a garlic press or finely minced

1 egg (beaten)

Bread Crumbs ( apprx. 1/4 to 1/2 cup, enough to bind the hamburger mixture together)

Fresh Ground Pepper to taste

1/2 onion finely diced (optional)

1 can of mushrooms, drained (optional)

2 packets of Brown Gravy Mix

Preheat oven to 350 degrees


Mix all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl, except bread crumbs and Brown Gravy Mix. Then add enough bread crumbs to bind the mixture together. By the spoonful or small ice cream scoop, form miniature meat balls, place on a ungreased baking sheet, bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. During the last 5 minutes of baking prepare the gravy according to package directions. (its usually 1 cup of water per packet of Mix) Remove meatballs from the oven, place in the simmering gravy mixture. Add mushrooms if desired. (Stir in about a teaspoon or so of the meatball grease from the pan, if this is too gross for you , forget about it, but it does add some nice flavor, I just eye ball it!) On a low heat let the meatballs simmer there for a minute or 2. Serve hot with any of the above mentioned side dishes! You can also do the following to change it around:


Add the mushrooms and about 1/4 - 1/2 cup of sour cream (temper it with the hot gravy first before adding) for Meatballs Stroganoff Serve with hot Buttered Noodles.

Instead of 1 cup of water, for 2 packets of gravy mix add 1 cup of beef broth (or water will work fine) and 1 cup of heavy cream or half and half. Add pepper and 1/4 tsp of dried dill for Mock Swedish Meatballs... serve over rice., and a nice side salad!!