The first time I tried this Stuffed Meatballs in Guinness Gravy Recipe, I couldn’t believe how decadent and flavorful they turned out! Imagine biting into a tender, juicy meatball only to discover a gooey, cheesy surprise inside. And just when you think it can’t get any better, the rich Guinness gravy takes everything to the next level.

I served mine over creamy mashed potatoes (hello, comfort food goals!) and got nothing but rave reviews at the dinner table. What makes this dish even more memorable is how easy it is to customize and adapt, whether for a hearty family meal or a showstopper for guests.

It’s undeniably Irish-inspired, but the warmth and satisfaction it brings to the table are universal. Trust me, once you try these stuffed meatballs, they’ll become a regular on your menu—I know they’re a permanent fixture on mine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Full of Flavor in Every Bite

From the savory meatball mix to the gooey cheese center and the luxurious Guinness gravy, every mouthful is packed with delicious layers of flavor. The malty richness of the beer elevates the gravy to a whole new level!

Surprisingly Simple to Prepare

While the dish looks and tastes gourmet, it’s incredibly simple to whip up. The ingredients are familiar, the steps are easy, and most of the work can be done beforehand, making it perfect for busy evenings or dinner parties.

Incredible Versatility

This recipe can easily accommodate any preferences or dietary needs. Whether you swap out the meat, use a different cheese, or skip the beer for a completely alcohol-free version, there’s so much room to play.

Comfort Food Perfection

There’s something magical about a cheesy, meaty dish smothered in rich gravy. Pairing the meatballs with mashed potatoes or buttery Colcannon makes it the ultimate comfort meal that satisfies all your cravings.

Freezes Like a Dream

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These stuffed meatballs freeze beautifully, saving you the trouble of cooking from scratch on a busy night. Just warm them back up, and they’re just as good as fresh.

Ingredients

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

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 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

Variations

No Guinness? No Problem: Replace it with extra beef or chicken stock for a booze-free gravy. For a touch of sweetness, add a splash of apple cider or balsamic vinegar.
Different Cheese Options: Don’t have Dubliner? Use cheddar, mozzarella, or a lactose-free alternative to ensure those cheesy centers.
Customizable Meat: Swap beef for lamb or keep the recipe vegetarian by using plant-based meat alternatives.

Equipment Needed

Mixing Bowl: For combining the meatball ingredients.
Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping veggies and meatball fillings.
Large Skillet: To brown the meatballs and sauté veggies.
Cookware with a Lid: To simmer the gravy.
Baking Tray (optional): For baking instead of frying the meatballs.

How to Make the Recipe Stuffed Meatballs in Guinness Gravy?

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs 🧆

Mix the meatloaf mix, finely diced onion, minced garlic, parsley, kosher salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Divide the mixture into 20 equal portions. Take each portion and flatten it into a small patty. Place a cube or two of Dubliner cheese in the center, and then carefully shape the meat around the cheese. Roll into a ball. Repeat for all the portions.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs 🍳

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. This develops a flavorful crust. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this stage; they’ll finish in the gravy. For a healthier alternative, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Gravy 🍺

Using the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery until soft and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, and the toasted flour. Whisk the gelatin powder into the stock and then add it to the skillet along with the Guinness beer, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Gravy 🍽️

Once the gravy begins to thicken, gently add the browned meatballs to the skillet. Cover and simmer everything together for 10-15 minutes, letting the meatballs soak up the incredible flavors of the Guinness gravy. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks, and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy! 🥔

Serve the meatballs over a bed of mashed potatoes or Colcannon. Ladle generous amounts of gravy over the top. Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of grated Dubliner cheese for a beautiful, mouthwatering finish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Cheese Containment Is Key: Make sure the meat completely wraps around the cheese to avoid melting out during cooking. A little extra care here makes a big difference!
Toast Your Flour: Toasted flour adds richness and depth to the gravy. You can toast it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for future recipes.
Use Gelatin for the Win: Adding gelatin to the gravy gives it a silky, glossy finish. If you don’t have gelatin, you can use a cornstarch slurry as a substitute.
Customize the Gravy Flavor: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the gravy by tweaking the amount of Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, or tomato paste.

How to Serve Stuffed Meatballs in Guinness Gravy?

For a classic presentation, serve the stuffed meatballs over creamy Colcannon (traditional Irish mashed potatoes with cabbage). Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or thyme for added color and freshness.

You can also pair this dish with roasted vegetables, crusty bread to soak up the gravy, or a side of steamed green beans for balance. A cool pint of Guinness on the side doesn’t hurt, either!

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving of Stuffed Meatballs in Guinness Gravy (serves 6):

Calories: 480
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 28g

Please note these values may vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes. Enjoy responsibly while savoring the comfort of this hearty dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

The meatballs can be prepped and shaped up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge, completely covered, until ready to cook. The gravy can also be made ahead and stored separately.

Storage

Once cooked, store the meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock if needed to loosen the gravy. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and gravy separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Stuffed Meatballs in Guinness Gravy is the ultimate recipe to bring warmth and comfort to your table. The hearty, cheesy goodness paired with that bold, rich gravy is something you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Whether for a family meal, a holiday dinner, or simply because you deserve something extraordinary, this recipe checks all the boxes. Happy cooking!