Sausage Meatballs with Red Gravy {Gluten Free}
Sausage meatballs with red gravy is a crowd pleasing, gluten free, comfort food dinner that the whole gang will love!
Before sharing the delicious sausage meatballs with red gravy recipe, I have a Christmas poem to share.
‘Twas the Sunday before Christmas Eve
and the house was all snug.
But I still had to feed Hubby, Mom
Sam, Mom-in-Law and The Bug.
I had to satisfy this group
Before we got into our beds,
With Christmas Eve preparations
Spinning in our heads.
But #SundaySupper came to the rescue
With Emeril’s Potluck book.
I went through the list,
To find just what to cook.
It’s pierogies, fish, and cookies
That the next day we will eat.
So for today what would be perfect
Is garlic, spice, sauce and meat!
What could I make in advance,
so I would not go crazy?
Why, it’s “Paul’s Make the Whole Crew Happy
Sausage Meatballs with Red Gravy”!
OK, enough with the cheesy rhyme, because it’s #SundaySupper time! (oops, sorry, I really meant to stop). This week, we are having a New Year’s Eve Potluck, featuring recipes by the amazing Emeril Lagasse from Emeril’s Potluck and Emeril’s Kicked-Up Sandwiches cookbooks! If you have ever watched Emeril on television (and really, who hasn’t?), you know that he is all about celebrating any special event with food and family. So it makes perfect sense for #SundaySupper to celebrate something as fun and exciting as ringing in a 2013 with Emeril and his kicked up recipes.
As you probably know by now, not only do we share wonderful recipes every week for #SundaySupper, but we also chat on Twitter every Sunday evening. Well, this week’s #SundaySupper chat is going to be an absolutely blast! I mean, it is nearly New Year’s Eve, a time to celebrate all of the excitement that 2012 has brought, and to look forward to everything that 2013 has in store. We’ll be talking parties and potlucks, sammies and snacks, family and fun! Because isn’t that what the holiday season is all about?!
Come get some ideas for what to bring to any upcoming gatherings you have, not only for New Year’s but for the entire year. I mean, we all get together with family and friends throughout the year, right? Well, Emeril has a book and a recipe for every occasion – appetizers and snacks for cocktail parties during the holidays, comfort food for feeding the entire family during the cold winter months, lighter salads for summer gatherings in the backyard, and all kinds of delicious sandwiches for packing up for a springtime picnic or a fall tailgate. And I know everyone has their favorite Emeril recipe that they have made, want to make, or have just enjoyed watching him prepare on TV – let’s share those, too.
So join us on Sunday December 30th, at 7 pm EST. All you have to do is follow the #SundaySupper hashtag or you can follow us through TweetChat. And not only do I promise you’ll have a great time and get lots of awesome ideas and inspiration, but by participating, you’ll also have an opportunity to win your own copy of one of these cookbooks. You’ll find more details below.
Also check out the other awesome potluck recipes from Emeril shared by my #SundaySupper friends, and look out for more chances to win copies of the cookbooks on some of their blogs. The entire list is at the bottom of this post.
I was so excited to receive the Emeril’s Potluck cookbook! I haven’t even paged through the entire book yet, and I have already marked several recipes I am excited to try. In fact, I already made the Spiced Almonds. There are many great ideas for dishes that you can bring to a party, or just use to feed a large group at your house.
I decided “Paul’s Make the Whole Crew Happy Sausage Meatballs and Red Gravy” would be the perfect Christmas Eve Eve Sunday Supper.
Especially since we don’t eat meat on Christmas Eve, consuming a big carb-fest instead. With all the cooking going on to serve dinner for 11 people the next day, this was actually something I could prep a day in advance. Just reheat it and boil up some pasta when it’s time to eat. What really draws me to the sausage meatball recipe is that it doesn’t not call for breadcrumbs, like most meatball recipes I’ve seen . So it’s gluten free, without needing to make any changes or buy special ingredients!!
I made a few minor adjustments to the sausage meatball recipe, though.
The Hubby can’t eat too much pork, so I used turkey sausage. I was a little short on the anise seed, and am not a huge anise person anyway, so I cut that down a bit. And, unfortunately, my grocery store did not have Emeril’s Italian Essence, so I had to use Italian seasoning. Yes, I did chop five cups of onions and thirty (yes, thirty) cloves of gaahhhlic! And boy oh boy, if you came near any of us you would know that I did.
But oh my goodness, these meatballs are tasty!! Everyone loved them, and the recipe made A TON! It makes 22 large meatballs, feeding the six of us, plus some meatballs for my mom’s when she took The Bug for a few days. I froze enough meatballs to make some sammies for the three of us one night, AND I still have a huge plastic storage bag full of sauce in my freezer. But any mama who is 6 months pregnant loves having yummy, homemade food like this stored away. So nope, not gonna say that you could cut the recipe in half. If you are going to make them, just make it all and freeze the leftovers – totally worth it!
And Emeril, I thought you might like to know, these sausage meatballs…
are totally Bug-Approved!!
I mentioned an opportunity for you to win an Emeril cookbook of your own. Well, all you have to do is join us during our #SundaySupper chat (oh, and be a resident of the United States or Canada). In order to submit your entry, I need you to do two things:
1 – Leave a comment answering the question below, and give me your Twitter handle and email address.
2 – During the chat (between 7pm and 8pm EST), just tweet “@CupcakeKaleChip – Enter me to win an @Emeril cookbook from #SundaySupper. Find out how to win: https://cupcakesandkalechips.com/?p=3308”. Once I have verified eligible entries by their chat participation, I will randomly draw a winner from one of the eligible entries, and contact you within 48 hours from the end of the chat.
And if you can’t wait to find out if you’ve won to get your hands on these cookbooks, you can use these links to purchase your own copies of Emeril’s Potluck and Emeril’s Kicked-Up Sandwiches.
What is your favorite dish to bring to a potluck? Do you have a favorite Emeril recipe?
I know you will love these sausage meatballs with red gravy!
Paul's Make the Whole Crew Happy Sausage Meatballs with Red Gravy for #SundaySupper New Year's Eve Potluck with @Emeril (#glutenfree)
Ingredients
Red Gravy:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 5 cups chopped yellow onions
- 2 teaspoons Emeril's Italian Essence
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 20 cloves garlic minced (about 1/3 cup)
- 2 tablespoons whole anise seeds
- Two 6-ounce cans tomato paste
- Four 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
- One 28-ounce can whole tomatoes pureed with their juice
- 2 teaspoons Emeril's Original Essence
Sausage Meatballs:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck
- 1 1/2 pounds sweet Italian sausage removed from casings
- 1 pound fresh hot sausage removed from casings
- 10 cloves garlic minced 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 teaspoons Emeril's Original Essence
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti cooked according to package directions
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Make the Red Gravy:
- In a very large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, Italian Essence, salt, and crushed red pepper and cook, stirring, until the onions are soft, 6 minutes. Add the garlic and anise seeds and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently, until the paste begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, pureed tomatoes, 2 1/2 cups of water, and the Original Essence and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make the Sausage Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, Italian sausage, hot sausage, garlic, eggs, Original Essence, salt, and black pepper, and mix briefly but thoroughly to distribute the seasonings. Shape into about 20 large meatballs, about 1/3 cup each, and set aside in the refrigerator.
- Add the Sausage Meatballs to the Red Gravy and do not stir until the meatballs float to the surface, about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir well and simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, and skimming off any fat that rises to the surface. Taste, adjust the seasoning if necessary, and serve immediately over hot pasta. Pass the grated Parmesan at the table.
Notes
I substituted a 1 1/4 pound package of sweet turkey sausage and a 1 1/4 pound package of hott turkey sausage for the 1 1/2 pounds sweet Italian sausage and 1 pound hot sausage, since hubby can't eat too much pork.
I used 1 tablespoon whole anise seeds, because I ran out.
I substituted Italian seasoning for Emeril's Italian Essence, because my grocery store did not carry the Italian Essence.
Enjoy!
There are more opportunities to win. Remember there are 25 bloggers giving away an Emeril cookbook. Be sure to visit each one of these blogs, check out their post, and enter to win. There are duplicate recipes in the list however each post will be different. It is worth it to visit them all, especially for more chances to win a cookbook.
Sunday Supper NYE Potluck Drinks:
- Champagne Punch by Daily Dish Recipes
- Champagne Punch by Midlife Roadtrip
- Chi Chi Cocktails by The Messy Baker Blog
Sunday Supper NYE Potluck Starters:
- Spiced Nuts by The Cookie A Day Challenge
- Spiced Nuts by Small Wallet Big Appetite
- Prosciutto Breadsticks & Spiced Nuts by Galactosemia in PDX
- Spiced Nuts by Home Cooking Memories
- Spiced Nuts by Mama.Mommy.Mom
Sunday Supper NYE Potluck Dishes and Sandwiches:
- Paul’s Make the Whole Crew Happy Sausage Meatballs with Red Gravy by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Paul’s Make the Whole Crew Happy Sausage Meatballs with Red Gravy by The Meltaways
- Sopressata and Genoa Salami Calzones by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Paul’s Make the Whole Crew Happy Sausage Meatballs with Red Gravy by Craving’s of a Lunatic
- Three Cheese Veggie Sandwich by Supper for a Steal
- Three Cheese Veggie Sandwich by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Columbia Street Grinder by The Foodie Army Wife
- Three Cheese Veggie Sandwich by Diabetic Foodie
- Three Cheese Veggie Sandwich by From Fast Food to Fresh Food
- Columbia Street Grinder by The Weekend Gourmet
- Three Cheese Veggie Sandwich by In the Kitchen with Audrey and Maurene
- Columbia Street Grinder by She likes ruffles, he likes truffles
- Columbia Street Grinder by Momma’s Meals
- Eggplant Muffuletta by Mom’s Test Kitchen
- Emeril’s Columbia Street Grinder Kicked Up a Notch New Orleans Style by The Catholic Foodie
- A Vegetarian Take on Emeril’s Kicked Up Sandwiches Tonkatsu Sandwich by Ninja Baking
- New Orleans Style Garlic BBQ Shrimp by Comfy Cuisine
Sunday Supper NYE Desserts:
- New Orleans-Style Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce by Magnolia Days
- New Orleans-Style Bread Pudding with 2 Sauces by Juanita’s Cocina
- Angel Cake Sandwiches by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Coffee Cake with Crumble Topping and Brown Sugar Glaze by Damn Delicious
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
DON’T MISS OUT! MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW ME FOR YUMMY RECIPES!
Heather @girlichef says
Okay, so I totally didn’t notice the 30 CLOVES OF GARLIC the first time around. Swoon!
nettie moore says
Looks so delicious! How did you make the page look like more Parmesan Cheese was being added? So clever! Nettie
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks. I saw the idea on another blog, and was just playing around with the pictures I was taking and with Photoshop. I just layered each photo, then there is an option to save for the web with animation. It was fun!
Kim Bee says
Your meatballs turned out wonderfully. I love the photos. I really loved this dish. I was sort of unsure about not browning them first but man they turned out fab!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks! I was nervous about that too. I was very close to throwing them in the oven to partially cook them, but was hoping the turkey sausage I used would keep the grease to a minimum. My tummy doesn’t handle greasy things. Luckily it worked out great, and not too greasy.
Conni Smith says
Oh my goodness!!! These meatballs look Ah-MAZING! You did a great job of making me drool over these pictures!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks 🙂 Had a great recipe to start with, so it was easy to make them look delicious!
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
30 cloves of garlic?! You’re my kitchen hero. And I LOVED the poem – it’d be such a kick to speak in rhyme for a day. My mouth dropped open in awe and hunger when I laid eyes upon your stunning photos. I need to make me a batch of these meatballs ASAP! Happy New Year!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I’ll tell you a secret – I smashed and peeled the 30 cloves, but then I used my Pampered Chef copper thingy. Thanks so much – the meatballs are fabulous. Give them a try!
Donna says
My favorite potluck dish is usually some kind of baked good, depending on the season. My favorite Emeril dish is chili. @dbcurrie on twitter cookistry at gmail dot com on email
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Mmm, anything baked it always good. Haven’t made his chili. I’ll have to check it out. And congrats on winning the cookbook!
Hezzi-D says
I like to bring appetizers to a potluck or a big batch of potato soup. My favorite emeril recipe is his late night pasta.
@HezziD
[email protected]
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I’ll have to look up that pasta recipe!
Stephanie Zielinski says
Yummmm!!! I am Italian (yes, with a Polish last name, hehe), and homemade noodles are a staple on Christmas. These are meat balls I must try. I loved your poem and your pictures are out of this world! So glad your little guy enjoyed them.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Well, hubby and I are Polish, with his Italian last name (he is only a tiny bit Italian, but happened the name carried through). That is awesome you make homemade noodles for Christmas. Thanks for the sweet compliments!
Laura Hunter | Small Wallet Big Appetite says
You are too cute with that poem. Love your presentation and the fact that it was Bug approved makes this a must try for me.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks! Just sort of popped into my head. He was definitely a fan! He ate a whole meatball, and they are BIG.
Lane @ Supper for a Steal says
So happy to have this recipe! Can’t wait to try Emeril’s meatballs.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
That are so good – a great recipe to have on hand.
Heather @girlichef says
I loved your rhyme – so fun! And these meatballs look so comforting and irresistible to me…I think I’m just going to have to make them! Happy New Year to you and your family 😀
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Haha, thanks! They are really good. I am looking forward to the sandwiches I’ll make with the leftovers because I think they will be great with some melted mozzarella.
Shelby | Diabetic Foodie says
I can’t tell you how much I’m craving Italian food right now! Great idea to sub turkey for pork sausage.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I am actually looking forward to the leftovers 🙂 We use turkey sausage for pork almost all the time!
Patti says
Wow! These sound like some-a spicy-a meat-a-balls! Great photos!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I am cracking up because my grandpa used to say that ALL the time (we are Polish, so we didn’t even eat meatballs too often). I had his voice in my head the entire time I was making, eating, and photographing these!
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
I sat here for far too long looking at the time-action photo with the cheese on the spaghetti.
Happy New Year!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Haha, I saw someone else do this recently, and my curiosity made me want to figure out how to do it! Happy New Year to you and your family, Jen!
Katie says
Yummm! This recipe looks like a classic, but with a kicked up punch! I can see how it would be a crowd pleaser for sure!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
It is absolutely a classic – it may now be my go-to meatballs!
Renee says
Oh what a cute start to this post! It is a big recipe. Now I know what to make for one of my big family dinner celebrations.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks, I was just goofing around a little 🙂 It does make a ton, but you know how it is with recipes like this – once you get going, you may as well just crank them all out, and save any leftovers for another time.
Bea says
Love your presentation & picture of the approval! Looks fantastic!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks! They were wonderful. Looking forward to sandwiches from the leftovers.
The Ninja Baker says
Your rendition of Emeril’s Meatballs and Gravy would undoubtedly make the whole crew happy!
Nice job on the poetry, too, Cindy. Very charming =) Please write more.
@NinjaBaking
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Haha, thanks. Don’t know what came over me 🙂
Nicole @ Daily Dish Recipes says
I almost chose this recipe to make because it is certainly calling my name. The fact that it was cutie pie approved makes it even more desirable for my family. Looks delicious Brianne!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Definitely a kid friendly recipe! And you can feed A LOT of kids!