The Juiciest Garlic Butter Meatballs Recipe Ever Made

Tender, juicy meatballs dancing in a rich garlic butter sauce create a mouthwatering culinary experience that will make your taste buds sing.

This irresistible garlic butter meatballs recipe promises pure comfort on a plate.

Succulent ground beef blends perfectly with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a dish that’s both simple and elegant.

Each bite delivers a burst of savory flavors that melt in your mouth.

The golden-brown meatballs, glistening with a luxurious garlic butter coating, transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Serve these delectable morsels over pasta, rice, or enjoy them as a standalone appetizer that’s sure to impress.

Prepare to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing recipe that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, ground beef, turkey, or a mix of meats work great. Just ensure the fat content is similar to keep the meatballs juicy.

• How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Mix ingredients thoroughly and avoid overmixing. Chill the mixture for 15 minutes before forming balls helps them hold together better.

• Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground meat, reduce butter, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, and add more herbs for flavor without extra calories.

• Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare meatballs up to 24 hours in advance, store covered in the refrigerator, and cook when ready to serve.

Garlic Butter Meatballs Standout Flavors

• Whip Up Quickly: Packed with simple ingredients, this recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy meal in no time.
• Master Comfort Food: Juicy meatballs nestled in creamy garlic sauce create the ultimate satisfying dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.
• Customize with Ease: Swap protein types, adjust seasoning levels, or swap pasta shapes to match your family's taste preferences without complicated modifications.
• Impress Without Stress: Looks gourmet but requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to elevate their meal game without complex techniques.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and protein-rich base for creating juicy and tender meatballs.
• Linguine Pasta: A classic long, thin pasta that provides a perfect base for the creamy sauce and meatballs.
• Heavy Cream: Ensures a rich and smooth sauce that coats the pasta and meatballs beautifully.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Help bind the meatballs together and add a delicious savory depth to the meat mixture.
• Egg: Acts as a crucial binder to hold the meatball ingredients together.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Parsley: Provide essential flavor and aromatic elements that elevate the overall taste of the dish.
• Butter, Olive Oil: Create a rich cooking base for browning meatballs and developing the sauce's depth.

Making Garlic Butter Meatballs at Home

Step 1: Craft Delectable Meatball Mixture

Grab ground beef in a mixing bowl.

Add finely crushed breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized spheres about an inch in diameter.

Make sure each meatball is compact and uniform.

Step 2: Sear Meatballs to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet with a blend of butter and olive oil.

Carefully place meatballs into the hot pan.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning.

Meatballs should develop a rich, caramel-colored exterior and be fully cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare Pasta Foundation

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring to a rolling boil.

Drop linguine into the water and cook until it reaches al dente texture.

Before draining, reserve a cup of pasta water for later use.

Step 4: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

In the same skillet used for meatballs, melt butter.

Add finely chopped garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, releasing its intense flavor.

Step 5: Develop Luxurious Cream Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet with garlic.

Sprinkle in seasonings like salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg.

Simmer the mixture, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken.

Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and silky.

Step 6: Unite Pasta and Sauce

Introduce cooked linguine to the cream sauce.

Gently toss to coat every strand.

If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Arrange pasta on serving plates.

Nestle golden meatballs on top of the linguine.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately while hot and inviting.

Pro Tips for Garlic Butter Meatballs

• Mix ingredients gently to prevent tough meatballs, using a light touch when forming them to keep meat tender and juicy.
• Use medium-high heat when searing meatballs, ensuring golden exterior without burning butter or meat.
• Reserve some starchy pasta water to help sauce cling better and create silky, smooth texture when combining ingredients.
• Add Parmesan gradually while stirring to prevent clumping and create a smooth, creamy consistency without lumps.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper at each cooking stage to build layers of flavor throughout the dish.

Tasty Variations for Garlic Butter Meatballs

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensuring same texture and binding for meatballs.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil, use dairy-free cream alternative like cashew cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Lean Protein Option: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein version, maintaining similar seasoning profile.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Create plant-based meatballs using lentils, mushrooms, and quinoa as protein base, keeping garlic butter sauce and pasta preparation consistent.

Garlic Butter Meatballs Serving Suggestions

• Cozy Family Dinner: Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Pasta Night Pairing: Serve with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread to create a complete and satisfying dinner experience.
• Restaurant-Style Plating: Arrange meatballs artfully on top of linguine, drizzle extra sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley for an impressive presentation.
• Wine Companion: Complement the rich, creamy dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the flavors.

Storage Tips for Garlic Butter Meatballs

• Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack meatballs in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months for quick future meals.
• Warm refrigerated meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat, or microwave in 30-second intervals to prevent drying out. Add a splash of water or sauce to maintain moisture.
• Keep leftover cream sauce separately in a sealed container, refrigerated for 2-3 days. Gently reheat on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation.

Garlic Butter Meatballs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent garlic butter meatballs bring Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, herby flavors dancing through each tender bite. Homemade comfort meets elegant simplicity, promising a meal that delights and satisfies hungry diners craving classic, hearty goodness.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or pork
• 12 ounces (340 grams) linguine
• 1 large egg

Meatball Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for sauce
• 3 minced garlic cloves for sauce
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan for sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning for sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft succulent meatballs by gently blending ground meat with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, and herbs until just combined.
2. Shape mixture into uniform, compact spheres approximately 1-inch in diameter.
3. Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Carefully place meatballs into hot pan, ensuring space between each piece for even browning.
5. Rotate meatballs every 2-3 minutes, cooking for 8-10 minutes until golden exterior develops and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
6. Remove meatballs and set aside, keeping warm.
7. In same skillet, boil salted water and cook linguine until perfectly al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
8. Reduce heat and melt fresh butter in skillet, adding minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic, approximately 30-45 seconds.
9. Pour heavy cream into pan, whisking continuously and allowing sauce to simmer and slightly thicken for 2-3 minutes.
10. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and velvety.
11. Gently fold linguine into cream sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
12. Nestle cooked meatballs atop pasta, garnishing with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Choose lean ground meat like beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that won’t compromise flavor or texture.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for more authentic, robust taste and better melting consistency.
• Use room temperature egg when mixing meatballs to help ingredients bind more smoothly and create tender, juicy results.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for subtle heat and depth of flavor without overwhelming the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 690
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 46 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg