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- 1 lb (450g) ground beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 1/2 cup butter - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley, for garnish To make garlic butter meatballs, I use simple yet flavorful ingredients. Ground beef is the star here. It gives the meatballs a juicy texture. Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and keep them tender. Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty kick. Fresh parsley brightens the flavor and gives a pop of color. Garlic is key to the rich taste, while onion powder adds depth. I use salt and black pepper for basic seasoning. Red pepper flakes can add a little heat if you like spice. Butter and olive oil are perfect for creating a rich sauce. The butter melts beautifully, while olive oil adds a nice touch. Together, they coat the meatballs and bring out their flavor. Gather these ingredients, and you'll be ready to create a dish that is both easy and delightful. Each component works together to make garlic butter meatballs a hit for any meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. In a large mixing bowl, combine all these ingredients. Use your hands to mix well. Make sure every ingredient blends nicely. This ensures the meatballs are full of flavor. Once mixed, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is important to get the meatballs crispy outside. Once the oven is ready, bake the meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes. They should be browned and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Set them aside once they are done. Now, let’s make the garlic butter sauce. In a large skillet, melt half a cup of butter with one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This combo gives a rich flavor. Add three cloves of minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about one minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should smell fragrant. Next, add your cooked meatballs to the skillet. Toss them gently to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This step warms the meatballs and infuses them with the buttery flavor. Now your garlic butter meatballs are ready to serve! To make juicy meatballs, keep these tips in mind: - Use ground beef with some fat: I suggest 80% lean beef. It keeps meatballs moist. - Add breadcrumbs: They soak up juices and help with moisture. The 1/2 cup in this recipe works great. - Don’t overmix: Mix ingredients until they just come together. This keeps meatballs tender. To amp up flavor, try these ideas: - Add more herbs: Fresh basil or oregano can make your meatballs pop. - Spices add depth: A pinch of smoked paprika or cumin can give a nice kick. - Experiment with cheese: Try using feta or mozzarella instead of Parmesan for a twist. Serving matters! Here are some tips: - Choose a warm bowl: A nice, shallow bowl keeps meatballs cozy. - Drizzle with garlic butter: Pour the sauce over the meatballs for a delicious look. - Garnish with fresh parsley: It adds color and freshness. A sprinkle makes a big difference. These tips will help you create tasty and beautiful garlic butter meatballs. Enjoy your cooking! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and parsley to enhance the flavor of your meatballs. Don’t Overmix: Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to keep them tender. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption. Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference, or add other spices like Italian seasoning for extra flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These meats are leaner and still tasty. Ground turkey gives a lighter flavor but stays moist when cooked right. Ground chicken works similarly and is also a healthy choice. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or chickpeas. Both can be mashed and mixed with spices to create a great texture. You can also use store-bought meat substitutes. These can add protein while keeping the dish plant-based. If you want a change from garlic butter, you can try different sauces. A rich marinara sauce adds a classic Italian twist. A creamy Alfredo sauce makes it extra indulgent. To add some heat, mix in chili flakes or hot sauce. You can also experiment with Asian sauces. Teriyaki or sweet chili sauce can change the flavor profile while keeping it fun and tasty. These meatballs pair great with several side dishes. You can serve them over spaghetti for a classic meal. Mashed potatoes or rice also work well. They soak up the garlic butter sauce nicely. For a drink, a light red wine like Pinot Noir pairs well. If you prefer white, try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Both wines enhance the meal’s flavors and make it special. To keep your leftover meatballs fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let them cool before sealing. Store them in the fridge. They can last for about three to four days. Always label your containers with the date. This keeps track of freshness. For reheating, you can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, place meatballs in a bowl. Cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 1-2 minutes until warm. If you use a skillet, add a little butter. This helps keep them moist. Heat on low, turning gently. This method avoids dryness and keeps the flavor intact. To freeze your meatballs, lay them on a baking sheet first. Make sure they are not touching. Freeze them for about an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, bake or sauté them until hot. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter meatballs anytime! To check if meatballs are done, you can use a meat thermometer. The center should reach 160°F (71°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half. The inside should be brown with no pink. Another tip is to check if the juices run clear. If they do, your meatballs are ready! Yes, you can prepare these meatballs ahead of time. Mix the ingredients and form the meatballs. Then, cover them and place them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them. Just place them on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a bag. When ready, cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. If you need a substitute for breadcrumbs, try crushed crackers or oats. You can also use ground nuts like almonds or walnuts for a nutty flavor. Another option is to use cooked rice or quinoa. These alternatives work well and help bind the meatballs together. These garlic butter meatballs are easy to make, tasty, and versatile. You learned how to mix, bake, and savor them. I also shared tips for better texture and flavor. Plus, we explored fun variations and storage tips. In the end, these meatballs are great for any meal. Enjoy experimenting with them to fit your taste. Your kitchen will become a delicious hub with these simple steps!

Garlic Butter Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for serving with pasta or mashed potatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not burnt.
  • Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the meatballs are heated through.
  • Serve the garlic butter meatballs warm, garnished with additional fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve warm, drizzled with garlic butter sauce and garnished with parsley.
Keyword garlic butter, meatballs, pasta