Elevate Your Dinner with Garlic Butter Meatballs Recipe

Prepare to embark on a flavorful journey with our irresistible Garlic Butter Meatballs recipe. These tender, juicy meatballs are simmered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, creating a dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a comforting family meal, these Garlic Butter Meatballs are sure to delight everyone at the table.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Meatballs

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ½ beef + ½ pork for extra flavor)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt to taste

For the Parmesan Linguine:

• 12 oz linguine
• 1 tbsp butter
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Pasta water (as needed for consistency)

Preparing: Garlic Butter Meatballs

The key to delicious Garlic Butter Meatballs lies in the perfect balance of ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef and pork blend), egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients until they’re just combined – you don’t want to overwork the mixture, or your meatballs might become dense. Form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs, ensuring they’re evenly sized for even cooking.

Searing the Meatballs

Next, it’s time to sear those meatballs to perfection. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear them until they’re beautifully browned on all sides. This step not only locks in the juices but also adds a delightful caramelized crust to the exterior. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the meatballs instead of searing them. Once seared, remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.

Creating the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and, if desired, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, allowing its aroma to fill the air and your senses. Then, stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley, creating a vibrant and flavorful sauce. Gently return the seared meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they’re evenly coated in the delectable garlic butter sauce. Allow the meatballs to simmer for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they’re cooked through.

Cooking the Linguine

While the meatballs are simmering in the garlic butter sauce, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions. Drain the linguine, reserving some of the pasta water for the Parmesan sauce.

Preparing the Parmesan Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Combining and Serving the Dish

Toss the cooked linguine with the luscious Parmesan sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. Plate the Parmesan linguine and top it with the mouthwatering Garlic Butter Meatballs. Spoon any extra sauce from the skillet over the top. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a visually stunning and flavorful presentation.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Meatballs

Can I use beef, chicken, or a mix for the meatballs? Absolutely! The base of the meatballs can be made with ground beef, ground chicken, or a combination of beef and pork for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment and find your preferred protein combination.

Should the meatballs be baked, pan-fried, or cooked in a sauce? For this Garlic Butter Meatballs recipe, we recommend searing the meatballs in a skillet to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust, then simmering them in the delicious garlic butter sauce. This method ensures the meatballs are cooked through and infused with the incredible flavors of the sauce.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time and reheat them? Yes, you can absolutely make the meatballs in advance. Simply prepare the meatballs, sear them, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, reheat the meatballs in the garlic butter sauce until warmed through.

Is there a way to make them gluten-free or low-carb? To make these Garlic Butter Meatballs gluten-free, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds. For a low-carb version, you can serve the meatballs over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of the Parmesan linguine.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes
• Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites
• Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
• Greek Turkey Meatballs

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Meatballs are a true Italian delight that will have your family and friends raving. With their juicy texture, rich garlic butter sauce, and the perfect accompaniment of Parmesan linguine, this dish is a must-try for any lover of comfort food and Italian cuisine. Get ready to savor every bite and enjoy the amazing flavors that come together in this mouthwatering recipe.

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

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