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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
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.
Keywords: meatballs, garlic butter, Italian cuisine
Find it online: https://www.basterecipes.com/garlic-butter-meatballs/