Garlic Butter Meatballs: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner

Garlic Butter Meatballs are a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic and the comforting essence of homemade meatballs. As I prepared this recipe, I couldn’t help but think about how this dish has roots in various culinary traditions, from Italian to American comfort food. The combination of tender meatballs bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce creates a symphony of taste and texture that is simply irresistible.

People love Garlic Butter Meatballs not only for their incredible flavor but also for their convenience. They can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even tossed into pasta for a quick weeknight dinner. The savory aroma that fills your kitchen while they cook is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Trust me, once you try these Garlic Butter Meatballs, you’ll understand why they have become a favorite in my household and beyond!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (for the sauce)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparing the Meatballs

Let’s start by making the meatballs. This is the heart of the dish, and I promise you, they will be the star of your dinner table!

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. I like to use a combination of meats for added flavor and texture, but you can stick to just one if you prefer.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to the bowl. This mixture is going to give your meatballs a wonderful flavor.
3. Using your hands, mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. I usually mix until I can no longer see any dry ingredients.
4. Once mixed, it’s time to form the meatballs. I like to use a cookie scoop for uniformity, but you can also use your hands. Roll the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze!
5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you finish rolling the meatballs. This will ensure they cook evenly and get that nice golden color.

Baking the Meatballs

Now that we have our meatballs ready, it’s time to bake them to perfection.

1. Once your oven is preheated, place the baking sheet with the meatballs in the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden brown color on the outside. You can check for doneness by using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C).
2. While the meatballs are baking, let’s prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. The aroma of melting butter is just heavenly!
3. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
4. If you like a little heat, this is the time to add the red pepper flakes. Stir them into the garlic butter for an extra kick!
5. Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the garlic butter sauce. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce to coat them evenly. This step is crucial as it infuses the meatballs with that delicious garlic flavor.

Assembling the Dish

Now that we have our beautifully baked meatballs coated in garlic butter, it’s time to plate them up!

1. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meatballs to a serving platter. This will help drain any excess butter, but don’t worry, you can drizzle some of that delicious garlic butter over the top for extra flavor.
2. Garnish the meatballs with the remaining chopped parsley. This adds a lovely pop of color and freshness to the dish.
3. Serve the garlic butter meatballs warm, either on their own or with a side of crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce. They also pair wonderfully with pasta or a fresh salad.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to

Conclusion:

In summary, these Garlic Butter Meatballs are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game. The combination of juicy meatballs infused with rich garlic butter creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Whether you serve them over a bed of pasta, alongside a fresh salad, or as a delightful appetizer with toothpicks for your next gathering, these meatballs are sure to impress.

Feel free to get creative with variations! You can swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even add some chopped herbs like parsley or basil for an extra burst of freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating some cheese into the meat mixture for a gooey surprise in every bite.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your Garlic Butter Meatballs masterpiece. Let’s spread the joy of cooking together!

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