Sizzling Juicy Garlic Butter Meatballs Recipe For Dinner Magic

Succulent meatballs swimming in a rich garlic butter sauce beckon hungry appetites from across the kitchen.

These tender, flavor-packed garlic butter meatballs promise a delectable dining experience.

Crafted with simple ingredients, each bite delivers a burst of savory goodness.

Ground beef mingles with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a mouthwatering blend.

The garlic-infused butter sauce adds a luxurious touch that elevates the entire dish.

Perfectly browned and seasoned, these meatballs will become an instant favorite at your dinner table.

Prepare to savor every delicious morsel and impress everyone with this irresistible recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 800 kcal

Servings: 4

Garlic Butter Meatball Linguine Ingredient Guide

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein foundation with rich flavor, choose lean meat for balanced texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and create tender meatball structure, use fresh or dried crumbs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and helps meatballs hold together, select freshly grated for best taste.
• Egg: Natural binding agent that ensures meatballs stay compact, use room temperature eggs.

• Garlic: Provides intense aromatic flavor, select fresh cloves for maximum punch.
• Oregano: Introduces earthy Mediterranean herbal notes, use dried or fresh version.
• Basil: Brings bright, sweet herbaceous undertones, choose fresh leaves for vibrant taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, use freshly ground black pepper.

• Linguine: Classic long pasta perfect for capturing creamy sauce, choose high-quality durum wheat variety.
• Butter: Creates rich, silky base for sauce, use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, smooth texture to sauce, select full-fat version.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, tangy cheese flavor, always grate fresh for best melting.
• Olive Oil: Helps brown meatballs and adds subtle fruity undertone, use extra virgin.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish with fresh herbal finish, chop just before serving.

Tools to Cook Meatballs and Linguine

• Large bowl: Essential for mixing meatball ingredients thoroughly.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning meatballs and creating creamy sauce.
• Large pot: Needed for boiling linguine pasta.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing and stirring ingredients.
• Colander: Used for draining cooked pasta.
• Cheese grater: Helps freshly grate Parmesan cheese.
• Knife: Helpful for chopping parsley for garnish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Meatballs over Parmesan Linguine

• Create Meaty Spheres

Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, and herbs in a bowl. Gently combine ingredients without overworking the meat. Shape into round balls about the size of a golf ball.

• Sizzle and Brown

Heat oil in a skillet over medium flame. Carefully place meatballs in the pan, rotating occasionally to ensure even browning. Cook until golden and fully done, roughly 8-10 minutes. Transfer meatballs to a plate.

• Craft Silky Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until aromatic. Pour in cream and simmer until slightly thickened. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and velvety.

• Transform Pasta

Boil linguine in salted water until tender. Drain, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid. Fold pasta into the creamy sauce, adding pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.

• Bring It Together

Arrange linguine on plates, nestling meatballs on top. Scatter fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while warm and luxurious.

Tips That Tie Together Pasta and Meatballs Seamlessly

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that keeps the same delicious flavor profile.
• Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make the entire dish celiac-friendly and equally delectable.
• Prepare meatballs and sauce in advance, storing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring a quick weeknight dinner solution.
• Add red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for those craving a subtle kick, or incorporate chili powder into the meatball mixture for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
• Always let meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain moisture and prevent crumbling, ensuring each bite remains juicy and tender.

Serve Garlic Butter Meatball Linguine Like a Pro

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather everyone around the table and enjoy this hearty meal together, creating warm memories while savoring each delicious bite.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to your next gathering, where it'll quickly become the star of the buffet table and have everyone asking for the recipe.
• Romantic Date Night In: Impress your special someone with this restaurant-quality meal prepared right in your own kitchen, complete with candlelight and a glass of wine.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator, so you can quickly assemble a gourmet dinner during busy weeknights.

Store This Pasta Dish for Lunch or Dinner Again

• Store cooked meatballs and linguine separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Cool dishes completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal texture.
• Warm meatballs in a skillet with a splash of broth to retain moisture. Microwave linguine in short bursts, stirring between intervals and adding a tablespoon of water to refresh sauce's creamy consistency.
• Prepare meatballs and sauce in advance, storing them separately for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve, ensuring maximum flavor and texture quality.
• Package uncooked meatballs in freezer bags, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before cooking, maintaining protein's original taste and tenderness.

FAQs

• What ingredients make these meatballs different from traditional recipes?

The blend of Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs like oregano and basil, and the mix of breadcrumbs create a more flavorful and tender meatball compared to basic recipes.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly and creates a leaner version of these meatballs while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.

• How do I prevent my meatballs from becoming tough?

Mix the meat mixture gently and avoid overworking it. Overmixing can make meatballs dense and hard, so combine ingredients just until they’re incorporated.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking techniques like mixing, rolling meatballs, and sautéing. Anyone with minimal kitchen experience can successfully prepare this dish.

Juicy Garlic Butter Meatballs

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic garlic butter meatballs nestled on Parmesan linguine deliver comfort from Italian kitchens. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or pork (or a mix)
• ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 12 oz (340 g) linguine
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
• ¾ cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Meatball Preparation: Thoroughly blend ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution without overworking the mixture.
2. Shaping and Cooking: Craft uniform meatballs and sear in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, rotating to achieve a golden-brown crust and complete internal cooking, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Pasta Cooking: Boil linguine in heavily salted water until al dente, reserving a cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
4. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, simmer to thicken, then whisk in Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
5. Combining and Serving: Toss linguine in the Parmesan sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed. Plate the pasta and crown with golden meatballs, finishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbal brightness.

Notes

Prevent Tough Meatballs: Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat mixture to maintain a tender, juicy texture. Excessive handling can make meatballs dense and rubbery.

Achieve Perfect Browning: Use a hot skillet and don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure meatballs develop a rich, golden-brown crust. Space them slightly apart for even heat distribution and optimal caramelization.

Control Sauce Consistency: Keep reserved pasta water nearby to adjust sauce thickness. Add small amounts gradually to create a silky, clingy sauce that coats the linguine perfectly without becoming too thin or sticky.

Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter versions. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to accommodate different dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish’s delicious essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 679
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 510 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg