If you’re looking for a rich, flavorful, and easy meal, these Garlic Butter Meatballs are a must-try! Juicy meatballs coated in a buttery, garlicky sauce create a savory dish that pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Unlike traditional marinara-based meatballs, this recipe focuses on bold garlic flavor blended with butter, herbs, and seasonings, creating a silky, golden sauce that enhances every bite. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or an appetizer for a party, these meatballs are deliciously satisfying and simple to prepare.
Ready to make the most tender and flavorful garlic butter meatballs? Let’s dive into the secrets of achieving perfectly juicy meatballs and the best garlic butter sauce to coat them in!
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Meatballs
These garlic butter meatballs are more than just a simple dish—they’re a flavor-packed, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll love them:
1. Juicy and Tender Meatballs
- The perfect combination of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings keeps these meatballs soft and flavorful.
2. Rich and Buttery Garlic Sauce
- Instead of a tomato-based sauce, these meatballs are coated in a velvety garlic butter sauce for a rich and indulgent flavor.
3. Quick and Easy to Make
- With just a few simple ingredients, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights.
4. Versatile and Perfect for Any Meal
- Serve these garlic butter meatballs with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
5. Packed with Bold Garlic Flavor
- If you’re a garlic lover, this recipe is for you! The garlic butter sauce enhances the meatballs with a rich, deep, and savory taste.
Whether you’re making a quick dinner, a meal prep option, or a party appetizer, these garlic butter meatballs are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Prep Time and Servings for Garlic Butter Meatballs
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
These quick and easy garlic butter meatballs make a fantastic weeknight dinner, appetizer, or meal prep option. Pair them with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal! Want another comforting dish? Try Old-Fashioned Chicken and Rice Soup for a cozy, homemade meal idea!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Meatballs
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and turkey/chicken)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for a slight tang)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
This simple yet flavor-packed ingredient list creates juicy meatballs coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Want another buttery dish? Try Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for an easy, cheesy dinner idea!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Meatballs
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley.
- Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined—don’t overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Shape the Meatballs
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about the size of a tablespoon each).
- Place them on a plate or baking sheet.
3. Cook the Meatballs
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
- Remove meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth (or white wine) and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in lemon juice (optional) and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
5. Combine Meatballs with the Sauce
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce.
- Let simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to soak in.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately!
- Pair with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Meatballs
1. Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture
- Overmixing makes meatballs dense and tough. Mix just until combined for tender, juicy meatballs.
2. Use Fresh Garlic for Maximum Flavor
- Freshly minced garlic adds a stronger, richer taste compared to garlic powder.
3. Brown the Meatballs for Extra Flavor
- Searing the meatballs creates a golden-brown crust, sealing in the juices and adding depth to the sauce.
4. Simmer in the Sauce for Extra Juiciness
- Letting the meatballs simmer in the garlic butter sauce for a few minutes helps them soak up all the flavor.
5. Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste
- For a richer sauce, add an extra tablespoon of butter.
- Prefer a tangy touch? Increase the lemon juice.
- Want some heat? Add more red pepper flakes.
6. Make It Ahead for Easy Meal Prep
- These meatballs store well!
- Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Store raw or cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
7. Pair It with the Right Side Dish
- Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
- Try it alongside Old-Fashioned Chicken and Rice Soup for a cozy meal.
FAQs About Garlic Butter Meatballs
1. How to make garlic sauce for meatballs?
To make a rich garlic butter sauce, melt butter in a pan, add minced garlic, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add chicken broth (or white wine), lemon juice, and red pepper flakes for depth of flavor. Let it simmer, then toss in the meatballs to coat.
2. What is the secret to good meatballs?
The key to tender, flavorful meatballs is:
- Not overmixing the meat mixture.
- Using breadcrumbs and Parmesan to add texture and moisture.
- Searing the meatballs first for a crispy crust before simmering them in the sauce.
3. How to make butter garlic sauce?
A simple butter garlic sauce is made by melting butter and sautéing minced garlic until fragrant. Adding a splash of chicken broth or lemon juice helps enhance the richness.
4. Can you cook meatballs with butter?
Yes! Cooking meatballs in butter adds extra flavor. However, it’s best to combine butter with olive oil to prevent burning, especially at high heat.
5. What can I serve with garlic butter meatballs?
- Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or egg noodles)
- Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables
- Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Meatballs are a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that can be served for dinner, meal prep, or even as an appetizer. With their juicy texture and rich, buttery garlic sauce, they’re guaranteed to be a family favorite.
By following simple tips like using fresh garlic, searing the meatballs for extra flavor, and letting them simmer in the sauce, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality meatballs in under 30 minutes.
Looking for more delicious meal ideas? Try Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for another comforting and flavorful dish!
Now, grab your ingredients and enjoy these irresistible garlic butter meatballs with your favorite sides!
