Alfredo Meatballs are a delicious twist on traditional meatballs, combining the rich, creamy flavors of Alfredo sauce with tender, savory meatballs. This dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you want to impress your guests with a unique and flavorful meal. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, these Alfredo Meatballs will quickly become a favorite in your household. Follow this detailed guide to create a mouthwatering Alfredo Meatballs dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
To make Alfredo Meatballs, you'll need the following ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional:
- Pasta of your choice (such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, fresh parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into meatballs, each about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook the meatballs for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce and let them simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Cooking Note
- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
- To save time, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. Simply thaw and cook as needed.
- Be sure to simmer the sauce gently to prevent the cream from curdling.
Serving Suggestions
Alfredo Meatballs can be served in various ways to suit your taste and occasion. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve over your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne, for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
- Pair with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a balanced dinner.
- Serve over mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting and hearty meal.
- Include as part of an appetizer spread with toothpicks for a party or gathering.
Tips
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the Alfredo sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the Alfredo sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 500 per serving
- Protein: 25g per serving
- Sodium: 800mg per serving
Conclusion
Alfredo Meatballs are a delightful and satisfying dish that brings together the best of both worlds: creamy Alfredo sauce and flavorful meatballs. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and comforting appeal. Easy to prepare and versatile, it’s a great addition to your weekly meal rotation. Give this recipe a try at your next dinner or gathering, and enjoy the compliments from your delighted guests. Happy cooking!
PrintAlfredo Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Alfredo Meatballs combine tender, flavorful meatballs with a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. This indulgent dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Easy to make and sure to impress, it's a family favorite that pairs well with pasta or vegetables.
Ingredients
- For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Alfredo sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined and form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Make the Alfredo sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and serve:
- Add the cooked meatballs to the Alfredo sauce, gently tossing to coat them evenly.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the meatballs are heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
- This dish pairs well with fettuccine, spaghetti, or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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