Creamy, rich, and utterly satisfying, Alfredo meatballs combine the savory flavor of tender meatballs with the indulgent creaminess of Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a cozy night in, this dish is easy to make yet impressively delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines hearty meatballs with luscious Alfredo sauce for a comfort food classic.
- Versatile – serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or alongside crusty bread.
- Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
- Perfect for meal prep or freezing for later use.
- A crowd-pleaser that’s great for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil (for frying)
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Garlic (minced)
- Parmesan cheese (for the Alfredo sauce)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
- Cook the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and toss gently to coat them in the Alfredo sauce.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over pasta, with crusty bread, or alongside a salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the Alfredo sauce for extra flavor.
- Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and serve over gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free dish.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a slightly lighter sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover Alfredo meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze meatballs (without the sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make fresh Alfredo sauce when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, bake the meatballs at 375°F on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
2. Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely! While homemade sauce adds extra flavor, jarred Alfredo sauce is a convenient alternative.
3. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low to medium and stir frequently to prevent the cream from overheating and curdling.
4. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and cook the meatballs in advance. Store them in the refrigerator or freezer and reheat before adding to the sauce.
5. What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are great accompaniments.
6. Can I make this dish low-carb?
Yes, serve the meatballs with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
7. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use a mix of milk and cream cheese for a creamy alternative, or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
8. How do I thicken the Alfredo sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it a bit longer or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry.
9. Can I add cheese to the meatball mixture?
Yes, adding shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the meatball mixture adds a cheesy surprise inside.
10. Can I double this recipe?
Certainly! Simply scale the ingredients and adjust the skillet size to cook more meatballs at once.
Conclusion
Alfredo meatballs are a decadent and comforting dish that pairs tender, flavorful meatballs with creamy Alfredo sauce. Versatile and easy to customize, they’re a surefire hit for any occasion. Whether served over pasta or as a standalone dish, these meatballs are bound to become a family favorite.
Print
Alfredo Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 1x
- Category: Main Dishes, Comfort Food
- Method: Pan-Frying, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
These Alfredo Meatballs are tender, flavorful meatballs smothered in a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. Perfect as a comforting main dish served over pasta or a holiday appetizer that will impress your guests!
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying, optional)
For the Alfredo sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- 3/4 cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For serving:
- Cooked pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make the meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a plate or tray.
2. Cook the meatballs:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Alternatively, bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15–18 minutes.
- Remove the meatballs and set aside.
3. Prepare the Alfredo sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Add nutmeg, if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine the meatballs and sauce:
- Add the cooked meatballs to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Serve:
- Serve the Alfredo meatballs over cooked pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs and substitute half-and-half for heavy cream in the sauce.
- Add spinach or mushrooms to the Alfredo sauce for extra vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.