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
Units
Scale
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.