Name: Garlic Butter Meatballs With Creamy Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter or oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 poblano peppers, roasted, peeled, and chopped; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream or Mexican crema; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, tortilla strips, extra cream

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I love how comforting and rich this dish is, combining juicy beef meatballs with a silky garlic butter and Parmesan sauce. Every time I make it, the kitchen fills with a warm, savory aroma that feels like pure home cooking. It’s the kind of recipe I turn to when I want something satisfying, cozy, and impressive without being complicated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it delivers big flavor with simple ingredients I usually already have on hand. The meatballs turn out tender and juicy, and the creamy Parmesan sauce feels indulgent without being heavy. I also enjoy how versatile it is, since I can serve it over pasta, rice, or even with crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

I start by mixing the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl until everything is just combined. I roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs so they cook at the same rate.

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the meatballs, cooking them until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Once done, I remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

In the same skillet, I melt the butter and add a bit more minced garlic, letting it cook gently until fragrant. I pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes before stirring in the Parmesan cheese. I keep stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

I return the meatballs to the skillet and coat them in the sauce, letting everything simmer together for a few minutes. Before serving, I sprinkle chopped parsley on top for freshness.

Servings And Timing

I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Preparation time is around 15 minutes, and cooking takes about 25 minutes, so everything is ready in roughly 40 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey when I want something lighter. When I feel adventurous, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or stir in sautéed mushrooms for extra depth. I also enjoy using this sauce over pasta or gnocchi instead of serving it on its own.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer doing it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. The microwave works too, but I reheat in short intervals to keep the sauce smooth.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

I often prepare the meatballs a day in advance and keep them refrigerated until I’m ready to cook. It saves time and works perfectly.

Can I freeze this recipe?

I like freezing the cooked meatballs separately from the sauce. They keep well for up to 2 months, and I make the sauce fresh when reheating.

What can I serve with garlic butter meatballs?

I usually serve them over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. A simple green salad on the side balances the richness nicely.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

I’ve tried milk, but the sauce is thinner. When I want a similar texture, I use half-and-half instead.

How do I keep meatballs tender?

I avoid overmixing the meat mixture and make sure not to overcook the meatballs. That always helps keep them juicy.

Conclusion

I find this garlic butter meatballs with creamy Parmesan recipe incredibly comforting and dependable. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve to guests. Every time I make it, it reminds me why simple, well-seasoned dishes are often the most satisfying.