Creamy Alfredo Meatballs – A Comforting, Cheesy Delight
If you love rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and tender, juicy meatballs, then this Creamy Alfredo Meatballs recipe is for you! Combining savory homemade meatballs with a luxuriously creamy Parmesan Alfredo sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether served over pasta, rice, or with crusty garlic bread, it’s a comfort food classic that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
This easy and satisfying recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or meal prep, and comes together in just 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy & Cheesy – The Alfredo sauce is ultra-indulgent.
- Easy & Quick – Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Customizable – Use your favorite ground meat and add different seasonings.
- Pairs Well with Pasta, Rice, or Veggies – A versatile dish for any side.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until just combined, then shape into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Combine Everything
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the Alfredo sauce.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until the meatballs are heated through.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over pasta, rice, or garlic bread.
Best Sides to Serve with Alfredo Meatballs
- Fettuccine or Penne Pasta – A classic pairing.
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add balance.
- Mashed Potatoes – A hearty and comforting side.
- Caesar Salad – A fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
Tips for the Best Creamy Alfredo Meatballs
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-packaged cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t Overwork the Meatball Mixture – This keeps them tender.
- For Extra Flavor – Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the sauce.
- Make It Lighter – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk.
- Add a Kick – Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Freezing:
- Freeze meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes! If you’re short on time, pre-made meatballs work great in this recipe.
What’s the best pasta for Alfredo meatballs?
Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti all pair well with this creamy sauce.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Try ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a variation.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer or add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan to thicken it up.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes! Serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the meatballs and sauce separately, then reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Alfredo Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether served over pasta, rice, or on their own, they make for a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
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Creamy Alfredo Meatballs – Easy, Cheesy, and Irresistible
Description
If you love rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and tender, juicy meatballs, then this Creamy Alfredo Meatballs recipe is for you! Combining savory homemade meatballs with a luxuriously creamy Parmesan Alfredo sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether served over pasta, rice, or with crusty garlic bread, it’s a comfort food classic that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
This easy and satisfying recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or meal prep, and comes together in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until just combined, then shape into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Combine Everything
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the Alfredo sauce.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until the meatballs are heated through.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over pasta, rice, or garlic bread.
Notes
Tips for the Best Creamy Alfredo Meatballs
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-packaged cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t Overwork the Meatball Mixture – This keeps them tender.
- For Extra Flavor – Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the sauce.
- Make It Lighter – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk.
- Add a Kick – Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.
