This Easy Pleasy Meatballs over Buttered Noodles dish is comfort food at its finest—juicy, flavorful meatballs served atop silky buttered noodles for a quick, satisfying meal. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're feeding your family or whipping up a cozy dinner for one, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg , lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley , chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 1 small onion , finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 can (24 oz) marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth (to thin the sauce, if needed)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
For the Buttered Noodles:
- 8 oz egg noodles, spaghetti, or your favorite pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
- Fresh parsley , chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
- Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs (about 16–18 meatballs total).
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 2–3 minutes per side , or until browned on all sides. The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
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