Name: Alfredo Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or turkey; ¼ cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt & pepper; 2 Tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup grated Parmesan; ¼ tsp black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 22 reviews

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings together everything you love about Italian-American cuisine, look no further than Alfredo Meatballs. These juicy, tender meatballs simmer in a velvety, Parmesan-rich Alfredo sauce, making every bite indulgently creamy. Whether you spoon them over a bed of fettuccine, pile them on fluffy rice, or savor them solo with crusty bread, this recipe promises to turn any meal into a special occasion. Even better, Alfredo Meatballs are simple to pull off at home with a handful of easy-to-find ingredients and just a bit of hands-on magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish celebrates the harmonious marriage of classic Italian flavors and creamy comfort. Each ingredient is chosen not just for its taste, but also for how it enhances the tenderness of your meatballs or the lushness of the Alfredo sauce.

Ground Beef or Turkey: Choose either one for juicy, protein-packed meatballs — beef offers richness, while turkey keeps things lighter.
Breadcrumbs: These help hold the meatballs together and keep them perfectly moist.
Egg: Acts as a binding agent, ensuring every meatball is cohesive and tender.
Grated Parmesan: With its nutty, salty bite, Parmesan ramps up the umami and melds beautifully into the mix.
Garlic Powder: A hint of garlic brings that classic Italian aroma right into your kitchen.
Italian Seasoning: This all-in-one herb blend infuses your meatballs with plenty of Mediterranean character.
Salt & Pepper: Never skip these; they balance and enhance all the other flavors.
Butter: Forms the backbone of your Alfredo sauce, adding richness and a silky mouthfeel.
Minced Garlic: Sautéed briefly, it creates a fragrant, savory base for the sauce.
Heavy Cream: The luxurious component that makes Alfredo sauce so irresistibly creamy.
More Grated Parmesan: Melts into the sauce for that signature cheesy, silky texture.
Black Pepper: Just a pinch heightens all the creamy, cheesy notes.

How to Make Alfredo Meatballs

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Start by combining your ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, an egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Get in there with clean hands and mix everything until just combined — you don’t want to overwork the meat, or the meatballs could get tough. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and gently roll them into 1-inch balls. Lining them up on a baking sheet makes for easy transfer to the pan or oven.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

You have two fabulous options here: bake or pan-sear. Baking is fuss-free — just pop the meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, until juicy and browned. Prefer a bit of extra crust? Sear them in a hot skillet with a touch of oil, turning until all sides have a beautiful golden color and they’re cooked through. Either way, you’ll have deeply flavorful Alfredo Meatballs ready for their bath in creamy sauce.

Step 3: Start the Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until it’s just starting to foam. Toss in the minced garlic and stir gently, letting it soften and become fragrant for about a minute. This lays the foundation for that classic Alfredo flavor, so don’t rush or skip the garlic!

Step 4: Simmer the Cream and Add Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any flavorful bits left from searing the meatballs, if you went that route. Let the cream bubble gently for three minutes — you’ll notice it thickening slightly. Next, slowly stir in the grated Parmesan and sprinkle in black pepper, whisking until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth.

Step 5: Coat Meatballs in Sauce

Add your cooked meatballs directly into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Turn each one to ensure it’s thoroughly coated in that cheesy, creamy “blanket.” Let them simmer together for a couple of minutes so the flavors can intermingle. The sauce will lightly cling to the meatballs, ensuring every bite is dazzlingly delicious. Your Alfredo Meatballs are officially ready to wow!

How to Serve Alfredo Meatballs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of more grated Parmesan and a touch of fresh parsley create the perfect finishing touch for Alfredo Meatballs. For a pop of color (and a whisper of freshness), try a light dusting of cracked black pepper or even a few ribbons of basil. These final flourishes make the dish feel polished and restaurant-worthy in seconds.

Side Dishes

Alfredo Meatballs love to be paired with buttery fettuccine, herbed rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. They’re also fabulous with garlic bread, which is ideal for mopping up any leftover sauce. For extra veggies and color, serve alongside wilted spinach, steamed broccoli, or sweet green peas right in the sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not skewer the meatballs and drizzle with Alfredo sauce for a fun party appetizer? For a hearty sandwich, tuck them inside a warm, toasty roll, spoon over extra sauce, and sprinkle with a little mozzarella. Or create a baked pasta casserole by layering Alfredo Meatballs over penne and broiling with cheese until bubbly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Alfredo Meatballs, transfer them (with sauce) into an airtight container once cool. Store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen, making future servings even more tempting!

Freezing

For longer storage, Alfredo Meatballs freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a sturdy, sealed container — ideally with a layer of sauce to keep them moist. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm Alfredo Meatballs gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. They can also be microwaved in short bursts; just stir occasionally to ensure even heating and a silky sauce.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead?

Absolutely! While homemade sauce has an unbeatable fresh taste, you can use your favorite store-bought Alfredo to save time. Warm it up with a little extra Parmesan and cracked pepper for a quick flavor boost with your Alfredo Meatballs.

What proteins work best for the meatballs?

Both ground beef and turkey work wonderfully in this recipe for Alfredo Meatballs; beef provides depth and richness, while turkey makes them lighter and leaner. You could even try a mix or substitute ground chicken if you prefer.

How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Swap out the breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free option (like crushed rice crackers or gluten-free panko), and make sure your Parmesan and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The taste and texture will still be spot-on.

Is it possible to add vegetables?

Definitely! You can stir spinach or peas right into the Alfredo sauce before tossing with the meatballs, or add finely chopped, sautéed veggies (like mushrooms or bell peppers) for even more flavor and a nutritional boost.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Alfredo Meatballs are fantastic for feeding a group. Simply double (or triple!) the ingredient amounts and use a larger skillet or bake the meatballs in batches. This dish scales up without any loss of comfort-factor or flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something unbeatably satisfying about sharing creamy, dreamy Alfredo Meatballs with family and friends. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a festive get-together, this recipe delivers big on flavor and soul-soothing comfort. Give it a try and prepare to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation!