Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that's both indulgent and guilt-free? Look no further than these sensational Garlic Butter Meatballs and Zoodles! This recipe transforms the classic comfort food into a lighter, more exciting dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine perfectly seasoned, juicy meatballs nestled on a bed of spiralized zucchini, all luxuriously coated in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce. It's a meal that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine and leave you wanting more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Roll the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1-inch in diameter. Aim to create about 16-20 meatballs.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, rotating to ensure even browning and reaching an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Once meatballs are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add additional minced garlic. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Spiralize zucchinis using a spiralizer or vegetable noodle maker to create zoodles. Pat zoodles dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Add zoodles to the garlic butter skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, tossing gently to coat and warm through. Avoid overcooking to maintain zoodles' texture.
- Return meatballs to the skillet, gently tossing to combine with zoodles and reheat.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Moisture Management: When preparing zoodles, always pat them dry with paper towels to prevent a watery final dish. This ensures your zoodles stay crisp and absorb the delicious garlic butter.
- Meat Mixing Technique: Use your hands when combining meatball ingredients to ensure even distribution of seasonings. Don't overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160°F for food safety while maintaining juiciness.
- Skillet Space: Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking meatballs. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Zoodle Timing: Sauté zoodles briefly – just 2-3 minutes – to maintain their al dente texture and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Optional Enhancements: Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 120mg
