Ever wanted to make Olive Garden meatballs at home? You’re in luck with our copycat recipe. It brings the taste of the restaurant’s famous dish to your kitchen. These meatballs are juicy and full of flavor, just like the original. Plus, you can serve them after just 20 minutes of baking.
The secret to our meatballs is mixing ground beef with pork. This combo gives the meatballs a great taste and texture. We also use breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and some special seasonings. This makes these meatballs taste just like those at Olive Garden. You can start a meal with them or use them as a tasty appetizer.
Key Takeaways
- Recreate the iconic Olive Garden meatball flavor at home
- Use a blend of ground beef and pork for the ideal texture
- Top with a five-cheese Italian blend and seasoned breadcrumbs
- Bake the meatballs in the oven for a quick and easy prep
- Serve the meatballs as an appetizer or incorporate them into a main dish
Juicy Homemade Olive Garden Meatballs Recipe
A plate of warm, juicy Olive Garden meatballs is the ultimate comfort food. With this copycat recipe, you can enjoy the famous restaurant taste at home. It features a mix of beef and pork meatballs in a rich marinara sauce, just like you’d find at Olive Garden.
Recreate the Iconic Restaurant Flavor at Home
Love Olive Garden meatballs or just miss the taste of home-cooked Italian? This recipe is for you. It blends juicy meatballs and a tasty marinara sauce to bring the Olive Garden signature to your table.
Tender Beef and Pork Meatballs Simmered in Rich Marinara Sauce
Choosing the right ingredients is essential for making homemade Olive Garden meatballs. The mix of ground beef and pork creates tender meatballs that stay juicy in the sauce. The marinara sauce, with fresh tomatoes and herbs, perfectly enhances the meatballs. This makes a mouthwatering and satisfying dish.
Serving Suggestions and Meal Ideas
Enjoy Olive Garden meatballs in many tasty ways. Serve them over spaghetti for a classic meal. This option highlights how to serve Olive Garden meatballs. The meatballs and pasta mix well, creating a fulfilling dish.
Try a meatball sub for something tasty and easy to grab. The soft bread and flavorful meatballs make a perfect match. It’s a simple yet loved meal, showing the meatballs’ adaptability.
These meatballs also do well as the main dish. Pair them with salad, mashed potatoes, or veggies. You’ll have a great full meal. These ideas show the variety of ways you can enjoy Olive Garden meatballs with spaghetti and more.
Serving Suggestions
- Over a bed of spaghetti for a classic Italian-inspired dish
- In meatball sub sandwiches for a hearty and portable meal
- Alongside side dishes like salad, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables
| Dish | Description | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Olive Garden Meatballs with Spaghetti | Tender, flavorful Olive Garden meatballs served over a bed of al dente spaghetti in a rich marinara sauce | 950 (with marinara sauce) |
| Olive Garden Meatball Subs | Juicy Olive Garden meatballs nestled in soft, pillowy bread for a satisfying and portable meal | Varies based on specific ingredients |
| Olive Garden Meatballs with Sides | Standalone Olive Garden meatballs served with a variety of delicious side dishes like salad, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables | Varies based on specific side dish and portion sizes |
Dietary Modifications and Substitutions
This copycat Olive Garden meatball recipe is super versatile. It’s great for anyone with dietary needs or those who want to mix things up. You can make several tweaks to match your eating style. This way, you still get the Olive Garden taste while staying true to your diet.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options
Want a gluten-free meatball? Just use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. It keeps the meatballs tasty and works for people avoiding gluten.
For dairy-free folks, swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Leaner and Healthier Choices
To make meatballs healthier, try using ground turkey or chicken. This choice lowers fat and calories while giving you a light protein option.
| Modification | Ingredient Swap | Nutritional Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Almond flour instead of breadcrumbs | Maintains texture, suitable for gluten-free diets |
| Dairy-Free | Nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese | Provides similar umami flavor without dairy |
| Leaner | Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork | Reduces overall fat and calorie content |
Use these easy substitutions for Olive Garden meatballs to fit your dietary needs. Feel free to tweak and find what’s perfect for you and yours.
Prep Ahead and Storage Tips
Our copycat Olive Garden meatball recipe is great because you can prepare it ahead. This helps a lot when weekday nights are rushed or you have friends over. We’ll share some tips on how to prep and store these tasty meatballs.
Prep Ahead for Convenience
You can mix the meatball ingredients up to 2 days early. Keep the mix in the fridge until you’re ready to shape and cook them. Use an air fryer, the stove, or the oven to cook them when needed.
Refrigerating Cooked Meatballs
Cooked meatballs stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days. After cooling, put them in a sealed container or bag. You can warm them up in the microwave, oven, or on the stove later.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the meatballs. They last up to 3 months in the freezer. After cooling, freeze them spread out on a tray first, then store in a bag. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.
These tips make it easy to enjoy Olive Garden meatballs anytime. With a bit of prep, you’ll have yummy, homemade meatballs available.
Recreate the Iconic Olive Garden Experience
With this homemade Olive Garden meatball recipe, you can make the famous flavors at home. You’ll love the juicy meatballs and rich sauce. They’re why people everywhere enjoy Olive Garden.
The secret is a mix of beef and pork with Italian spices. This makes the meatballs tasty and great with pasta or in a sandwich.
For the full Olive Garden vibe, add a salad made with the restaurant’s dressing. This famous mix includes lettuce, tomatoes, and olives.
Olive Garden Signature Dishes
Taking My Copycat Olive Garden Meatballs To Go
The Olive Garden meatball recipe shows how easy it is to make their famous flavor at home. You only need a few ingredients and simple steps to make meatballs that taste just like those at Olive Garden. This recipe is great for anyone who loves Italian food or is looking for a tasty meal.
By making these meatballs, you can get that special Olive Garden taste in your own kitchen. The meatballs are full of flavor, just like the ones you’d order at the restaurant. You can serve them in many ways, like over spaghetti or in a sandwich, for an authentic Italian meal.
In the end, trying the Olive Garden meatballs at home is a fantastic idea. They capture the heart of the restaurant’s menu and can be used in many meals. This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser that will likely earn a permanent spot in your kitchen.
The Best Copycat Olive Garden Meatballs Recipe You Ever Did Try!
Equipment
- Aluminum Foil
- Frying pan
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and pork.
- Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Mix well.
- Pour in the milk, crack the egg into the mixture, and add the salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a thin layer of olive oil.
- Fry the meatballs in batches, turning them to ensure they are browned on all sides.
- Transfer the browned meatballs back to the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve the meatballs with your favorite marinara sauce and pasta, or enjoy them on their own as a delicious appetizer.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- These meatballs can be frozen after frying and before baking. Just thaw and bake when ready to use.
