Name: Olive Garden Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; ½ lb ground pork; ½ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 eggs; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning; ½ cup milk; Salt & pepper to taste

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If you’re craving that classic, comforting Italian-American flavor that feels like a warm hug from your favorite restaurant, you simply must try this Olive Garden Meatballs Recipe. These tender, juicy meatballs strike the perfect balance with a blend of beef and pork, savory Italian seasoning, and a touch of Parmesan, creating bite-sized bursts of deliciousness whether piled onto spaghetti or enjoyed with your favorite marinara. Once you make them, they’ll become a household staple for dinner and beyond.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two types of raw ground meat placed side by side on a white plate; the top layer is light pink and coarse, while the bottom layer is red and finely textured. Around the plate are various ingredients arranged neatly on a wooden surface: two brown eggs near a bowl of white breadcrumbs, small white bowls containing chopped green herbs, a dark red sauce, and a bright red powder or seasoning. Small wooden bowls hold different spices and crushed garlic, along with a bulb of garlic, a small bowl of honey-colored liquid, and some flakes that look like oats or seeds. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together in harmony to build rich layers of flavor and the ideal texture for classic meatballs. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the cheeses and seasoning to the milk, which keeps the meatballs beautifully moist.

1 lb ground beef + ½ lb ground pork: Combining two types of meat creates juicy, flavorful meatballs with great texture.
½ cup breadcrumbs: These help bind the mixture and keep the meatballs tender without becoming dense.
¼ cup grated Parmesan: Adds a savory umami punch that deepens the flavor profile.
2 eggs: Act as the perfect binder to hold everything together during baking.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic delivers that unmistakable Italian aroma and zest.
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil brings authentic charm to every bite.
½ cup milk: Moisturizes the meat mixture for soft, juicy meatballs.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.

How to Make Olive Garden Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400 °F to ensure it’s ready as soon as your meatballs are shaped. This high heat helps develop that golden-brown crust that is so satisfying against the soft inside.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients Thoroughly

In a large bowl, combine both ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, eggs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, milk, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, which can lead to tougher meatballs.

Step 3: Shape Your Meatballs

Roll the mixture into uniform 1½-inch balls for even cooking. Making them consistent in size is key to ensuring they cook through properly without drying out.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfect

Arrange your meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased surface. Bake for about 20 to 22 minutes or until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through. If you want to add an extra layer of flavor and texture, quickly browning them in olive oil before baking is a fantastic trick.

How to Serve Olive Garden Meatballs Recipe

A white bowl filled with bright red tomato sauce, topped with several round meatballs evenly spread over the sauce. The meatballs have a lightly browned texture with a sprinkle of green herbs and light beige grated cheese on top. The background has a clean white marble texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich meatballs beautifully. A light dusting of Parmesan cheese just before serving is an extra touch of indulgence.

Side Dishes

This Olive Garden Meatballs Recipe is versatile and pairs wonderfully with traditional spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce, creamy polenta, or even garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce. A crisp green salad or sautéed vegetables are also great sides to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, use the meatballs as sliders with melted mozzarella in small buns, or skewer several with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for charming appetizers at your next gathering. You can also spoon them on top of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting bowl of comfort food perfection.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for easy quick meals throughout the week that taste just as delightful as when freshly baked.

Freezing

If you want to keep these meatballs on hand longer, freeze them on a baking sheet in a single layer initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat meatballs gently in the oven at 350 °F until warmed through, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain their moisture. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs without pork?

Absolutely! You can use only ground beef if you prefer, though mixing pork helps keep the meatballs more tender and flavorful. Just be mindful that all-beef versions might be a bit denser.

Is it necessary to bake these meatballs? Can I fry them instead?

Baking is a healthier and low-fuss method that still gives fantastic flavor and texture. If you want extra crispiness, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil before finishing them in the oven.

Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Yes, you can mix and shape the meatballs up to a day ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. This helps save time when you’re ready to cook.

What’s the best marinara sauce to serve with these meatballs?

A simple, homemade marinara with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs pairs beautifully. However, any good-quality store-bought marinara will also complement this Olive Garden Meatballs Recipe perfectly.

How do I prevent meatballs from drying out?

Using a combination of beef and pork, adding milk, and not over-mixing helps keep the meatballs juicy. Baking at a high temperature for a shorter time also seals in moisture.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Meatballs Recipe brings that restaurant-quality comfort right into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy night in, these meatballs are guaranteed to impress and become an instant favorite. Give them a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Jane

Olive Garden Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need