The Best Olive Garden Meatballs Recipe

There's something about those classic Italian-American flavors in Olive Garden’s Meatballs that keeps us coming back for more. Fortunately, you don't have to wait for a night out at your favorite Italian restaurant to enjoy them. With this copycat Olive Garden meatballs recipe, you can easily make a batch of delicious, savory meatballs right in your own kitchen. Pair them with buttery breadsticks and a fresh garden salad, and you've got the ultimate comfort meal.

This recipe features simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, such as ground meat, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. To make the meatballs, mix all the ingredients together, shape them into perfect little balls, and then bake them. They are tender, savory, and bursting with authentic Italian flavors. You can serve them over a plate of Copycat Olive Garden spaghetti, stuff them into a sub, or enjoy them on their own, these meatballs are sure to satisfy. 

Since you are here and love Olive Garden recipes, check out this Olive Garden Breadsticks Copycat Recipe or this Olive Garden Authentic Zuppa Toscana Recipe.

Ingredients for this Olive Garden Meatballs Recipe

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

• Ground Chuck Beef: This is recommended because of its fat-to-meat ratio, which ensures the meatballs remain moist and tender. The fat content adds richness and flavor. 
• Italian Bread Crumbs: provide structure and help bind the meatballs together. They're seasoned with herbs and spices, which enhance the overall flavor of the meatballs. If you don't have Italian breadcrumbs, feel free to use plain bread crumbs but add a little more seasonings to your meatball mixture.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: adds a nutty and salty element to the meatballs and delivers a subtle richness. 
• Dried Parsley: adds a hint of herby freshness which helps balance out the richness of the meat and cheese. If you are feeling fancy feel free to add some fresh parsley as well for a brighter flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: give your meatballs a little kick, but don't overpower the dish. You can add as much or as little as you want. 
• Onion Powder: adds a mild, sweet onion flavor without adding moisture, which keeps the meatballs together. 
• Minced Garlic Cloves: is an authentic Italian flavor and adds a pungent taste. 
• Large Eggs: act as a binding agent, which holds the meat and other ingredients together and maintains their shape while cooking. 
• Milk: adds moisture and helps soften the breadcrumbs, which creates a mixture that is easy to work with and keeps the meatballs moist. 
• Salt and Black Pepper: helps enhance and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. 

If you are looking for meat substitutions, feel free to use half beef, half ground pork or even ground turkey. These variations might result in a slightly different flavor but the still will taste amazing!

How to make this homemade Olive Garden's Meatballs recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper then set aside.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
3. Shape mixture into meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
4. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until browned and cooked through. 
5. Serve with marinara sauce and pasta or meatball parmigiana inspired by their appetizer (in marinara sauce and topped with melted Italian cheeses and toasted bread crumbs.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Olive Garden Meatballs

• Choose the Right Meat. While ground chuck is ideal, you can experiment with a mixture of ground beef, pork, or veal for even more flavor.
• Don't Overmix. When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is evenly incorporated. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough and chewy. 
• Size Matters. For evenly cooked meatballs, aim for a uniform size. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape them into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs. Keeping them uniform makes sure that they cook at the same rate. 
• Use a Meat Thermometer. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your meatballs are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160 degrees F. 
• Rest Before Serving. After moving them from the oven, the meatballs rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to be redistributed, making them even more tender. 

Why You Should Make this Olive Garden Meatballs Recipe!

• It’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy restaurant-quality food without having to leave your house.
• When you make them yourself, you control the quality of the ingredients.
• These meatballs freeze and reheat beautifully, making them ideal for meal prepping.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Can I make these juicy meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these meatballs in advance. After shaping them, place them on a baking sheet and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. If you're making them further in advance, you can either keep them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, you can bake them directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. 

Can I fry these beef meatballs instead of baking them? 

Yes, frying is a great alternative if you prefer a crispier exterior. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs in batches, turning them occasionally until browned and cooked through.

Can I add other seasonings or herbs?

Of course! Feel free to customize the flavors by adding fresh basil, oregano, or thyme. For a smoky touch, try incorporating a bit of smoked paprika. Adjust the quantities to suit your preference. 

What type of marinara sauce pairs best with these meatballs? 

A classic marinara sauce is a perfect match. Look for a sauce with simple, high-quality ingredients, or make your own by simmering tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and basil. For a creamier option, serve the meatballs with a tomato cream sauce.

Can I double this classic Olive Garden meatball recipe?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients and divide the mixture evenly. Bake in batches or use multiple making sheets to ensure even cooking. These meatballs freeze well, so doubling the recipe is a great way to meal prep. 

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheating these leftover meatballs is simple. For the best results, warm them in a saucepan with marinara sauce over medium-low heat until heated through. This method keeps them moist and flavorful. You can also throw them in the microwave in a covered dish with a bit of sauce to prevent drying out.

The Best Olive Garden Meatballs Recipe

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