Olive Garden Meatballs

Craving the iconic, juicy meatballs from Olive Garden? Now you can recreate this deliciously satisfying dish right in your own kitchen with this easy, mouthwatering recipe! This is the best Copycat Olive Garden Meatball Recipe!

If you’ve ever indulged in the mouthwatering meatballs at Olive Garden, you know just how irresistible they are. With a perfect balance of tender meat, savory seasonings, and a rich marinara sauce, these meatballs are a must-try.

Now you can make them at home with this easy and delicious recipe, bringing the restaurant’s flavor straight to your dinner table!

If you are looking for even more of my Italian Recipes, I have shared a few over the years, including AIR FRYER CANNOLI, AIR FRYER ITALIAN MEATLOAF, or AIR FRYER EASY ITALIAN CHICKEN TENDERS.

Why You Will Love Olive Garden Meatballs!

• Tender and juicy meatballs – Perfect texture in every bite.
• Packed with flavor – Savory seasonings create a bold taste.
• Easy to make – Quick and simple recipe for beginners.
• Great for any occasion – Perfect for family dinners or parties.
• Versatile – Serve with pasta, bread, or as appetizers.

Ingredients In Olive Garden Meatballs

• Ground chuck – Rich, flavorful beef perfect for meatballs.
• Plain breadcrumbs – Adds texture and helps bind the meatballs.
• Milk – Moistens breadcrumbs and keeps meatballs tender.
• Egg – Helps bind ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances flavor.
• Dried parsley – Adds a fresh, herby note to the meatballs.
• Red pepper flakes – Adds a subtle spicy kick to the meatballs.
• Onion powder – Adds savory, mild onion flavor to the mix.
• Granulated garlic – Infuses the meatballs with a rich garlic flavor.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor and balances ingredients.
• Ground black pepper – Adds mild heat and depth of flavor.

How To Make Olive Garden Meatballs

Step One: In a large bowl, combine ground chuck, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, onion powder, granulated garlic, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step Two: Use your hands to form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

Step Three: Set your air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F (190°C) and preheat for 5 minutes. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The meatballs should be golden brown and fully cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Step Four: Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and serve them with marinara sauce, on pasta, or enjoy them on their own! You can also garnish with freshly grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

Olive Garden Meatballs Recipe Tips

• Use Ground Chuck for Juiciness: Ground chuck is ideal for meatballs as it provides the right balance of fat and flavor, making them juicy and tender. You can also substitute with ground beef, but ground chuck is recommended for the best texture and taste.
• Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs, so gently combine the ingredients for the best texture.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: If you prefer a spicier kick, you can increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the mixture. Adjust the seasoning based on your preferences.
• Evenly Size the Meatballs: Make sure the meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking. You can use a cookie scoop to ensure consistency in size.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and helps the meatballs develop a crispy exterior. Make sure to preheat for a few minutes before placing the meatballs inside.
• Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This ensures they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
• Serve with Sauce: These meatballs go perfectly with marinara sauce, but feel free to get creative with different dipping sauces or serve them on top of pasta for a classic Italian meal.

Storing

• Storing Olive Garden Meatballs: Once cooled, store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to keep the meatballs in their sauce, if possible, to retain moisture.
• Freezing Olive Garden Meatballs: To freeze, place cooked meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer, then freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Olive Garden Meatballs: To reheat, place meatballs in a covered skillet over low heat with a bit of marinara sauce, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes.

What To Serve With Copycat Olive Garden Meatballs Recipe

Olive Garden meatballs pair perfectly with a variety of sides. Serve them with classic pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccine, and top with marinara sauce for a traditional Italian meal.

You can also enjoy them with a side of garlic bread for a deliciously filling combination. For a lighter option, try them with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables. If you’re in the mood for something different, meatballs also go well with mashed potatoes or polenta for a comforting twist!

Recipe For Olive Garden Meatballs Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs? Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for ground chuck if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of air frying them? Absolutely! You can bake the meatballs at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.

Can I freeze the meatballs? Yes! After cooking, let the meatballs cool completely and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.

How can I make the meatballs spicy? You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe or add a bit of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for extra heat.

What should I serve the meatballs with? Olive Garden meatballs are delicious served with spaghetti, fettuccine, or in a sub sandwich. You can also pair them with roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.

More Copycat Olive Garden Recipes

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