Easy Garlic Butter One-Pan Meatballs and Potatoes
Garlic Butter One-Pan Meatballs and Potatoes is the ultimate easy dinner solution. After making this countless times, I’ve discovered the secret to perfectly crispy meatballs and tender potatoes every time. The golden, crispy exterior of the meatballs and the comforting, fluffy potatoes will make your kitchen cozy and inviting. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Try this Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta for a delicious side dish. and For another easy dinner idea, try this Better Than Takeout Egg Roll in a Bowl..
Why This Easy Garlic Butter One-Pan Meatballs and Potatoes Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside meatballs
- Tender and fluffy potatoes with a golden crust
- One-pan cooking for easy cleanup
- Better than takeout taste at home
What You'll Need for Easy Garlic Butter One-Pan Meatballs and Potatoes
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- ground beef: You can substitute with ground turkey or pork.
- baby potatoes: Red or Yukon Gold potatoes work well too.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Meat Thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked meatballs every time. → See on Amazon
- Cast Iron Skillet — Even heat distribution for perfectly cooked meatballs and potatoes. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Garlic Butter One-Pan Meatballs and Potatoes
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs: Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove meatballs from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the potatoes: Add halved potatoes to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook until tender and golden brown.
- Finish the dish: Return meatballs to the skillet with the potatoes. Add remaining 2 tbsp of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until garlic is fragrant and meatballs are heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Garlic Butter One-Pan Meatballs and Potatoes
- Common mistake and fix: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to prevent the meatballs and potatoes from steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Pro tip: For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the skillet when cooking the garlic butter sauce.
- Pro tip: To make ahead, prepare the meatballs and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cook as directed when ready to serve.
Storing & Reheating Easy Garlic Butter One-Pan Meatballs and Potatoes
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Meatballs can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Freezing Easy Garlic Butter One-Pan Meatballs and Potatoes
Freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Add a little water to the skillet to prevent burning.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the skillet when cooking the garlic butter sauce.
- Best substitution: You can substitute ground turkey or pork for the ground beef.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the meatballs and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cook as directed when ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the meatballs are sticking to the skillet, try adding a little more oil or butter. If the potatoes are not tender, cook them for a few more minutes or add a little water to the skillet and cover with a lid to steam.
Want to level up this recipe?
Food Processor — Saves time and effort when preparing the meatball mixture. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Garlic Butter One-Pan Meatballs and Potatoes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Seasonings
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs: Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove meatballs from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the potatoes: Add halved potatoes to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook until tender and golden brown.
- Finish the dish: Return meatballs to the skillet with the potatoes. Add remaining 2 tbsp of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until garlic is fragrant and meatballs are heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the skillet when cooking the garlic butter sauce.
- Best substitution: You can substitute ground turkey or pork for the ground beef.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the meatballs and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cook as directed when ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the meatballs are sticking to the skillet, try adding a little more oil or butter. If the potatoes are not tender, cook them for a few more minutes or add a little water to the skillet and cover with a lid to steam.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Add a little water to the skillet to prevent burning.
- Make ahead: Meatballs can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 560
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sat. Fat: 16g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Garlic Butter One-Pan Meatballs and Potatoes FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Cook as directed when ready to serve.
Overcooking or using lean ground beef can result in tough meatballs. To prevent this, use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and do not overcook.
Yes, cook the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Toss the potatoes in oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil, then cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until tender and golden brown.
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Cook according to package instructions, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
Yes, this homemade version is more flavorful, healthier, and just as easy as takeout. Plus, it's made with love in your own kitchen.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Garlic Butter One-Pan Meatballs and Potatoes and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
