Cottage Cheese Meatballs with Alfredo Sauce
Cottage Cheese Meatballs with Alfredo Sauce Recipe
#CottageCheeseMeatballs #Meatballs #AlfredoSauce #cottagecheeserecipe #HomemadeMeatballs
Yield: 24-30 meatballs
Cottage Cheese Meatballs with Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef (90% lean, 10% fat)
24 oz Alfredo Sauce, divided
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1 large egg
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup almond flour
1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons canola oil (for frying)
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for topping)
11/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
***************************************
Notes:
1. Do not over-mix the ingredients.
2. It's best to not overwork the meatball mixture.
3. Do not pack the balls too tightly.
4. The more fat in the meat, the more tender the meatballs will come out.
5. Refrigerate meatballs for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
6. Freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 2 months in an airtight container or ziplock freezer bag.
7. For 2 lbs of ground beef, approximately 24-30 meatballs can be made but the exact number depends on the size of each meatball.
*************************************
Directions:
1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cottage cheese, almond flour, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, red chili pepper flakes, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix or work with your hands or use a glove until ingredients are incorporated. Do not over-mix.
2. Form mixture into 24-30 meatballs. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture using an ice cream scoop and roll into meatballs using wet hands to the size of a golf ball.
Set a small bowl of water on your side and dip your hands in water frequently when rolling meatballs to keep them from sticking to your hands.
3. Preheat oven to 400F/200C.
4. In a large skillet, heat oil and fry meatballs for 2 minutes on each side over medium heat. Transfer to a plate. Set aside.
5. Pour half of Alfredo sauce into a casserole dish, place the meatballs into the sauce, and cover them with the rest of the Alfredo sauce. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of Parmesan Cheese and evenly spread mozzarella cheese over the top.
6. Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake at 400F/200C for 30 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through (160F internal temperature).
7. Remove casserole dish from oven and let it set for 5 minutes. Sprinkle meatballs with chopped parsley.
Serve hot over mashed potato, rice, or pasta. Enjoy!🍝
.
Have a beautiful day!❤️
.
Cottage Cheese Meatballs with Alfredo Sauce bring a delightful twist to classic meatball recipes by incorporating cottage cheese, which adds moisture and a subtle tang, making the meatballs incredibly tender and flavorful. One key tip is to avoid over-mixing the meat mixture, as noted in the recipe, to ensure the meatballs hold their shape and maintain a light texture. Using almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs keeps the dish gluten-free and adds a subtle nutty flavor. When forming the meatballs, wetting your hands prevents sticking and helps create uniform, golf ball-sized portions that cook evenly. Pan-frying the meatballs briefly before baking helps develop a nicely browned crust, enhancing the overall flavor and texture. The Alfredo sauce, divided and layered before baking, infuses the meatballs with a creamy richness, perfectly balanced by the sharpness of freshly grated Parmesan and the gooey melted mozzarella on top. For best results, monitor the internal temperature of the meatballs so they reach 160°F, ensuring safety without overcooking. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or your favorite pasta, making it a versatile comfort meal. Additionally, leftovers can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen uncooked for two months, offering convenience for meal prep. Enhance this dish by adding fresh parsley after baking for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor. You can also customize the heat level by adjusting the red chili flakes, adding a mild kick or more intense spice according to your preference. Overall, this Cottage Cheese Meatballs with Alfredo Sauce recipe is a satisfying and comforting meal that combines the richness of Italian-inspired flavors with the nutritious benefit of cottage cheese, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping hearty lunches.
Have a lovely day to you all!❤️