There’s something truly special about a meal that’s both elegant and simple to make. These Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Meatballs are exactly that kind of meal. Tender meatballs are simmered in a rich, buttery garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach—it’s Tuscan comfort at its best. This is the kind of dish that feels special enough for a date night, but it’s so easy to make that it’s perfect for a busy weeknight.

I’ve been on a mission to find the best one-pan dinners, and this one is at the top of my list. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the best part is that all the ingredients cook together in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and more time to enjoy your dinner. The process of browning the meatballs first, and then letting them simmer in the rich cream sauce, is what makes this dish so incredibly flavorful.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a perfect blend of classic Italian flavors and a modern, one-pan technique. The meatballs are made with a few simple ingredients and seasoned perfectly, creating a juicy and tender meatball that holds its shape. The star of the show is the creamy garlic butter sauce, which is made with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s a rich, savory, and deeply flavorful sauce that coats every single bite. It’s a fantastic recipe for a weeknight because it’s so easy to throw together, but it feels special enough to serve on a weekend.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the sauce)
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Swaps and Notes

• Ground Meat: Lean ground beef is perfect for this recipe. You can also use a mix of ground beef and pork for a richer flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs also work great here. They give the meatballs a slightly lighter texture.
• Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt and taste much better than the pre-grated kind.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor. Just be sure to drain them well before chopping.
• Veggies: You can add other vegetables to the pan, like mushrooms or bell peppers, for a more complete meal.
• Herbs: Fresh basil is a perfect garnish for this dish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Meatballs

1. Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 12 meatballs.
2. Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté 4 cloves minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Finish the Dish: Return the meatballs to the skillet. Add the fresh spinach and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the meatballs are cooked through.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Mixing the meatball mixture too much can make them tough. Mix until the ingredients are just incorporated.
• Sear for Flavor: Browning the meatballs first is crucial. This develops a deep, savory flavor that is the foundation of the entire dish.
• Use a Good Skillet: A large, oven-safe skillet or a Dutch oven is perfect for this recipe.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These creamy Tuscan meatballs are fantastic served over a bed of pasta, like fettuccine or penne, or with some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. They’re also great with a side of steamed vegetables. For other great comforting meals, my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce or a hearty Instant Pot Lasagna would be a perfect match.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers are delicious! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. You might need to add a splash of broth or cream to thin out the sauce a bit.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of easy, delicious, and one-pan meals, you’ll want to check out some of these other favorites:

• For a great one-pan dinner, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is always a winner.
• For a different kind of one-pan comfort food, my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is a must-try.
• If you need to feed a crowd fast, these Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter are a lifesaver.

Final Thoughts

These Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Meatballs are a recipe that proves a great meal doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a simple, delicious, and deeply satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner. I hope it becomes a new favorite in your home.

If you make this dish, I’d love to hear about it! What’s your go-to one-pan dinner? Let me know in the comments below.