Anna’s Amazing Easy Peasy Meatballs Over Buttered Noodles: A Comfort Food Classic

This recipe for Anna’s Amazing Easy Peasy Meatballs over Buttered Noodles is a culinary hug – a comforting, satisfying, and incredibly simple dish perfect for busy weeknights or when you just need a little taste of home. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, simmered in a light and savory sauce, and served over perfectly buttered noodles. This is truly a recipe the whole family will love.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely have most, if not all, of these ingredients already in your pantry and refrigerator.
* **Quick Preparation:** From start to finish, this dish can be on the table in under an hour.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the seasonings and sauce ingredients to your liking. Add vegetables to the sauce for extra nutrients.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The mild flavors and familiar texture make this a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Leftover meatballs and sauce freeze beautifully, making this a great option for meal prepping.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Meatballs:

* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor and moisture)
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 tablespoon dried parsley
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

### For the Sauce:

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
* 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

### For the Noodles:

* 1 pound egg noodles
* 4 tablespoons butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until just combined.

### 2. Form the Meatballs

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking.

**Pro Tip:** Wet your hands with cold water before forming the meatballs. This will help prevent the meat from sticking to your hands and make the process easier.

### 3. Brown the Meatballs (Optional, but Recommended)

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them occasionally with tongs. This step adds a delicious depth of flavor to the meatballs and helps them hold their shape while simmering in the sauce.

**Important:** The meatballs do not need to be fully cooked at this stage. They will finish cooking in the sauce.

### 4. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet (or a large pot), heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

### 5. Build the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer.

### 6. Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce

Gently add the browned meatballs to the simmering sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet or pot, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer the meatballs simmer, the more flavorful and tender they will become.

**Tip:** If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth or water to thin it out.

### 7. Cook the Noodles

While the meatballs are simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain the noodles and return them to the pot.

### 8. Butter the Noodles

Add the butter to the drained noodles and toss until the butter is melted and the noodles are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

### 9. Assemble and Serve

To serve, spoon a generous portion of buttered noodles onto each plate. Top with several meatballs and a ladleful of sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Meat:** You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or a mixture of ground beef and ground pork for the meatballs.
* **Breadcrumbs:** Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers if needed.
* **Cheese:** Use Pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan cheese for a sharper flavor.
* **Vegetables:** Add chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
* **Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Herbs:** Use fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley in the sauce for a more vibrant flavor.
* **Sauce:** For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese at the end of the simmering time.
* **Noodles:** Use your favorite type of pasta instead of egg noodles, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overmix the Meatballs:** Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
* **Brown the Meatballs (If Possible):** Browning the meatballs adds a delicious depth of flavor and helps them hold their shape while simmering in the sauce. While this step is optional, it is highly recommended.
* **Simmer the Sauce Low and Slow:** Simmering the sauce for a longer period of time allows the flavors to meld together and creates a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and meatballs throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
* **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** Cook the noodles al dente, or slightly firm to the bite, to prevent them from becoming mushy.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with a side of warm garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or Caesar salad is a great complement to this hearty dish.
* **Vegetables:** Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus, add a healthy side to the meal.
* **Wine:** A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, pairs well with this dish.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store cooked noodles separately.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Reheat the noodles in the microwave or in a saucepan with a little butter or olive oil.
* **Freezing:** Freeze leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

Yes, you can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Cook the noodles just before serving.

**Can I use frozen meatballs?**

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs in this recipe. Simply add them to the sauce and simmer until heated through.

**Can I add vegetables to the sauce?**

Yes, you can add chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.

**Can I make this recipe gluten-free?**

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free pasta.

**Can I make this recipe dairy-free?**

Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by omitting the Parmesan cheese in the meatballs and using a dairy-free butter substitute for the noodles.

## Recipe Card

**Anna’s Amazing Easy Peasy Meatballs Over Buttered Noodles**

A comforting and easy recipe for tender meatballs simmered in a savory sauce, served over perfectly buttered noodles.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour
**Servings:** 6-8

### Ingredients:

#### For the Meatballs:

* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 tablespoon dried parsley
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

#### For the Sauce:

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
* 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)

#### For the Noodles:

* 1 pound egg noodles
* 4 tablespoons butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

### Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Meatball Mixture:** In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. **Form the Meatballs:** Form the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. **Brown the Meatballs (Optional):** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
5. **Build the Sauce:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer.
6. **Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce:** Add the browned meatballs to the simmering sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. **Cook the Noodles:** While the meatballs are simmering, cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain the noodles.
8. **Butter the Noodles:** Add the butter to the drained noodles and toss until melted and evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper.
9. **Assemble and Serve:** Spoon buttered noodles onto plates. Top with meatballs and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

Enjoy this delightful recipe for Anna’s Amazing Easy Peasy Meatballs over Buttered Noodles! It’s a surefire way to bring smiles to your dinner table.