Go Back

5) Buttered Noodles with Tiny Meatballs

Small matters here. Full-size meatballs on a picky kid's plate can feel like a confrontation. Make them tiny, around half an inch, and suddenly they're fun instead of threatening. The noodles stay buttery and familiar underneath, and the meatballs read more like a topping than a whole new dinner.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz egg noodles
  • 1 tbsp butter for noodles
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp oil for frying
  • Extra butter for serving optional

Method
 

  1. Boil noodles until tender, drain, then toss with 1 tbsp butter and set aside.
  2. Mix meat, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl.
  3. Roll mixture into tiny 1/2-inch meatballs.
  4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs, turning, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Add meatballs to the noodles and toss gently. Add extra butter if kids want it saucier.