15 Meatball Recipes to Savor and Share

Meatballs are a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer them simmered in sauce, served on spaghetti, or as part of a hearty stew, there’s a meatball recipe for everyone. You can easily find a recipe that fits your taste and cooking style.

From traditional Italian recipes to creative twists that include unique ingredients, exploring meatball recipes can be a fun culinary adventure. You can experiment with different meats, flavors, and cooking methods to create the perfect meatball dish for your next meal.

1) Classic Spaghetti Meatballs

Classic spaghetti and meatballs is a comforting dish that many love. The juicy meatballs combined with spaghetti in marinara sauce makes for a satisfying meal.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and spices for the meatballs. Cooking them in your favorite tomato sauce adds rich flavor.

Cook spaghetti in salted, boiling water. While the pasta cooks, heat the meatballs in the sauce. Once everything is ready, plate your spaghetti and top it with meatballs and sauce.

A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add a nice touch.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 12 ounces spaghetti
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Shape into meatballs and bake for 20 minutes.
4. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
5. Heat sauce in a saucepan and add meatballs.
6. Serve meatballs over spaghetti and top with cheese, if desired.

2) Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce

Swedish meatballs are a delicious comfort food. They are usually served with a creamy sauce that enhances their flavor. You can make them using a mix of ground beef and pork for the best texture.

To create the sauce, you’ll need butter, flour, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients combine to make a rich, creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the meatballs.

When preparing the meatballs, season with spices like allspice and nutmeg for authentic taste. You can serve these meatballs with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Soak the bread crumbs in milk for 10 minutes.
3. Mix the soaked bread crumbs with beef, pork, onion, egg, salt, and pepper.
4. Form meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, make the sauce in a saucepan by melting butter and adding flour.
7. Gradually stir in beef broth, then heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce.
8. Simmer until thickened and add the cooked meatballs to the sauce.
9. Serve warm.

3) Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini

Turkey meatballs with zucchini are a delicious and healthy choice for dinner. They are easy to make and packed with flavor, perfect for families.

To make these meatballs, you’ll combine ground turkey with grated zucchini. This adds moisture and nutrients while keeping the meatballs tender. You can serve them with pasta or use them in a meatball sandwich.

These meatballs cook well in the oven. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. You’ll love how simple and tasty they are!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup grated zucchini
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground turkey, grated zucchini, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.

4) Italian Wedding Soup Meatballs

Italian Wedding Soup features delicious meatballs that add flavor and heartiness to the dish. These meatballs are small, tender, and packed with flavor. You can use a mix of ground beef and sausage for extra taste.

To prepare the meatballs, combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and spices. This mix creates a solid texture and rich flavor. Roll them into small balls, about half an inch in diameter.

You can bake the meatballs at 450°F (230°C) for about 15 minutes or until they are cooked through. Once done, add them to your soup with broth, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

5) BBQ Glazed Meatballs

BBQ glazed meatballs are a tasty treat that everyone loves. They’re perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce adds a delicious flavor to the tender meatballs.

To make these meatballs, you can use ground beef along with onions and oatmeal for texture. Mixing ketchup, brown sugar, and garlic creates a delightful glaze.

These meatballs bake at 350°F (175°C) until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (72°C).

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup oatmeal
• 1 egg
• 1 cup ketchup
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, onion, oatmeal, and egg.
3. Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs.
4. In another bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, and liquid smoke.
5. Place the meatballs in a baking dish and pour the sauce over them.
6. Bake uncovered for 1 hour or until cooked through.

6) Ginger Meatballs with Sesame Broccoli

Ginger meatballs with sesame broccoli make for a tasty and easy dinner. The combination of flavors gives a twist to the classic meatball dish. You can serve them over rice for a complete meal.

For the meatballs, you will use ground meat mixed with ginger, garlic, and seasoning. Cooking these in a skillet adds a nice golden color. While the meatballs cook, prepare the broccoli with a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor.

This dish is great for a cozy family meal or a fun appetizer at gatherings. Your guests will love the tasty blend of ginger and sesame.

Ingredients

• Ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• Fresh ginger
• Garlic
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Broccoli
• Rice (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Mix the ground meat with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
3. Form meatballs and cook them in the skillet until browned.
4. Steam or stir-fry broccoli; drizzle with sesame oil.
5. Serve meatballs with broccoli over rice if desired.

7) Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

Cheese-stuffed meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic recipe. The surprise of molten cheese in the center makes them extra delightful. You can use various types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for different flavors.

To start, mix your ground meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings in a bowl. Form a small ball and place a cube of cheese in the middle. Seal it up and roll it into a smooth ball.

Cook the meatballs by baking them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. This gets them nice and brown while keeping the cheese melted and gooey in the center. They’re perfect for pasta, subs, or just on their own!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup cheese (mozzarella or your choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings.
3. Take a small portion and add a cheese cube in the center.
4. Roll it into a ball, ensuring the cheese is sealed inside.
5. Place on a baking sheet and cook for 20-25 minutes.

8) Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs

Vegetarian lentil meatballs are a tasty and healthy choice. They offer a great texture and flavor that works well in many dishes. You can easily make them with just a few simple ingredients.

To start, cook some lentils and mash them up. Mix in breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices to add flavor. You can also add some grated cheese for extra richness if you like.

Shape the mixture into balls and bake them. You can cook them at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes until they are golden brown.

These meatballs pair perfectly with pasta, in a sub, or even as a snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mash the cooked lentils.
3. Mix in breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic powder, and seasoning.
4. Shape the mixture into meatballs.
5. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.

9) Lamb Meatballs with Mint

Lamb meatballs with mint are a delicious blend of flavors. The rich taste of lamb pairs perfectly with fresh mint, creating a refreshing dish. You can enjoy these meatballs as an appetizer or a main course.

For this recipe, you will need ground lamb, fresh mint, garlic, onions, and spices like cumin and paprika. These ingredients create a flavorful and juicy meatball.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground lamb
• 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1 onion, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground lamb, mint, onion, garlic, and spices.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Enjoy!

10) Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

Teriyaki chicken meatballs are a tasty and easy dish to make. They’re perfect for busy nights or fun gatherings. The sweet and savory sauce makes them a crowd-pleaser.

To start, combine ground chicken with panko breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, and seasonings. This mixture keeps the meatballs juicy and flavorful. You can adjust the flavors to suit your taste.

Once the meatballs are shaped, bake them at 400°F (200°C) until they are cooked through.

Serve these meatballs with rice or on skewers for a fun appetizer. You can also pack them for lunch in your bento box.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the ground chicken, panko, egg, green onions, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs.
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
6. Drizzle with additional teriyaki sauce before serving.

11) Spicy Chorizo Meatballs

Spicy chorizo meatballs are packed with flavor and easy to make. These meatballs mix beef with chorizo for a delicious twist. They are perfect as an appetizer or a main dish.

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

In a large bowl, combine 10 ounces of beef chorizo, 1 pound of ground beef, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, and 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Add in 1 large egg, 1 cup diced white onion, 1 tablespoon salt, and 2 teaspoons ground black pepper.

Form the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.

Ingredients

• 10 ounces beef chorizo
• 1 pound ground beef
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup diced white onion
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs.
4. Place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

12) Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Buffalo chicken meatballs are a tasty twist on a classic dish. They are perfect for parties or game day. These meatballs pack a spicy kick that many love.

To make them, you will need ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and some hot sauce. Mixing in celery adds crunch. The egg helps hold everything together.

For cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).

Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes until they are cooked through.

They can be served with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko is great)
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs.
4. Place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until cooked through.

13) Moroccan Spiced Meatballs

Moroccan spiced meatballs are a flavorful twist on a classic dish. These meatballs are made with ground beef or lamb mixed with a blend of spices like paprika, cumin, and coriander.

You can customize them with herbs like parsley and cilantro for added freshness. Mixing in grated onion gives the meatballs a juicy texture.

Serve these delicious meatballs in a fresh tomato sauce. Pair them with couscous or rice for a filling meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, grated
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups tomato sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, parsley, cilantro, and spices.
2. Mix well and shape into meatballs, about 1¼ inches in diameter.
3. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
4. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes.
5. Add the tomato sauce and simmer for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

14) Asian Pork Meatballs

Asian pork meatballs are a delicious and easy dish to prepare. They’re packed with flavor and can be served in various ways. You can enjoy them in rice bowls, noodle dishes, or as bite-sized appetizers.

To make your meatballs, you’ll start with ground pork. Adding ingredients like ginger, garlic, and soy sauce brings out an amazing flavor. Mixing in breadcrumbs helps the meatballs hold together.

These meatballs cook quickly. You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. For a different twist, try air frying them for a crispy texture.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons minced ginger
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients.
3. Form the mixture into small balls.
4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

15) Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki

You can make delicious Greek meatballs that are full of flavor. These meatballs use ground beef, but you can also try ground turkey or lamb for different tastes. Adding fresh herbs makes them even better.

To enjoy your meatballs, serve them with tzatziki sauce. This cool sauce is made from yogurt, cucumber, and garlic. It pairs perfectly with the warm meatballs.

You can bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until they are cooked through. This recipe is great for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, grated
• 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Ingredients for tzatziki sauce: 1 cup (240 g) yogurt, 1/2 cucumber, grated, 1 clove garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix ground meat, panko, grated onion, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs.
4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. While they bake, mix the tzatziki ingredients together.
7. Serve meatballs with tzatziki sauce.
8. Enjoy!