10+ Meatball Recipes for Every Occasion

10+ Meatball Recipes for Every Occasion

Meatballs are a beloved dish enjoyed by many around the world. They can be served in various ways, making them a versatile option for any meal.

You can create delicious meatballs at home using easy recipes that suit your taste and occasion.

A steaming pot of marinara sauce with sizzling meatballs and fresh herbs on a rustic wooden table

From classic Italian flavors to quick and simple versions, there is a meatball recipe for everyone. Whether you’re preparing a comforting spaghetti dinner or looking for appetizers for a gathering, these recipes will help you impress your family and friends.

Enjoy the satisfaction of cooking your own savory meatballs!

1) Classic Italian Meatballs

A rustic wooden table with a checkered tablecloth, adorned with a platter of classic Italian meatballs, surrounded by fresh herbs and a bowl of marinara sauce

Classic Italian meatballs are a delicious dish you can easily make at home. They are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. A mix of ground beef and pork gives them a nice texture.

Fresh parsley and garlic add a wonderful taste, while grated cheese enhances their richness.

These meatballs can be served with spaghetti, in a sub sandwich, or on their own with marinara sauce. Enjoying them with a sprinkle of parsley can elevate the dish even more.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until combined.
  3. Shape into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
  4. Place on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through.

2) Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

A plate of Swedish meatballs in rich gravy, garnished with parsley, served with a side of lingonberry sauce and buttery mashed potatoes

Swedish meatballs with gravy are comforting and delicious. These meatballs are tender and juicy, packed with flavor. They are perfect served over noodles or mashed potatoes.

To make these meatballs, you will need ground beef and pork. A blend of these meats gives the best texture.

The gravy is creamy and rich, making the meal feel special.

You can serve these meatballs with lingonberry jam for a traditional touch. The sweet and tart flavor pairs well with the savory meatballs.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ pound ground pork
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, beef, pork, onion, egg, salt, and pepper.
  3. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
  4. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  5. Brown meatballs on all sides.
  6. Transfer browned meatballs to a baking dish.
  7. Bake for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
  8. Serve with gravy and enjoy!

3) Spicy Asian Meatballs

A sizzling skillet of spicy Asian meatballs surrounded by vibrant green herbs and colorful spices

Spicy Asian meatballs are a tasty twist on a classic dish. They combine ground pork with fresh herbs and spices, giving them a unique flavor.

You will love the heat from the red pepper flakes and the savory taste from the garlic and fish sauce.

To make these meatballs, mix the ingredients well, then form them into small balls. Bake them in the oven for about 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until they are cooked through.

Serve your spicy Asian meatballs with a dipping sauce or over rice for a delicious meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Thai basil, chopped
  • 2 scallions, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce

Cooking Instructions:

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

4) Chicken and Herb Meatballs

A platter of golden brown chicken and herb meatballs surrounded by fresh herbs and spices

Chicken and herb meatballs are a delicious option for dinner. They are tender and packed with flavor from fresh herbs. You can serve them with pasta, on a sub, or even on their own.

To make these meatballs, you’ll need ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and various herbs like parsley and basil. Mixing in some garlic and onion adds even more taste.

Cooking these meatballs is simple. You can bake them in the oven or pan-fry them on the stove for a crispy outer layer.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together.
  3. Form the mixture into small balls.
  4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through.

5) Creamy Italian Meatballs

A platter of creamy Italian meatballs surrounded by fresh herbs and spices

Creamy Italian meatballs are a delicious comfort food that you will love. These meatballs are tender and packed with flavor. They are cooked in a rich, creamy sauce that makes each bite satisfying.

To make this dish, you can use beef, pork, or a mix of meats. Combining ground meats enhances the taste and texture.

You can serve these meatballs with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cream or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper.
  3. Form the mixture into meatballs.
  4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
  5. In a pan, combine cream, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  6. Add baked meatballs to the cream sauce.
  7. Simmer for 10 minutes and serve hot.

6) Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs

A wooden cutting board with assorted ingredients: lentils, onions, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs. A bowl of mixed ingredients and a spoon

If you’re looking for a delicious plant-based option, vegetarian lentil meatballs are a fantastic choice. They are easy to make and packed with flavor. You can enjoy them with pasta, on their own, or in a sub.

These meatballs are made primarily with lentils, which provide a great source of protein. You might add herbs and spices like garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning to enhance their taste. A little bit of cheese can also give them a nice creaminess if you like.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup dried brown lentils (or 2 cups cooked/canned lentils)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Italian seasoning
  • Optional: Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the lentils in boiling water until tender, about 20 minutes.
  3. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
  4. Combine lentils, onion, garlic, and seasonings in a bowl.
  5. Form the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes, turning halfway through. Enjoy!

7) Baked Turkey Meatballs

A platter of golden baked turkey meatballs with fresh herbs and spices

Baked turkey meatballs are a tasty and healthy option for dinner. They are juicy and packed with flavor, making them a hit for everyone at the table.

To start, gather your ingredients, including ground turkey, bread crumbs, and your favorite herbs. You can even add some cheese for extra flavor.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape your mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.

Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are lightly browned. Pair them with pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix ground turkey, bread crumbs, cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  3. Shape the mixture into meatballs.
  4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.

8) BBQ Meatballs

A platter of BBQ meatballs sizzling on a grill, surrounded by skewers, spices, and a smoky haze in the background

BBQ meatballs are a tasty treat that’s easy to make. You can prepare them in the oven or a slow cooker. The sweet and tangy BBQ sauce gives them great flavor.

To make these meatballs, you will need ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices. You can also mix in other ingredients like onion or garlic for extra taste.

Bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. If you use a slow cooker, cook them on low for 4 hours.

Serve your BBQ meatballs as an appetizer or a main dish. They pair well with rice or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon onion, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, onion, salt, and pepper.
  3. Shape the mixture into small balls.
  4. Place meatballs on a baking dish.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes.
  6. For a slow cooker, cook on low for 4 hours.
  7. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on top.

9) Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

A platter of golden-brown cheese-stuffed meatballs surrounded by fresh herbs and sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese

Cheese-stuffed meatballs are a delightful twist on the classic recipe. The gooey, melted cheese in the center adds a wonderful surprise to each bite.

You can use mozzarella or other cheese varieties based on your taste. These meatballs are perfect for a family dinner or a fun party dish.

To make them, combine ground meat with breadcrumbs and seasoning. Shape the mixture around a chunk of cheese and bake them until golden.

They pair well with pasta or can be enjoyed on their own with a dipping sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef or pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper.
  3. Take a small amount of the mixture and flatten it in your hand.
  4. Place a cheese cube in the center and shape the meat around it.
  5. Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through and golden.

10) Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki

A platter of Greek meatballs with a side of tzatziki sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, sits on a rustic wooden table

Greek meatballs, also known as keftedes, are a delicious and flavorful dish. They are made with ground meat, herbs, and spices, then baked for a tasty and healthy meal. Pair them with tzatziki sauce for a refreshing touch.

You can use ground beef, lamb, or turkey for these meatballs. Mix in garlic, onion, and fresh herbs like parsley and mint to boost the flavor.

Baking the meatballs gives them a nice texture and keeps them juicy.

For the tzatziki, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. This cool sauce complements the warm meatballs perfectly.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) ground meat (beef, lamb, or turkey)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cucumber, grated
  • 1 tsp dill

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the ground meat, garlic, onion, parsley, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
  4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
  6. For tzatziki, mix yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill in a separate bowl.
  7. Serve meatballs with tzatziki sauce.
  8. Enjoy!

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