10+ Recipes Using Meatballs Simple for Delicious Weeknight Dinners

Meatballs are a versatile and delicious option for home cooking that can elevate any meal. Simple meatball recipes allow you to create satisfying dishes that both you and your family will enjoy. Whether you want quick dinner ideas or fun appetizers, there are countless ways to incorporate meatballs into your menu.

From traditional Italian meatballs served with pasta to innovative flavors inspired by cuisines around the world, there’s something for everyone. Making meatballs can be straightforward, helping you spend less time in the kitchen while still serving up fantastic meals.

Classic Italian Meatballs

Classic Italian meatballs are a favorite for many people. They are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. You can enjoy them as a main dish or over a bed of pasta.

To make delicious meatballs, use a mix of ground beef and pork. This combination gives you the best taste and texture. Adding breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese makes them even better.

When cooking, you can bake them in the oven or cook them in a skillet. Baking is easy and keeps them juicy.

Ingredients

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

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the beef, pork, breadcrumbs, cheese, eggs, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
4. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until browned and cooked through.

2) Swedish Meatball Stroganoff

Swedish Meatball Stroganoff is a comforting dish that combines tender meatballs with a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

To start, you’ll need lean ground beef, soft bread crumbs, and finely chopped onion. These ingredients create the foundation for flavorful meatballs.

The sauce is made with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of Dijon mustard. This adds a rich taste that pairs well with the meatballs.

Serve your meatball stroganoff over egg noodles or rice. Both options soak up the delicious sauce nicely.

You can also customize this dish with frozen peas or green beans for added nutrition.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
2. Form into meatballs and brown in vegetable oil over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
3. Remove meatballs and set aside.
4. In the same pan, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
5. Return meatballs to the pan. Simmer until cooked through. Serve over noodles or rice.

3) BBQ Meatball Sliders

BBQ meatball sliders are a tasty and simple meal that you can whip up quickly. You only need a few ingredients. Juicy meatballs, tangy BBQ sauce, and soft rolls come together for a delicious dish.

Start by cooking the meatballs and mixing them with your favorite BBQ sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade meatballs for convenience.

Next, slice the rolls and place a meatball inside each one. You can even add cheese if you like.

These sliders are perfect for parties or family dinners. You can serve them as appetizers or a main dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked meatballs
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 8 soft slider rolls
• Optional: cheese slices

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a pan, combine the cooked meatballs with BBQ sauce.
3. Slice the rolls in half.
4. Place a meatball in each roll.
5. Add cheese if desired.
6. Bake for 10 minutes or until heated through. Enjoy!

4) Honey Garlic Meatballs

Honey garlic meatballs are a tasty and easy meal you can whip up anytime. They are sweet, sticky, and sure to please everyone at your table. You can serve them with rice or enjoy them on their own.

To make these meatballs, you will need ground meat mixed with some basic ingredients. The honey garlic sauce adds a delicious glaze that makes them extra special.

You can cook them in the oven or use a slow cooker for tender results. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a delightful dish ready to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet.
5. In a separate bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
6. Brush the sauce over the meatballs.
7. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

5) Spaghetti and Meatballs Bake

Spaghetti and meatballs bake is a delicious way to enjoy a classic dish. It combines tender meatballs with spaghetti and cheese, all baked together for a comforting meal.

You can use homemade meatballs or frozen ones if you’re short on time. Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package directions.

Then mix the cooked pasta with the meatballs and your favorite marinara sauce. Add in plenty of cheese for extra flavor.

Pour everything into a greased baking dish and sprinkle more cheese on top. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

This dish pairs nicely with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb meatballs (homemade or frozen)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions and drain.
3. In a bowl, combine spaghetti, meatballs, and marinara sauce.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
5. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.

6) Meatball Sub Casserole

Meatball Sub Casserole is a delicious and easy dish to make. It’s perfect for a quick dinner and has all the flavors of a classic meatball sub.

You start with frozen or homemade meatballs, which makes it simple. Layer them with pasta sauce, cheese, and some buttery biscuits or garlic toast on top. The result is a warm and comforting meal great for the whole family.

This recipe is also flexible. You can add your favorite vegetables or change the cheese for variety. It cooks in less than an hour, so it’s perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 1 bag frozen meatballs
• 1 jar pasta sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 can refrigerated biscuits or garlic bread
• Optional: Italian seasoning or veggies

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the meatballs in a baking dish.
3. Pour the pasta sauce over the meatballs.
4. Top with shredded cheese.
5. Place biscuits or garlic bread on top.
6. Bake for about 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

7) Teriyaki Meatball Bowls

Teriyaki meatball bowls are a simple and tasty dish that you can easily prepare on a busy weeknight. They combine juicy meatballs with a delicious teriyaki sauce, served over rice and veggies.

Start by rolling meatballs using ground pork or chicken. Mix in spices for extra flavor. Bake them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 45 minutes.

While the meatballs cook, prepare jasmine rice according to package instructions. You can also steam vegetables to add some color and nutrition.

Once the meatballs are done, toss them in a thick teriyaki glaze.

Serve your meatballs over the rice and add vegetables for a complete meal. This dish is not only quick to make but also very satisfying.

Ingredients

• Ground pork or chicken
• Soy sauce
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Jasmine rice
• Mixed vegetables
• Teriyaki sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Mix ground meat with seasonings and form into meatballs.
3. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes.
4. Cook jasmine rice according to package directions.
5. Steam or stir-fry your choice of vegetables.
6. Toss cooked meatballs in teriyaki sauce.
7. Serve meatballs over rice and top with vegetables.

8) Meatball Minestrone Soup

Meatball minestrone soup is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal. It combines tender beef meatballs with fresh vegetables in a savory broth. This soup is not only comforting, but it’s also a great way to enjoy a variety of nutrients.

You can include ingredients like carrots, celery, and zucchini, along with pasta and beans. These add flavor and texture, making each spoonful satisfying.

Serve it hot, and watch your family enjoy it. It’s easy to make and can be prepared in one pot, saving you time on cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 cup (140 g) breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups (1.4 L) beef broth
• 1 cup (100 g) ditalini pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, and egg. Form into meatballs.
2. In a pot, heat some oil and cook meatballs until browned.
3. Add chopped vegetables and cook for a few minutes.
4. Pour in tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Add pasta and simmer for about 10 minutes until pasta is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy your soup!

9) Meatball-Stuffed Peppers

Meatball-stuffed peppers are a fun and tasty dish you can easily make. They combine the goodness of meatballs with the crunch of bell peppers. This dish is not only delicious but also colorful and appealing.

To start, you can use store-bought or homemade meatballs. If you want a quick option, frozen meatballs work great. Just prepare your bell peppers by cutting off the tops and removing the seeds.

Next, fill each pepper with the meatballs and top them with your favorite tomato sauce. You can also add mozzarella cheese for a creamy finish.

Bake the peppers in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes.

These meatball-stuffed peppers make a perfect meal and are easy to customize. You can add vegetables or change the type of cheese based on your preference.

Ingredients

• Bell peppers (any color)
• Cooked meatballs
• Tomato sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
3. Fill peppers with meatballs.
4. Pour tomato sauce on top.
5. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

10) Creamy Meatball Penne

Creamy Meatball Penne is a delicious and easy dish. You’ll love how the flavorful meatballs complement the creamy sauce and tender penne pasta. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner.

Start by cooking your meatballs. You can use store-bought or make your own from ground beef or turkey. While the meatballs are cooking, prepare your sauce.

Combine pasta sauce, heavy cream, and seasonings like garlic and Italian herbs.

Once your sauce is ready, add the cooked penne pasta. Stir in the meatballs and let everything simmer together. This will help the flavors blend.

Serve your Creamy Meatball Penne hot. It’s a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 pound meatballs (beef or turkey)
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 cup pasta sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until they’re done.
2. In a separate pot, cook the penne according to package instructions.
3. In a large pan, combine pasta sauce, heavy cream, garlic, and herbs.
4. Add the cooked penne and meatballs to the sauce, then stir gently.
5. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, then serve. Enjoy!