10 Mouthwatering Meatball Recipes
Mouthwatering Meatball Recipes – So few foods can top a tender, juicy meatball. Your choice of meat and a flavorful sauce to match make for a supper to celebrate, any day of the week. And besides being delicious, meatball recipes are super easy to make – amateur cooks, get ready to impress your dinner guests!
Seriously, there are so many reasons to love meatballs. But one thing I especially appreciate about them is how versatile they are. You can use all kinds of meat, glaze them, or simmer them in a sauce. Then serve them over rice, pasta, or potatoes, your choice.
In these 10 meatball recipes, you’ll find some of my favorite ways to prepare them, and let me tell you, keeping this list to 10 was no easy task!
FAQs
Breadcrumbs bind the meatballs together, so they don’t fall apart. But there are several alternatives. Cracker or pretzel crumbs, crushed unsweetened cornflakes, or rolled oats will all work in the place of breadcrumbs. You can also try making meatballs with just eggs as a binder. While they’re meatier, some people prefer them that way.
I think the best meatballs contain breadcrumbs, which give them a unique texture and lightness that is just so good. Another secret is in the sauce. Simmering meatballs in a really tasty sauce will make them extra flavorful and delicious.
Totally up to you! Pan-frying meatballs is a little faster, but baked meatballs can save you a few calories. Let me just say, though, I vote to fry them. Fried meatballs taste so good; they’re worth a few extra calories. 😋
The Mouthwatering Meatball Recipes
1. Porcupine Meatballs
This classic meatball recipe gets its name from the rice “spines” incorporated into the ground beef mixture, which gives the meatballs a porcupine look. (Although, honestly, you may have to use your imagination a little to see the resemblance. 😆) These meatballs are so hearty and filling, and they’re ready in just an hour.
Porcupine meatballs are delicious over rice or pasta with a side of Caesar salad or parmesan-crusted baked asparagus. Don’t forget to serve fresh home-baked bread, like my easy dinner rolls.
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. Just reheat them when you’re ready for seconds.
2. Swedish Meatballs
In my spin on an IKEA classic, you can enjoy these delicious, spiced meatballs from the comfort of your dining room without running the risk of bringing home a few new home décor items you didn’t really need. 😂 This meatball recipe is so super easy to make, and the flavors are pretty unique – the perfect dish for when you need to spice up your weeknight menu routine.
Swedish meatballs are absolutely divine served over a bed of egg noodles or alongside some garlic mashed potatoes. Definitely serve these with some easy dinner rolls (because, believe me, you’re going to want something to mop up the sauce with) and a dollop of lingonberry jam.
Store leftover Swedish meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for 3-4 days. You can also save some time by freezing uncooked meatballs for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to make this recipe, just let them thaw out in the fridge the day before.
3. Baked Meatballs
Ok, so I may be partial to fried meatballs, but these baked meatballs are still amazing. Herbs, spices, and grated cheese baked into beautifully browned little balls of goodness make this one of my go-to weeknight recipes.
These meatballs are so perfect for spaghetti and meatballs. They also pair well with hearty sides like mashed sweet potatoes or cream cheese mashed potatoes. And I like to serve them with a refreshing wedge salad!
Leftover baked meatballs can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You could also freeze them for up to 6 months, for those days when you need something quick and easy to make for dinner.
4. African Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Tired of regular old spaghetti and meatballs? Then try this flavor-packed African meatball recipe instead. Loads of tasty spices, including thyme, hot pepper, white pepper, parsley, and garlic, make these meatballs in tomato sauce a real winner.
I love to serve these meatballs over pasta, personally. And I always make some bread to go with them. Dinner rolls or homemade garlic bread are two excellent options.
Store leftover African meatballs in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
5. Pineapple-Glazed Meatballs
Juicy and bursting with so much flavor, these pineapple-glazed meatballs always get rave reviews. These are quick and easy to make, and you can whip up a big batch in no time if you need to feed a crowd. They’re also baked, so you can enjoy them guilt-free.
Serve these meatballs individually using toothpicks and use the sauce for dipping. These make for a great appetizer and pair well with other finger foods, such as deviled eggs, fried pickles, and little smokies.
Store pineapple glazed meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for 3-4 days.
6. Chicken Meatball Soup
Even a picky eater will love this hearty soup. Spices, veggies, and a hot broth accompany the chicken meatball recipe beautifully. It’s the perfect dish for lunch or dinner and works especially well on a chilly day.
Serve this soup with warm seasoned rice and some fresh potato bread rolls. You could also make a side salad to go with. I enjoy this soup with a basic tossed salad myself.
Store chicken meatball soup in the fridge in an airtight container. Eat it up in 4 days or less. It’s super easy to reheat on the stovetop.
7. Lamb Meatballs with Herb Yogurt Sauce
These lamb meatballs are perfect as an entrée or an appetizer. The herbed yogurt sauce is tangy and creates the perfect balance of flavor with the lamb meat. Did I mention these bad boys are also stuffed with feta cheese?
These meatballs are so delicious with other Mediterranean-style dishes. I love to pair them with a Mediterranean chickpea salad and pita bread with hummus
Leftover lamb meatballs can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. The same goes for the yogurt sauce; just be sure to store the sauce and meatballs in separate, airtight containers.
8. Sweet and Spicy Party Meatballs
It only takes a few basic ingredients to make this super addictive meatball recipe. The balance of sweet and spicy flavors atop a hearty meatball will keep your family or your dinner guests coming back for more. That’s why these meatballs are my go-to appetizer when I need one to take to a party.
Serve these meatballs with other popular appetizers. I love to serve them together with beer-battered onion rings, spicy sausage rolls, and fondant potatoes.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days.
9. BBQ Meatballs
These aren’t your average BBQ meatballs, folks. These so delicious meatballs are made with ground turkey and feature the most amazing homemade barbecue sauce you’ve ever tasted. Think classic barbecue taste turned up a notch with spices, pineapple, and a touch of molasses.
These BBQ meatballs are delicious over a bed of warm white rice or alongside some garlic mashed potatoes, but they also make great appetizers. You could serve them with ham and cheese sliders and Southern cheese straws for a one-of-a-kind pre-grill-out appetizer bar.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll keep for 3-4 days.
10. Slow Cooker/Instant Pot Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Simple and flavorful, this cheesy meatball recipe is super easy to make, thanks to my good friend, the slow cooker. You can also make this meatball recipe super low carb without compromising the flavor. This recipe is one you’re going to keep coming back to.
In keeping with the low-carb theme, you could serve these meatballs over zucchini noodles or riced cauliflower. They would be so fabulous over a bed of pasta if you aren’t worried about your carb intake, too. I also like to balance these hearty, cheesy meatballs with a light salad like pea salad or kale salad.
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat leftovers in the oven or stovetop, with plenty of sauce to simmer in.
