10+ Meatball Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings
Meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer them as a hearty main course or a tasty appetizer, there are countless recipes to explore.
You’ll find a variety of meatball styles, each bringing a unique flavor and texture to your table.
These bite-sized treats can be made from different types of meat and combined with various spices and sauces. With the right recipe, you can easily create mouthwatering meatballs that everyone will love.
1) Classic Italian Meatballs: Beef and Pork Blend
Making classic Italian meatballs is simple and rewarding. Using a blend of ground beef and pork gives these meatballs a rich flavor and juicy texture. This mix creates a great balance that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
You will want to add fresh herbs, garlic, and some grated cheese for extra flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
These meatballs can be cooked in a skillet or baked in the oven. Both methods yield delicious results, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the beef, pork, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, and egg.
- Form into meatballs, about 1.5 inches wide.
- Place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through.
2) Spaghetti and Meatballs: Timeless comfort food
Spaghetti and meatballs are a classic meal that many people love. This dish brings together perfectly cooked pasta and flavorful meatballs in a delicious sauce. It’s a great choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.
You can customize your meatballs using different types of meat, like beef, turkey, or even plant-based options. Adding herbs and spices, such as garlic and parsley, makes the meatballs extra tasty.
The sauce is just as important. A rich tomato sauce can enhance the flavors and tie everything together. Serve your spaghetti and meatballs with some grated cheese on top for an added touch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 24 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 pound spaghetti
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in size.
- Place the meatballs on a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a pot, heat tomato sauce and add the baked meatballs.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve meatballs over spaghetti and enjoy!
3) Baked Turkey Meatballs: A lighter twist
Baked turkey meatballs are a delicious and healthier option. They are made with ground turkey, making them lower in fat than traditional meatballs. You can enjoy them without feeling guilty.
You can add spinach and feta for extra flavor and nutrients. These ingredients make your meatballs moist and tasty. They can be served with pasta, in a sub, or over a salad.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/8 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan, plus more for serving
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through.
4) Swedish Meatballs: Perfect with creamy sauce
Swedish meatballs are a classic comfort food that many enjoy. They are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. The best part is the creamy sauce that brings everything together.
To make these meatballs, you will need basic ingredients like ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices. The creamy sauce typically includes butter, flour, beef broth, and heavy cream, creating a rich topping for your meatballs.
Serve these meatballs over noodles or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. They are perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the creamy sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes until cooked through.
- In a skillet, melt butter and stir in flour until golden.
- Gradually add beef broth and heavy cream, stirring until thickened.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and serve.
5) Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs: A Plant-Based Delight
Vegetarian lentil meatballs are a tasty and healthy option for your next meal. They are packed with flavor and nutrients. Combining lentils with herbs and spices creates a hearty texture that everyone can enjoy.
To make these meatballs, you’ll blend cooked lentils with breadcrumbs, parmesan, and a few seasonings. You can serve them over pasta or as a delicious appetizer.
These meatballs are not just flexible; they’re also quick to make. In about 30 minutes, you can have a delightful dish ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, and spices.
- Form the mixture into balls.
- Place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
6) Chicken Parmesan Meatballs: Cheesy and Crispy
Chicken Parmesan meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. They offer a crispy exterior with a cheesy, gooey center that you’ll love.
To make these meatballs, combine ground chicken with Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. The mix creates a savory flavor that’s irresistible. You can bake them in marinara sauce for extra taste.
Serve the meatballs hot, topped with melted mozzarella or provolone cheese. They pair perfectly with pasta or as a standalone dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella or provolone cheese, for topping
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Place meatballs in a baking dish and cover with marinara sauce.
- Top with mozzarella or provolone cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and cheese is melted.
7) Greek Meatballs: With Mediterranean herbs
Greek meatballs, also known as keftedes, are packed with flavor. You’ll love the mix of fresh herbs such as mint, parsley, and oregano. These ingredients give the meatballs a bright taste that makes them stand out.
You can use a combination of ground beef and lamb for a rich texture. Adding spices like garlic, cumin, and cinnamon enhances the flavor even more. Don’t forget a little lemon juice for a refreshing zest.
Serve these meatballs with a side of tzatziki sauce for the perfect pairing. You can enjoy them as part of a meal or as a tasty appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- ½ pound (225g) ground lamb
- ½ cup fresh mint, chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix beef, lamb, herbs, and spices.
- Shape the mixture into small balls.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
8) Pork and Chorizo Meatballs: Spicy Kick
Pork and chorizo meatballs are full of flavor and bring a spicy kick to your table. The combination of ground pork and chorizo creates a moist and tasty meatball that everyone will love.
You can add spices such as chili powder and cumin to enhance the flavor even more. A rich tomato sauce pairs perfectly, making it a delightful dish.
These meatballs can be served as an appetizer or with pasta for a hearty meal. You might also try them in a sub sandwich with cheese and peppers for a spicy twist.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ground pork
- 8 ounces Spanish pork chorizo
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground pork, chorizo, onion, garlic, and spices.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through.
9) BBQ Meatballs: Sweet and tangy treat
BBQ meatballs are a fun and tasty dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.
They combine sweet and tangy flavors that everyone will love.
You can start with frozen meatballs for quick preparation. A simple mixture of barbecue sauce and grape jelly gives these meatballs a delicious glaze that makes them irresistible.
Serve them as an appetizer or alongside rice for a satisfying meal.
Enjoy the mix of flavors with each bite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) frozen meatballs
- 1 cup (240 mL) barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) grape jelly
Cooking Instructions
- In a slow cooker, mix the barbecue sauce and grape jelly until smooth.
- Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce mixture and stir to coat.
- Cook on high for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until meatballs are heated through.
- Stir occasionally and serve warm.
10) Lamb Kofta Meatballs: Middle Eastern spices
Lamb kofta meatballs are full of flavor thanks to a mix of Middle Eastern spices.
You’ll find warm seasonings like cumin, coriander, and allspice in these delicious meatballs. These spices give the meatballs a unique taste that will impress your family and friends.
You can add fresh herbs like parsley or mint for an extra burst of freshness. Mixing finely chopped onions into the meat helps keep the kofta juicy and flavorful.
These meatballs are easy to bake in the oven.
Serve them with hummus or yogurt sauce for a tasty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground lamb
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix the ground lamb with onion, garlic, spices, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.