100 Best Meatball Recipes

March 03, 2017
Annabelle Breakey
Meatballs are the easiest way to add protein to almost any dish. These meatball recipes start from scratch or from frozen to help you get dinner on the table in no time. From meatball soup recipes to meatball sandwich recipes, these easy weeknight dinners are loaded with flavor. Try adding meatballs to salads or stuffing them into pitas for a quick work lunch. 
Start Slideshow

1 of 101

Meatballs in Brussels Sprout Cups

Photo: Andrew Thomas Lee; Styling: Kaitlyn Du Ross    
Meatballs in Brussels Sprout Cups Recipe
Friends will love the ingenuity of Meatballs in Brussels Sprout Cups. Little meatballs are cradled in Brussels sprout cups for a clever seasonal appetizer.
Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 101

Turkey Meatball Stroganoff

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell 
Turkey Meatball Stroganoff Recipe
Frozen meatballs and the slow cooker make getting a home-cooked comfort meal of Turkey Meatball Stroganoff on the table super easy.

3 of 101

Lemon, Orzo, and Meatball Soup

Photo: Melina Hammer; Styling: Buffy Hargett
Lemon, Orzo, and Meatball Soup Recipe
Lemon, Orzo, and Meatball Soup is our hearty twist on chicken noodle soup, featuring small grains of orzo pasta and savory chicken meatballs.
Advertisement

4 of 101

Meatball Calzones

Photo: Kate Sears, Food Styling: Paul Grimes
Meatball Calzones Recipe
Premade pizza dough offers a shortcut to hearty Meatball Calzones.

5 of 101

Korean Meatballs

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr
Korean Meatballs Recipe
The hallmarks of Korean cuisine are garlicky, salty, and sweet flavors, so our essential ingredients here are garlic, lower-sodium soy sauce, and brown sugar. Serve the meatballs with store-bought kimchi and Quick Pickled Cucumbers to add characteristic heat and tang to the meal.

6 of 101

Chicken Meatball and Greens Soup

Photo: Mark Thomas; Styling: Gerri Williams
Chicken Meatball and Greens Soup Recipe
Full of meatballs, pasta, and kale, a bowlful of Chicken Meatball and Greens Soup is a welcome on a wintry evening.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 101

Turkey Meatball Subs

Photo: Antonis Achilleos
Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe
Kids will love when homemade Turkey Meatball Subs are on the dinner menu.

8 of 101

Herbed Cocktail Meatballs with Chunky Tomato Sauce

Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Styling: Gerri Williams
Herbed Cocktail Meatballs with Chunky Tomato Sauce Recipe
Crackers add a buttery bite to Herbed Cocktail Meatballs with Chunky Tomato Sauce. Serve meatballs as an appetizer or with your favorite pasta noodles.

9 of 101

Country-Style Spaghetti

Country-Style Spaghetti Recipe
Make traditional spaghetti and meatballs in a flash by taking a shortcut with frozen meatballs and an easy sauce of canned tomatoes, tomato paste and dried herbs.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 101

Tangy Cranberry Meatballs

Gooseberry Patch
Tangy Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
A fun alternative to traditional meatballs, this Tangy Cranberry Meatball recipe is a great option for parties or as an appetizer.

11 of 101

Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Meatballs)

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford
Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Meatballs) Recipe
These meatballs make a terrific party snack. Look for flat skewers at Asian markets, or use two skewers for each group of meatballs so they'll turn easier.

12 of 101

Mini Turkey Meatballs with Wagon Wheel Pasta

Photo: Oxmoor House
Mini Turkey Meatballs with Wagon Wheel Pasta Recipe
Put a twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs with this to-die-for dish. Turkey meatballs and fun wagon wheel pasta sprinkled with fresh Parmesan cheese is the perfect combination for any pasta lover.

 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 101

Meatballs with Tomato Ragu and Creamy Polenta

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller 
Meatballs with Tomato Ragu and Creamy Polenta Recipe
Baking the meatballs sets their shape so they'll stay whole when simmered in the tomato sauce.

14 of 101

Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs Recipe

These too-easy Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs are the perfect appetizer for your next party. Meatballs may be thoroughly cooked without sauce and frozen. Thaw and reheat with sauce.

15 of 101

Vietnamese Herb Salad

Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Jeffrey Larsen
Vietnamese Herb Salad Recipe

Serve this herb- and veggie-filled Vietnamese-style salad with Turkey Meatballs. 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 101

Cranberry Meatlballs

Oxmoor House
Cranberry Meatlballs Recipe
Cranberries are a holiday twist on the grape jelly version of these cocktail meatballs!

17 of 101

Union Hotel Grand Meatballs

James Carrier
Union Hotel Grand Meatballs Recipe
Notes: These savory meatballs complement either of our spaghetti sauces.

18 of 101

Greek Pasta with Meatballs

Oxmoor House
Greek Pasta with Meatballs Recipe
This take-off on spaghetti and meatballs uses rice-shaped pasta, ground lamb, and feta cheese. Some kids may prefer a milder cheese such as shredded mozzarella. Break apart the meatballs before serving to younger children to make the meatballs easier to eat.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 101

Italian Meatball Sliders

Photo: Johnny Autry and Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr and Leigh Ann Ross
Italian Meatball Sliders Recipe
Skip the pasta and try Italian meatball sliders instead. Best of all, you can make the meatballs ahead and freeze them for a quick meal on busy nights.

20 of 101

Garden Tomato Sauce over Pasta

Photo: Dhanraj Emanuel; Styling: Buffy Hargett
Garden Tomato Sauce over Pasta Recipe
We love this sauce as a meatless meal over hearty pasta. Or try it in lasagna or a meatball sub.

21 of 101

Spaghetti with Meatballs

James Carrier
Spaghetti with Meatballs Recipe
Homemade meatballs add rich flavor to a simple pasta night. Serve meatballs and spaghetti with a crisp green salad.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 101

Lamb Meatballs

Oxmoor House
Lamb Meatballs Recipe
Lemon zest adds a nice bright lift to the spicy sauce and complements the Greek inspired flavors of these meatballs.

23 of 101

Cranberry BBQ Meatballs

Photo: Tara Donne; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas
Cranberry BBQ Meatballs Recipe

Cranberry jelly is the secret to these sweet and savory BBQ meatballs. 

24 of 101

Big Spicy Meatballs

Photo: Dana Gallagher
Big Spicy Meatballs Recipe
This freezer-friendly meatball recipe makes Italian night a breeze. You can make the meatballs just before using, or make them in a large batch and freeze them for later. These delicately-spiced meatballs get their bold flavor from Italian seasoning, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 101

Korean Spaghetti and Meatballs

Korean Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Korean kimchi invigorates a standby weeknight dinner. Bring the pasta water to a boil while you make the meatballs.

26 of 101

Southwestern-Style Meatballs

Photo: Greg Dupree; Styling: Claire Spollen
Southwestern-Style Meatballs Recipe

These meatballs are made with onion, minced garlic, corn tortilla, egg, ground sirloin, and chipotle chile. 

27 of 101

Chicken-Meatball Yakitori

Photo: Fredrika Stjärne
Chicken-Meatball Yakitori Recipe
Sylvan Mishima Brackett makes these meatballs, known as tsukune, with hand-chopped meat and skin from the best pastured chicken he can get.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 101

Meatball Sub Casserole

Gooseberry Patch
Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe
It's so easy to enjoy this classic sub in casserole form! Grab a fork and sink your teeth in to this delectable Meatball Sub Casserole.

29 of 101

Asian Meatballs

Photo: Mark Thomas; Styling: Gerri Williams
Asian Meatballs Recipe
Asian Meatballs are a fun and flavorful way to kick off Christmas dinner. Mix in fresh snap peas for more color and crunch.

30 of 101

Meatballs with Chutney Sauce

Oxmoor House
Meatballs with Chutney Sauce Recipe
Sink your teeth into these tender, juicy, and succulent meatballs. Place them atop soft, hot cooked couscous and drench with chutney sauce.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 101

Italian Meatball Sliders

Photo: Nigel Cox; Styling: Molly Findlay
Italian Meatball Sliders Recipe
Little burgers deliver big flavor as Italian Meatball Sliders show. Marinara sauce replaces the ketchup and basil serves as a sub for lettuce.

32 of 101

Grilled Middle Eastern Turkey Meatballs

Photo: David Tsay
Grilled Middle Eastern Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Grilled Middle Eastern Turkey Meatballs are a great pick-up appetizer or main dish. Serve in flatbread and top with Avocado-Mint Tzatziki.

33 of 101

Shrimp and Pork Meatball Wraps with Vietnamese Dipping Sauce

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Kevin Crafts
Shrimp and Pork Meatball Wraps with Vietnamese Dipping Sauce Recipe
For extra-crispy meatballs, roll them in panko before pan-frying; you'll need a little more oil.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 101

Chipotle-Barbecue Meatballs

Photo: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Jan Gautro
Chipotle-Barbecue Meatballs Recipe

Start with a package of frozen meatballs and cook with bottled barbecue sauce and cherry preserves for this easy, 5-ingredient appetizer.

35 of 101

Cranberry Meatballs

Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Try a unique twist on a classic recipe by cooking meatballs in a decadent, cranberry, orange marmalade and soy sauce mixture.

36 of 101

Turkey Meatballs with Herb Salad

Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Jeffrey Larsen
Turkey Meatballs with Herb Salad Recipe

Lime juice and cilantro give Betsy Dasenko's turkey meatballs bright flavor. Try them with a Vietnamese herb salad.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 101

Superfast Kofte

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Jan Gautro
Superfast Kofte Recipe
Kofte, Turkish meatballs often grilled on a stick, can be made from ground lamb, beef, or a combination.

38 of 101

Spicy Pork Skewers

Ngoc Minh Ngo
Spicy Pork Skewers Recipe
Moroccan meat skewers, or kefta, are made with beef and formed into sausage shapes. Our variation uses pork rolled into little meatballs.

39 of 101

Chimichurri Beef Meatball Hoagies

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Victor Protazio
Chimichurri Beef Meatball Hoagies Recipe

These deliciously flavored meatballs served on hoagie rolls or French baguette rolls will be the new favorite at your weeknight dinner table or your neighborhood football party. The sauce makes plenty for cooking the meatballs, and there's even enough to spoon over the sandwiches for a boost of flavor.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

40 of 101

Mexican Meatball Soup

Photo: Dominic Perri; Styling: Gerri Williams for James Reps
Mexican Meatball Soup Recipe
Mexican Meatball Soup combines favorite Mexican flavors, veggies, and hearty meatballs. Kick this soup up a notch by using a can of diced tomatoes with chiles to add more south-of-the-border flavor to this one-dish meal.

41 of 101

Italian Meatballs in Caper-Tomato Sauce

David Cicconi
Italian Meatballs in Caper-Tomato Sauce Recipe
Milk-soaked bread helps make chef Massimiliano Alajmo's beef-and-pork meatballs incredibly light; bits of chopped olive make them extra-flavorful. The thick tomato sauce coats the meatballs nicely and doubles as an excellent pasta sauce.

42 of 101

Meatballs and Spaghetti

Photo: Oxmoor House
Meatballs and Spaghetti Recipe
It takes a tender hand to make a light meatball. The key is in the rolling; you want to leave air pockets in the meatballs, so shape the balls gently in your hand, making sure not to squash them.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

43 of 101

Turkey Meatballs Two Ways

Lucy Schaeffer
Turkey Meatballs Two Ways Recipe

Ground turkey, panko (Japanese bread crumbs), Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and a few other ingredients make delicious, kid-friendly meatballs. To spice them up for grown-ups, Workman adds hot turkey sausage and crushed red pepper into the basic meatball mixture.

44 of 101

Whole-Wheat Spaghetti and Meatballs

Photo: Levi Brown
Whole-Wheat Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Start with a healthy, basic ingredient like whole-wheat spaghetti to whip up a new and improved classic--Whole-Wheat Spaghetti and Meatballs. We mixed together ground flaxseed and Parmesan cheese with ground turkey for health--and tasty--meatballs.

45 of 101

Italian Wedding Soup

Photo: Pernille Pedersen
Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Grace Parisi's kids love a particular brand of canned soup filled with chicken meatballs and soggy pasta, but she prefers real minestra maritata (Italian wedding soup). She makes tiny pork meatballs and simmers them with orzo, chickpeas, spinach and parmesan. She occasionally substitutes green beans for the spinach, depending on who is at the table.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

46 of 101