17 Creative Meatball Recipes That Everyone Will Love

From classic Italian flavors to bold international twists, these meatball recipes make mealtime exciting and easy. Whether you prefer slow-cooked, air-fried, baked, or stuffed versions, there’s a recipe here for every taste and occasion. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or game day gatherings, these dishes combine convenience with rich, satisfying flavors. With these recipes, meatballs are no longer just a side—they’re the star of the plate.

Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

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Meatballs cook slowly in a rich, savory French onion sauce. Caramelized onions infuse the dish with deep flavor. Serve with mashed potatoes or noodles for a comforting meal. The slow cooker keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

A white dish filled with homemade meatballs garnished with chopped parsley, placed on a white tiled surface with tomatoes and a floral napkin in the background. — Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ground turkey is seasoned and shaped into tender meatballs. The air fryer creates a lightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist. Serve with pasta, sauce, or as a snack. Quick cooking makes them perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

Homemade meatballs served in a rich and savory gravy. — Meatballs and Gravy Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Classic meatballs simmer in a thick, savory gravy. The sauce clings to every bite for full flavor. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. It’s a comforting dish that comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Turkey meatballs are filled with melty cheddar cheese. Each bite has a gooey, cheesy center surrounded by tender meat. Serve with pasta, sandwiches, or dipping sauces. Cooking keeps the meatballs juicy while the cheese melts perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Carnivore Meatballs

A white plate holds a pile of cooked meatballs garnished with chopped herbs, with a striped cloth in the background. — Carnivore Meatballs. Photo credit: Low Calorie Eating.

These hearty meatballs use a mix of ground meats for bold flavor. Simple seasonings let the natural flavors shine. Cooked in the oven or skillet, they stay juicy inside. Serve with gravy, sauce, or pasta for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Carnivore Meatballs

Thai Turkey Meatballs

Turkey meatballs are simmered in a fragrant Thai-inspired sauce. Coconut milk, lime, and spices create a bright, flavorful dish. Serve over rice or noodles to soak up the sauce. The meatballs remain tender and aromatic.
Get the Recipe: Thai Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

Meatballs are wrapped in bacon and cooked in the air fryer. The bacon crisps while the meat inside stays juicy. Serve with dipping sauces or as a party appetizer. Quick, flavorful, and visually impressive.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Chicken meatballs are baked with marinara sauce and melted cheese. The sheet pan makes cleanup easy. Serve over pasta or in subs. Each meatball is juicy with a golden cheesy topping.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Meatballs simmer in a rich tomato sauce until tender. The slow cooker infuses the meatballs with flavor. Serve with pasta, rice, or bread. The sauce thickens beautifully as it cooks.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Chicken Marsala Meatballs

Chicken meatballs cook in a savory mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. The sauce is rich with earthy flavor and a touch of sweetness. Serve with pasta or mashed potatoes. Tender meatballs absorb the flavors perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala Meatballs

Meatball Pasta Bake

A casserole dish with meatballs and pasta. — Meatball Pasta Bake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Meatballs bake with pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese. The pasta absorbs the sauce while the cheese melts over the top. Serve hot for a hearty, one-dish dinner. The combination of meat, sauce, and pasta is comforting and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake

Italian Meatball Marinara Subs

Juicy meatballs are served in a sub roll with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Each bite combines tender meat, tangy sauce, and melty cheese. Serve as a main dish or for gatherings. Quick and flavorful sandwiches everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Marinara Subs

Keto Turkey Meatballs

Turkey meatballs are made without breadcrumbs for a low-carb meal. Herbs and seasonings create bold flavor. Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. The meatballs stay juicy and satisfying without extra carbs.
Get the Recipe: Keto Turkey Meatballs

Roasted Tomato and Meatball Polenta

A bowl of meatballs topped with grated cheese and fresh basil, served on a bed of rice or shredded vegetables with a wooden spoon. — Roasted Tomato and Meatball Polenta. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Meatballs cook in a roasted tomato sauce and are served over creamy polenta. The polenta soaks up the rich flavors of the sauce. Serve as a comforting, hearty meal. Tender meatballs complement the smooth, creamy base perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato and Meatball Polenta

Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs

Meatballs cook in a flavorful soy-based sauce with garlic and ginger. The slow cooker infuses the meatballs with bold, savory flavors. Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Quick prep makes it ideal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs

French Onion Meatball Sliders

A cross-section of a beef burger with melted cheese and caramelized onions, served on a plate. — French Onion Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Mini meatballs are cooked in French onion sauce and served on slider buns. Caramelized onions add richness and depth. Perfect for parties or casual meals. Tender meatballs with flavorful sauce make every bite satisfying.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Meatball Sliders

Skillet Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Meatballs are cooked in a tangy sweet and sour sauce in a skillet. Bell peppers and pineapple add texture and sweetness. Serve with rice or noodles to soak up the sauce. Quick cooking keeps meatballs juicy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Sweet and Sour Meatballs