22 Meatballs for Every Meal: From Savory to Sweet
Meatballs are a classic, comfort food that you can easily customize for any taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a slow-cooked treat, or something with bold, international flavors, there’s a meatball recipe for everyone. From tender Italian meatballs to spicy and tangy variations, these dishes will have you reaching for seconds. Here are 20 more meatball ideas to keep your meals exciting.
Porcupine Meatballs
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These meatballs get their name from the rice that’s mixed into the meat, resembling the spiky quills of a porcupine. The rice helps hold the meatballs together while adding a hearty texture. Simmered in a savory tomato sauce, these meatballs are perfect for soaking up the flavors. Serve them with mashed potatoes or rice for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Porcupine Meatballs
Quick & Easy One Pot Pasta with Mediterranean Meatballs
This dish combines juicy Mediterranean-style meatballs with pasta, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. The meatballs are packed with Mediterranean flavors like olives, garlic, and herbs. The pasta absorbs the rich tomato sauce, making each bite delicious. This is a quick, satisfying meal perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy One Pot Pasta with Mediterranean Meatballs
Roasted Tomato and Meatball Polenta
Tender meatballs are paired with roasted tomatoes and served over creamy polenta in this comforting dish. The tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory meatballs. The creamy polenta soaks up all the sauce, creating a rich and satisfying base. A sprinkle of Parmesan ties everything together beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato and Meatball Polenta
Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs
These BBQ meatballs are cooked on a sheet pan, making them super easy to prepare and clean up. The meatballs are glazed with tangy barbecue sauce, caramelizing in the oven. They’re perfectly juicy and have a nice smoky flavor. Serve with corn on the cob or a side of coleslaw for a complete BBQ-style meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs
Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
A fun twist on the classic chicken Parmesan, these meatballs are baked on a sheet pan and topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. The chicken meatballs are light and juicy, while the melted cheese adds a creamy finish. Perfect for a family dinner, serve with spaghetti or garlic bread for a full Italian feast.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Skillet Sweet and Sour Meatballs
These sweet and sour meatballs are cooked in a skillet with a tangy sauce made from vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar. The meatballs themselves are savory and juicy, creating a great balance with the sweet, tangy sauce. Serve with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It’s a quick and flavorful dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs
These slow-cooked meatballs are infused with Asian flavors like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. The slow cooker makes them melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the sauce becomes rich and savory. They’re perfect served over rice or in a lettuce wrap for a lighter meal. The ginger adds a bit of spice, making them extra flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs
Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatballs
This easy recipe combines meatballs with your favorite barbecue sauce, all cooked in a slow cooker for hours. The meatballs absorb all the smoky, tangy flavors of the sauce, making each bite irresistible. Perfect for a casual dinner or party appetizer. Serve with baked beans or potato salad for a complete BBQ spread.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatballs
Slow Cooker BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs
A popular party favorite, these meatballs are cooked in a mixture of barbecue sauce and grape jelly, giving them a sweet and tangy glaze. The slow cooker does the work, making the meatballs tender and full of flavor. Serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering or with a side of mashed potatoes for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs
Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Meatballs
These meatballs are slow-cooked in a unique Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce, giving them a sweet and slightly smoky flavor. The soda adds a subtle complexity to the sauce, complementing the savory meatballs perfectly. Serve these with a side of cornbread or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal. It’s a fun twist on traditional barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Meatballs
Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs
This slow-cooker recipe combines savory meatballs with the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup. The meatballs soak up all the rich broth, while the onions add sweetness and depth. The dish is topped with melted cheese for a deliciously gooey finish. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs
Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
A classic slow-cooker recipe, these meatballs are simmered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce. The meatballs stay tender and absorb all the flavors of the sauce as they cook. Perfect for serving over pasta or on a sub roll for a meatball sandwich. A simple and satisfying dish that’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs
These slow-cooked meatballs are made with a creamy gravy that’s flavored with ranch dressing mix, pepperoncini peppers, and a bit of butter. The result is a tangy, savory dish with a slight kick. Serve these with mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal. The peppers add just the right amount of heat and tang to the meatballs.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
This slow-cooker version of porcupine meatballs is made with ground beef, rice, and seasonings, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. The rice inside the meatballs gives them a unique texture while soaking up the sauce. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Serve with steamed veggies for a wholesome meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
These Salisbury steak meatballs are cooked in a rich, savory gravy made with onions and beef broth. The slow cooker does all the work, making the meatballs tender and flavorful. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the gravy. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
These Swedish meatballs are cooked in a creamy sauce made with sour cream, beef broth, and spices. The meatballs themselves are tender and packed with flavor, and the sauce is rich and velvety. Serve them with egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. This slow-cooked dish is perfect for cozy nights at home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
Slow Cooker Tex Mex Meatball Soup
This hearty soup combines Tex-Mex flavors with tender meatballs, beans, corn, and a zesty broth. The meatballs soak up all the spices from the soup, making them extra flavorful. It’s a filling and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cooler weather. Serve with tortilla chips or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tex Mex Meatball Soup
Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
Made with lean turkey and sweet potatoes, these meatballs are flavorful and slightly sweet. The sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and moisture to the meatballs. They’re great on their own or served with a dipping sauce. Pair with a side of roasted vegetables for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
Thai Turkey Meatballs
These turkey meatballs are packed with Thai-inspired flavors like cilantro, ginger, and lime. The meatballs are tender and fragrant, and the dipping sauce adds a tangy, sweet kick. They’re perfect for serving as an appetizer or with rice for a light meal. The herbs and spices bring a unique, vibrant flavor to the dish.
Get the Recipe: Thai Turkey Meatballs
The Best Italian Wedding Soup with Chicken Meatballs
This Italian wedding soup features tiny, flavorful chicken meatballs in a savory broth with vegetables and pasta. The chicken meatballs are light and tender, and the broth is rich with the flavors of garlic, onions, and herbs. It’s a warm and satisfying soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Get the Recipe: The Best Italian Wedding Soup with Chicken Meatballs
Venison Meatballs
Venison meatballs offer a lean alternative to traditional beef, with a rich, gamey flavor. Ground venison is seasoned with garlic, herbs, and spices, creating a hearty meatball that pairs well with pasta or potatoes. Serve them with a simple tomato sauce or a rich gravy for a more rustic dish. Perfect for anyone who enjoys the taste of game meat.
Get the Recipe: Venison Meatballs
Whole30 Meatballs and Gravy Over Riced Veggies
These meatballs are made without any grains or dairy, making them Whole30-compliant while still full of flavor. The meatballs are served with a savory gravy, and instead of potatoes or pasta, they’re paired with riced veggies. This dish is hearty and satisfying, making it perfect for those following a Whole30 plan. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables to round out the meal.
Get the Recipe: Whole30 Meatballs and Gravy Over Riced Veggies
