20 Meatball Recipes for Comfort Food Lovers

Meatballs are a versatile and comforting dish that can be customized in so many ways. From classic Italian flavors to spicy twists, there’s something for every taste. These meatball ideas are perfect for any meal, from a quick weeknight dinner to a crowd-pleasing party treat. Explore these flavorful dishes that show just how creative meatballs can get!

Greek Meatballs

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These meatballs are infused with Mediterranean flavors like oregano, lemon, and garlic, giving them a fresh, vibrant taste. Ground beef or lamb is typically used, providing a rich, savory base. They’re often served with a cooling tzatziki sauce, adding a creamy balance to the seasoning. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, they pair well with a Greek salad or pita bread.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatballs

Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs (Crockpot)

A white bowl with turkey meatballs tossed in honey sriracha sauce. — Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs (Crockpot). Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

A mix of spicy sriracha and sweet honey coats these turkey meatballs, creating a flavor-packed bite. The crockpot does all the work, simmering the meatballs in a tangy sauce until they’re tender and juicy. Turkey keeps the dish light without sacrificing flavor. These meatballs are great on their own or served with rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs (Crockpot)

How to Make Italian Meatballs

The classic Italian meatball recipe blends beef, pork, and breadcrumbs, creating a tender and flavorful bite. Simmered in marinara sauce, the meatballs absorb all the savory goodness, making them irresistible. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano elevate the flavors, while a sprinkle of Parmesan adds a rich finish. Best served with pasta or on a sub roll.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Italian Meatballs

Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Black bean meatballs in tomato sauce with a spoon. — Italian Black Bean Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A twist on traditional Italian meatballs, these are made with black beans, making them a great plant-based alternative. The beans are combined with breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs for a hearty texture. Simmered in marinara sauce, they take on the rich flavors that are associated with classic Italian meatballs. Serve with a side of vegetables or pasta.
Get the Recipe: Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Italian Meatball Marinara Subs

These meatballs are drenched in marinara sauce and nestled in a soft sub roll, making for a satisfying handheld meal. The meatballs themselves are full of flavor, with a mix of beef and pork and seasoned with garlic and Parmesan. Topped with melted mozzarella, these subs are perfect for lunch or dinner. Serve with a side of chips or salad.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Marinara Subs

Italian Sausage Meatballs

Meatballs in a white bowl with sauce and parsley. — Italian Sausage Meatballs. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Italian sausage meatballs bring extra spice and flavor to the table with the inclusion of fennel, red pepper flakes, and garlic. The sausage ensures these meatballs are juicy and packed with bold flavors. They pair well with pasta, but also make a great addition to a sandwich or a hearty stew. Top with a little extra cheese for an indulgent touch.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Meatballs

Jalapeno Popper Meatballs

Meatballs on a plate with jalapenos. — Jalapeno Popper Meatballs. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

For those who like a little heat, these meatballs are filled with jalapenos and cream cheese, mimicking the flavors of a jalapeno popper. The combination of the spicy peppers and rich cheese makes for a deliciously creamy filling. Whether baked or fried, these meatballs are a unique and bold option for any meal. Pair with a cool dipping sauce to balance the heat.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Meatballs

Keto Turkey Meatballs

These turkey meatballs are perfect for a keto diet, using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to keep them low-carb. They’re seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a touch of Parmesan for a burst of flavor. Simmered in marinara sauce, they are juicy and satisfying. Serve with zoodles or a cauliflower rice side to keep it keto-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Keto Turkey Meatballs

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

These meatballs are named after the deliciously rich combination of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and cream that come together to create a savory, creamy sauce. Tender ground chicken is seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, making each bite flavorful. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy, umami punch that elevates the dish. Serve them over pasta or with a simple green salad.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Meal Prep Turkey Meatballs & Zoodles

These meal prep-friendly turkey meatballs are paired with zucchini noodles for a light and satisfying meal. Made with lean turkey, these meatballs are packed with flavor from garlic, onion, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Zoodles take the place of traditional pasta, offering a low-carb alternative. Perfect for a week of easy lunches or dinners.
Get the Recipe: Meal Prep Turkey Meatballs & Zoodles

Meatball Casserole

A casserole dish filled with meatballs and cheese. — Meatball Casserole. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This hearty casserole combines tender meatballs with melted cheese and pasta in a rich tomato sauce. It’s baked to perfection, creating a warm, bubbly dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. The meatballs add a savory element, while the cheese gives the casserole a creamy texture. Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Casserole

Meatball Cazones

These meatball cazones are a fun, portable twist on traditional pizza. Filled with seasoned meatballs and marinara sauce, they’re baked in a golden, flaky crust. Each bite delivers a mix of savory meatballs, melted cheese, and zesty sauce. These are perfect for game day or a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Cazones

Meatball Crescent Rolls

Meatballs wrapped in dough on a wooden cutting board. — Meatball Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crescent rolls make the perfect vessel for these savory meatballs, creating a warm, gooey snack. The meatballs are tucked inside the crescent dough, along with a bit of marinara and cheese. They bake up into a golden, flaky treat that’s ideal for parties or casual meals. Serve with extra dipping sauce on the side.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Crescent Rolls

Meatball Dump and Bake Casserole

Close-up of a spoon lifting baked pasta topped with melted cheese and meatballs. A bed of additional pasta sits in the background, garnished with herbs. — Meatball Dump and Bake Casserole. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This super-easy casserole comes together by simply “dumping” meatballs, sauce, and cheese into a dish and baking. No need for complicated prep or multiple steps, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. The meatballs soak up the tomato sauce, while the cheese melts into a creamy topping. Serve with a simple green vegetable for balance.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Dump and Bake Casserole

Meatball Pasta Bake

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

A twist on classic baked ziti, this meatball pasta bake features tender meatballs baked right in with pasta, marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s a comforting, filling dish that’s sure to satisfy any pasta craving. The meatballs keep it hearty, while the cheese creates a rich, creamy texture. This dish works great as a family dinner or for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake

Meatball Pot Pie

This savory pot pie takes traditional meatballs and bakes them inside a flaky pastry crust with vegetables and gravy. The meatballs provide a meaty, flavorful base, while the gravy and veggies make the filling rich and comforting. It’s a fun twist on the classic pot pie and perfect for cooler weather. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pot Pie

Meatball Subs

A sandwich and broccoli on a plate. — Meatball Subs. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

A true comfort food classic, meatball subs are filled with juicy meatballs smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese. The soft sub roll soaks up all the savory goodness, making each bite irresistible. These are great for lunch, dinner, or even a casual gathering. Pair with fries or a crisp pickle on the side.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Subs

Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

A white oval dish filled with meatballs covered in creamy sauce, garnished with parsley, and a ladle resting in the sauce. — Meatballs and Gravy Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This simple but delicious dish features tender meatballs simmered in a savory gravy. The meatballs are made with beef or pork and seasoned with traditional spices, providing a hearty flavor. The gravy adds richness and depth to the dish. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Meatballs with cheese on a plate. — Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

These meatballs are packed with gooey mozzarella cheese, which melts perfectly inside as they cook. The cheese adds a creamy, savory element to each bite, complementing the flavorful meatballs. They’re simmered in marinara sauce for added richness. Serve with spaghetti or garlic bread for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Oven Meatball Stew

This hearty oven-baked stew combines tender meatballs, vegetables, and a savory broth that’s perfect for cooler days. The meatballs are roasted in the oven before being added to the stew, giving them a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The stew itself is loaded with root vegetables and herbs for a comforting meal. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Get the Recipe: Oven Meatball Stew