13 Delicious Meatball Recipes for Every Taste and Occasion

Meatballs are a versatile favorite, and this roundup makes it easy to enjoy them in countless ways. From classic chicken and turkey meatballs to copycat Ikea Swedish meatballs, Cajun meatball stew, and venison meatballs, there’s something for every craving. You’ll also find creative options like coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs, honey sriracha crockpot meatballs, Italian black bean meatballs, and Mediterranean-inspired one-pot pasta with meatballs. Whether you’re meal prepping, cooking a cozy dinner, or trying a low-carb option like keto turkey meatballs, these recipes are easy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

Chicken Meatballs

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Ground chicken is mixed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices. They bake, fry, or simmer in sauce. The texture is tender and juicy. They pair well with pasta, rice, or as a standalone appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Meatballs

Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs Recipe

A black oval dish filled with meatballs in a creamy sauce, garnished with chopped parsley, with a wooden spoon resting inside. — Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs Recipe. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

These meatballs mimic the classic creamy, savory flavor of Ikea’s version. Beef and pork combine with spices and breadcrumbs. They are simmered in a rich cream sauce. The meatballs stay tender and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Meal Prep Turkey Meatballs & Zoodles

Glass containers filled with zucchini noodles topped with meatballs, marinara sauce, and shredded cheese. — Meal Prep Turkey Meatballs & Zoodles. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Ground turkey forms meatballs that bake or cook quickly on the stove. Served with zucchini noodles, it makes a light, prep-friendly meal. The meatballs retain flavor and moisture. It’s easy to portion for lunches or dinners.
Get the Recipe: Meal Prep Turkey Meatballs & Zoodles

Cajun Meatball Stew

A bowl of rice and meatball stew with vegetables, served with a spoon, placed on a green checkered cloth. — Cajun Meatball Stew. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Meatballs cook in a spiced Cajun tomato-based broth. Vegetables and seasonings create bold flavors. The meatballs remain tender in the stew. It’s a hearty, comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Meatball Stew

Venison Meatballs

A plate of spaghetti topped with meatballs in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped parsley, with a fork and fresh herbs on the side. — Venison Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground venison forms lean, flavorful meatballs. Seasonings enhance the rich game flavor. They can be baked, fried, or simmered in sauce. The texture is firm but juicy.
Get the Recipe: Venison Meatballs

Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

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

Meatballs are simmered in a savory gravy until tender. The sauce clings to the meat for maximum flavor. They’re great over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. This is a classic comfort dish.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Meatballs in a creamy, spiced sauce garnished with chopped cilantro, served in a black skillet with a wooden spoon. — Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Turkey meatballs cook in a creamy coconut curry sauce. Spices, ginger, and garlic add vibrant flavor. Meatballs absorb the sauce without falling apart. They pair well with rice or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Italian Black Bean Meatballs

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

Black beans combine with breadcrumbs and Italian seasonings. These vegetarian meatballs are firm yet tender. They hold together well when baked or pan-fried. Served with pasta or sauce, they are a satisfying plant-based option.
Get the Recipe: Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with meatballs in brown gravy, garnished with chopped parsley, sits beside a bowl of mashed potatoes and fresh parsley. — Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Meatballs cook slowly in a buttery, pepperoncini-spiced sauce. The slow cooking enhances tenderness and flavor. Meatballs stay juicy and flavorful. They make a crowd-pleasing, easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs

Quick & Easy One Pot Pasta with Mediterranean Meatballs

Three images show: a pot of spaghetti with sauce, olives, and herbs; a fork lifting spaghetti; and spaghetti ingredients, including tomatoes, onion, parsley, olives, meat, and pasta. — Quick & Easy One Pot Pasta with Mediterranean Meatballs. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Meatballs cook directly in tomato sauce with pasta and Mediterranean seasonings. Everything finishes in one pot for simplicity. Meatballs stay moist while pasta absorbs flavors. It’s a fast, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy One Pot Pasta with Mediterranean Meatballs

Keto Turkey Meatballs

Seven meatballs garnished with chopped parsley are arranged on a white plate, placed on a wooden surface next to a bunch of fresh parsley. — Photo Credit: Low Calorie Eating

Ground turkey is seasoned with herbs and almond flour for a keto-friendly version. They bake or cook in sauce. Meatballs remain tender and flavorful. They work well with low-carb sides or zoodles.
Get the Recipe: Keto Turkey Meatballs

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with meatballs, brown gravy, and mushrooms, garnished with chopped parsley; a fork rests on the plate. — Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

These meatballs are seasoned like Salisbury steak and slow-cooked in a rich gravy. The flavor deepens as they cook. Meatballs stay soft and juicy. They pair well with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Slow Cooker Tex Mex Meatball Soup

This soup combines seasoned meatballs with beans, corn, tomatoes, and Tex Mex spices. Everything simmers slowly in the crockpot, allowing flavors to meld. The meatballs stay tender while the broth becomes rich and flavorful. It’s a hearty, one-pot meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tex Mex Meatball Soup