14 Delicious Meatball Recipes for Every Meal

Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing favorite, and this roundup has recipes for every taste. From slow cooker Swedish meatballs and sheet pan BBQ meatballs to skillet sweet and sour meatballs and porcupine meatballs, there’s something for every craving. You’ll also find creative dishes like eggplant and beef meatballs, jalapeno popper meatballs, meatball subs, and sheet pan chicken parmesan meatballs. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner, a weeknight meal, or a keto-friendly option, these easy and flavorful meatball recipes make cooking simple and delicious.

Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs

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Meatballs roast on a sheet pan coated in BBQ sauce. The sauce caramelizes slightly during baking. Meatballs remain tender and flavorful. They’re easy to serve as a main dish or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs

Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

A bowl of spaghetti with meatballs in tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese and parsley, with a fork, garlic bread, and red pepper flakes on the side. — Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Meatballs cook gently in tomato sauce in the slow cooker. The flavors meld as the sauce simmers. Meatballs stay tender and juicy. It’s a simple, hands-off meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Porcupine Meatballs

Ground meat is mixed with rice, forming small “porcupine” shapes. They simmer in tomato sauce until fully cooked. Rice expands inside the meatballs, keeping them tender. The dish is comforting and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Porcupine Meatballs

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Meatballs cook slowly in a creamy, savory sauce. Beef and pork blend with spices for rich flavor. The slow cooking keeps them tender. They’re ideal served over mashed potatoes or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Skillet Sweet and Sour Meatballs

A cast iron skillet filled with meatballs in a brown sauce, garnished with sliced green onions and mixed with diced bell peppers. — Skillet Sweet and Sour Meatballs. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Meatballs cook in a tangy sweet and sour sauce on the stovetop. The sauce clings to each meatball for maximum flavor. Meatballs remain juicy and tender. This dish pairs well with rice.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Eggplant and Beef Meatballs Recipe

A plate of eggplant and beef meatballs with a savory sauce. — Eggplant and Beef Meatballs Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Ground beef mixes with finely chopped eggplant for added texture and flavor. Meatballs bake or simmer in sauce. They stay moist and tender. It’s a creative, hearty variation on classic meatballs.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant and Beef Meatballs Recipe

Italian Meatball Marinara Subs

Two toasted sub rolls filled with meatballs in tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese and herbs, sit on parchment paper atop a baking tray. — Italian Meatball Marinara Subs. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Meatballs simmer in marinara sauce and are served in sub rolls. Cheese melts on top for extra flavor. Meatballs stay tender inside the bread. These sandwiches are perfect for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Marinara Subs

Meatball Subs

A meatball sub topped with marinara sauce and grated cheese is served on a white plate with a side of steamed broccoli. — Meatball Subs. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Classic meatballs are paired with bread, sauce, and melted cheese. They are easy to assemble and bake. Meatballs retain flavor and moisture. A comforting handheld meal.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Subs

Meatball Cazones

Small meatballs are baked or simmered with rich tomato sauce. Herbs and spices enhance the flavor. Meatballs remain tender while absorbing sauce. Perfect for serving over pasta or rice.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Cazones

Oven Meatball Stew

Meatballs bake with vegetables and sauce in the oven. The slow cooking intensifies flavors. Meatballs stay juicy and firm. It’s a hearty, one-dish meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Meatball Stew

Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Chicken meatballs are topped with marinara and cheese, then baked on a sheet pan. Cheese melts and browns slightly. Meatballs remain tender. It’s a quick and easy chicken parmesan variation.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs

Ground meat mixes with low-carb seasonings and cooks in a cast iron skillet. Meatballs brown nicely while staying juicy inside. It’s a simple keto-friendly dinner. Great for stovetop or oven cooking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A plate of porcupine meatballs covered in tomato sauce and garnished with fresh basil. — Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Rice-filled meatballs cook slowly in tomato sauce. The long cooking time enhances flavor and tenderness. Meatballs stay intact while the rice expands. A comforting slow cooker meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Mississippi Meatballs

A white plate with mashed potatoes topped with meatballs and brown gravy, garnished with two yellow peppers, sits on a green napkin next to a fork and gold measuring spoons. — Mississippi Meatballs. Photo credit: Low Calorie Eating.

Meatballs cook in a buttery, pepperoncini-spiced sauce. Slow cooking keeps them tender. The sauce adds rich, tangy flavor. They are a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Meatballs