17 Comforting Meatball recipes

Meatballs are one of those classic comfort foods that never disappoint, and this collection makes them easier than ever. From slow cooker favorites and air fryer crisps to cheesy casseroles and international-inspired flavors, there’s a meatball recipe for every craving. These dishes are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing friends, giving you hearty, flavorful meals without hours in the kitchen. Whether you love spicy, savory, or sweet twists, these meatballs will quickly become a go-to for any occasion.

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.

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Ground beef and rice combine to make tender meatballs that cook in a savory tomato sauce. The rice expands, giving the meatballs a unique texture. The sauce is rich and flavorful, clinging to every bite. Serve over mashed potatoes or pasta for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Quick & Easy One Pot Pasta with Mediterranean Meatballs

Mediterranean-spiced meatballs cook alongside pasta in a tomato-based sauce. Herbs like oregano and basil add aromatic flavor. The pasta absorbs the sauce for a cohesive dish. Quick cooking makes this an easy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy One Pot Pasta with Mediterranean Meatballs

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Turkey meatballs simmer in a creamy coconut curry sauce. Aromatic Thai spices add warmth and a subtle heat. Serve over rice or noodles to soak up the sauce. The meatballs stay tender while absorbing all the flavors.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Mississippi Meatballs

Ground beef meatballs cook in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce with ranch seasoning and peppers. The sauce thickens as it cooks, coating every meatball. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal. It’s simple but packed with bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Meatballs

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Tender meatballs cook in a creamy, savory sauce with hints of nutmeg. The Instant Pot or slow cooker makes them tender without drying out. Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. The sauce is rich, smooth, and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Porcupine Meatballs

Ground beef and rice form meatballs that cook in a tangy tomato sauce. The rice adds texture and absorbs the flavors. Perfect for a hearty dinner in minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes or bread to enjoy the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Porcupine Meatballs

Meatball Pot Pie

Meatballs simmer in a rich sauce with vegetables before being topped with a flaky crust. The sauce is thick and flavorful. The crust bakes to golden perfection while keeping the filling warm. It’s a fun twist on classic meatballs.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pot Pie

Meatball Casserole

Meatballs bake in a cheesy, tomato-based casserole. Layers of sauce, meat, and cheese meld beautifully. Serve with bread or salad for a complete meal. The dish is simple but impressive.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

A white plate with several browned, sesame-topped vegetable fritters next to a bowl of leafy green salad. — Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Low Calorie Eating.

Chicken meatballs cook quickly in the air fryer for a lightly crisp exterior. The meat stays juicy and tender inside. Serve with dipping sauces or pasta. Quick cooking makes them perfect for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

Creamy Meatball Stew

A cast iron skillet filled with meatballs, baby potatoes, peas, and creamy sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and a dollop of sour cream. — Creamy Meatball Stew. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Meatballs cook in a creamy broth with vegetables. The sauce is thick and comforting. Tender meatballs soak up the flavors of the stew. Serve with bread for a complete, hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Meatball Stew

Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs

Meatballs bake with BBQ sauce on a sheet pan for minimal cleanup. The sauce caramelizes slightly while coating each meatball. Serve as an appetizer or main dish. Bold flavors develop quickly in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs

Slow Cooker BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs

A white bowl filled with glazed cocktail meatballs garnished with chopped herbs, with parsley and a checkered napkin nearby. — Slow Cooker BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Meatballs cook in a sweet and tangy sauce made from grape jelly and BBQ sauce. The sauce clings to each meatball for maximum flavor. Serve as a party appetizer or main dish. Minimal prep with bold results.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs

Chicken Meatballs

Ground chicken is seasoned and formed into tender meatballs. They can be baked, simmered, or air fried. Serve with pasta, soup, or dipping sauces. Chicken stays juicy and flavorful with simple seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Meatballs

Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs

Meatballs in a white bowl on a wooden table. — Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Sweet grape jelly combines with tangy chili sauce for a flavorful coating. Meatballs absorb the sauce while staying tender. Serve as a main dish or party appetizer. Bold and simple flavors make it a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Meatballs cook in a rich, savory gravy with onions. The sauce is thick, smooth, and flavorful. Serve with mashed potatoes or vegetables. The Instant Pot or slow cooker keeps meatballs tender.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

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.

All ingredients are layered in a casserole dish for easy preparation. Meatballs, sauce, and cheese cook together in one pan. Serve with bread or a side salad. Minimal effort yields a satisfying, hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Dump and Bake Casserole

Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs

A white bowl filled with glazed meatballs sits on a wooden surface next to a black and white checkered cloth. — Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Meatballs are coated in a spicy, sticky sauce and cooked in the air fryer. The exterior gets slightly crisp while the inside remains juicy. Serve with rice or noodles to catch the sauce. Bold, quick, and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs