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    Home » Round Up » Recipes Using Meatballs

    Recipes Using Meatballs

    Published on Feb 27, 2023 Modified: Feb 24, 2023 by Melissa Torres This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

    Meatballs are a versatile dish that can be used in so many ways! If you have made a large batch and want to find a new way to enjoy an old favorite, try some of these recipes.

    Cast iron skillet filled with browned gluten free meatballs.

    Meatballs are such a great recipe to have in your back pocket. They are enjoyed by all ages, quickly become a family favorite and are hearty and delicious. 

    Flavorful, homemade meatballs can be put together quickly for a delicious weeknight dinner, but they can also be made ahead and put in the freezer to be used again and again.

    The versatility of meatballs is part of what makes them such a great dish. You can cook them in marinara sauce to serve on top of spaghetti with parmesan cheese or on a warm hoagie for meatball subs. You can cover them in a sticky sauce and serve them over rice or a sour cream-based sauce and serve them over egg noodles. You can eat juicy meatballs as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner.

    If you have made a large batch of meatballs and plan to enjoy this comfort food for the next several weeks, it’s easy to ensure your family members never grow tired of them. Here are 30 ways to serve meatballs!

    FAQs

    What is the Difference Between Italian Meatballs and Homestyle Meatballs?

    There are several different types of meatballs that can be purchased either fresh or frozen from your local grocery store. While American homestyle meatballs are traditionally larger than Dutch or Italian meatballs, this has changed over the years and most of the meatballs you’ll see for sale are around the same size. 

    The biggest difference is simply in the types of meats and spices used in the meatballs. The different herbs and spices used in each recipe compliment certain dishes better than others. For instance Italian seasonings are often used in classic Italian meatballs, while Dutch meatballs may contain a bit of Worcestershire sauce.

    Why Do My Meatballs Fall Apart?

    Some meatballs may fall apart if your meatball mixture contains too much or too little bread crumbs. If your mixture is too dry, you may have added too much bread crumbs. At the same time, bread crumbs are necessary for holding the mixture together. Too little bread crumbs may cause the mixture to fall apart. Try adjusting this next time.

    Why Are My Meatballs Tough?

    Overmixing is the main cause of tough meatballs. You need to be careful to mix your meatball recipe until just combined. Overmixing will cause the fat to break down too soon and make your meat tough. 

    Meatballs may also be tough if overcooked. Meatballs that are baked have a greater chance of drying out during cooking, so it is important to pay attention to your baking time. 

    One last reason meatballs may be too tough is not enough fat in the mixture. Tender meatballs require a good amount of fat.

    Can You Simmer Meatballs for Too Long?

    Yes, if you choose to cook your meatballs by simmering in sauce it is possible to overcook them even while simmering. Overcooked meatballs may become soggy and fall apart. You want to make sure you remove the meatballs from the heat when they are fork tender and cooked through.

    It is possible to cook meatballs in a slow cooker. This may result in very soft meatballs but should not be a problem if you stick to the recommended cooking time.

    Can You Save Meatballs?

    Meatballs are a perfect make ahead meal. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for two to three days or in the freezer for several months. Reheat frozen meatballs in the oven or microwave.

    Favorite Recipes

    • This Soft Meatball Recipe has been passed down through my family for generations. It makes the best meatballs for just about any dish.
    • This Instant Pot recipe from Favorite Family Recipes comes together in less than 30 minutes.
    • These Chicken Meatballs from Well Plated are a healthy alternative to beef meatballs and are full of great flavor!

    Expert Tips

    • There are so many different ways to cook meatballs but when it is possible, I like simmering them in sauce. The meat and fat adds so much flavor to the entire dish when cooked this way and the meatballs end up softer and more tender.
    • If you are cooking meatballs by simmering in a sauce, you do not need to cook them before adding them to the sauce. Make sure there is enough liquid in your sauce to allow your meat to simmer. If you are using a jarred sauce, add some liquid to allow for cooking. 
    • If you are worried about your meatballs falling apart or if you like a more smoky flavor, it is a good idea to sear your meatballs in a large skillet before baking or simmering. Be careful not to cook for too long on the stove top as this may dry out the meat.
    • You can use just about any ground meat to create meatballs, but in my opinion the most versatile is ground beef. The extra fat in this meat makes all the difference! You can try experimenting with different types of meat like ground turkey, ground pork or even ground chicken.

    Serve Meatballs With:

    Mashed potatoes, creamy gravy, caesar salad, homemade tomato sauce, your favorite pasta or more!

    Firecracker Meatballs

    Firecracker meatballs recipe served over rice garnished with green onions.

    Combining spicy sauce and flavorful meatballs, this firecracker meatballs recipe (from Take Two Tapas) always get rave reviews when I make them for a quick weeknight dinner or as the perfect appetizer for my parties. The next time you’re looking for delicious dinners, try this recipe for low carb spicy meatballs that everyone will love. 

    Read More

    Nashville Hot Chicken Meatballs

    Plate of Nashville Hot Chicken Meatballs next to a small bowl of pickles.

    Nashville Hot Chicken Meatballs (from Take Two Tapas) being the heat to your next party! These hot & spicy chicken meatballs are tender, delicious, and easy to make in the crockpot!

    Read More

    Authentic Swedish Meatballs – KÖTTBULLAR

    Authentic Swedish meatballs over mashed potatoes and some cranberry sauce on the side.

    Step aside IKEA, these may just be the best Swedish meatballs (from Carne Diem) you have ever tried, no assembly required. Whether you choose to make them the traditional way, or on your grill or smoker, this recipe for Authentic Swedish Meatballs, is packed with flavor and will be sure to be a hit with the entire family.

    Read More

    Italian Wedding Soup

    Ladleful of Italian wedding soup.

    Italian Wedding Soup with homemade meatballs (from Little Sunny Kitchen) is so light and easy! Make this one-pot recipe all year long with luscious chicken stock, wilted spinach, and acini de pepe pasta in less than an hour.

    Read More

    Cocktail Meatballs

    Toothpicks in cocktail meatballs on a plate.

    Party Sized Meatballs with a light apricot barbecue sauce glaze. These cocktail meatballs are perfect for serving at an elegant party or serve in a crockpot at a more casual gathering.

    Read More

    Baked Chicken Meatballs with Garlic Butter

    Baking dish with baked meatballs in garlic butter.

    These Baked Chicken Meatballs with garlic butter (from You Say Potatoes) are bursting with great flavor, and they’re super easy to make! They’re full of parmesan cheese, herbs, and spices, then they’re drizzled in a little garlic-infused melted butter for even more flavor. Make a batch as a main course or serve them on cocktail sticks as an appetizer.

    Read More

    Braised BBQ Chicken Meatballs

    Braised bbq meatballs in a cast iron pan.

    This BBQ chicken meatballs recipe (from The Ugly Duckling Bakery) calls for braising chicken meatballs in barbecue sauce. This gives you tender and juicy meatballs that are packed with flavor. Make the BBQ sauce ahead of time or use your favorite store-bought bottle, and you’ve got dinner in 30 minutes.

    Read More

    3-Ingredient Hawaiian Meatballs

    3-ingredient Hawaiian meatballs served over rice.

    This meatball recipe is only 3 simple ingredients (from Like Mother Like Daughter), frozen meatballs, barbecue sauce, and pineapple making it the perfect meal when you need something easy. It’s only a few minutes of prep and everything is thrown in the crock pot for the easiest dish!

    Read More

    Romanian Meatball Soup

    Bowl of Romanian meatball soup.

    A classic and traditional Romanian soup with meatballs (from Go Cook Yummy) simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth, and some fresh herbs in the end like parsley or dill. It is served with a raw spicy pepper, crusty bread, and a few tablespoons of sour cream over the soup. In Romanian, it’s originally called “Supa cu Perisoare”.

    Read More

    Instant Pot Turkey Meatballs

    Instant pot turkey meatballs on a bed of spaghetti and covered with tomato sauce.

    Instant pot turkey meatballs (from Love From The Table) are classic comfort food. Simple and quick, this is a delicious recipe for homemade meatballs that your whole family will love.

    Read More

    Meatball Sub Recipe

    Meatball sub recipe.

    Making meatball subs in crock pot (from Longbourn Farm) is a great way to get a delicious dinner or lunch that everyone can agree on. I make this meatball sub recipe using my homemade Italian meatball recipe and homemade marinara sauce too. Within just a few short hours you’ll have the best sandwiches ready to go.

    Read More

    Ground Turkey Meatballs

    Ground turkey meatballs in a tomato sauce in a skillet.

    These ground turkey meatballs (from Knife and Soul) are juicy and packed with flavor. They’re lighter and healthier than traditional beef and pork meatballs but seasoned generously with fresh herbs, parmesan, salt, pepper, a small amount of red chilli and a little olive oil to ensure they stay extra moist. With just 40 minutes of cooking and prep time, you can rustle some up on a weeknight. Or if weekend meal prepping is more your thing, I highly recommend making a large batch and freezing a few portions for later.

    Read More

    Mexican Meatballs

    Mexican meatballs in a tomato sauce.

    These Mexican Meatballs (from Simply Stacie) are super easy to make for Cinco de Mayo or an easy weeknight dinner! Use ground chicken for perfectly moist meatballs with cumin, chili powder, jalapeños, and of course shredded cheese. 

    Read More

    Meatball Casserole without Tomato Sauce

    Spoon scooping up meatball casserole without tomato sauce from a baking dish.

    This meatball casserole (from The Spice Train) is made with homestyle meatballs that are baked with egg noodles in a delicious creamy and garlicky mushroom and spinach sauce. The casserole is topped with white cheddar cheese for a nice sharp contrast to the creamy sauce.

    Read More

    Vietnamese Meatballs in Tomato Sauce – Xíu Mái

    Vietnamese Meatballs in tomato sauce served in a bowl.

    Xíu Mái (from Wok and Kin) is Vietnam’s holy grail for ultra moist meatballs in a rich sweet and tangy tomato sauce! They’re the the healthiest meatballs you’ll ever have because each one is steamed to juicy perfection. Say hello to the easiest and most satisfying baguette stuffing!

    Read More

    Kofta Curry – Indian Meatballs in Sauce

    Kofta curry meatballs in a bowl.

    Indian kofta curry (from Indian Ambrosia) in a thick sauce made with ground lamb, onions, yogurt, chickpea flour and lots of spices. Serve these curried meatballs with hot, fresh whole wheat naan for a delightful meal that will fill and satiate you. It’s a sumptuous dish fit for a feast!

    Read More

    Chicken Meatballs and Rice

    Chicken meatballs and rice in a bowl.

    Chicken meatballs and rice (from Indian Ambrosia) is a delicious one-pot dinner that’s big on both taste and looks. Ground chicken is mixed with onion, garlic, herbs and spices, shaped into balls, and shallow fried to golden-brown, buttery perfection in the instant pot. The meatballs and rice are then pressure cooked in broth, and finally topped with tomatoes and slivered almonds. You won’t be able to resist this flavor-packed meal!

    Read More

    Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

    Buffalo chicken meatballs on a plate with crumbled blue cheese and celery sticks on the side.

    Love Buffalo wings? These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs deliver the buffalo sauce flavor you crave, but in delicious meatball form. This easy to make, flavorful dish does double-duty; serve it up as a tasty main for weeknight dinners, or as an easy appetizer for parties and game day.

    Read More

    Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs

    Bowl of spaghetti and meatballs with a basil garnish.

    You can’t go wrong with this family favorite classic Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs (from Recipes From A Pantry), especially when it’s made in the Crockpot and becomes a hands-off, effortless dinner with perfectly seasoned Italian meatballs.

    Read More

    Chicken Meatballs with Honey Mustard Sauce

    Chicken meatballs topped with honey mustard sauce.

    Chicken meatballs (from Krumpli) with garlic, thyme and rosemary cooked in either an air fryer or oven and finished in a creamy honey and mustard sauce.

    Read More

    Greek Lamb Meatballs

    Greek lamb meatballs with fresh dill on top served on a platter and cocktail sticks stuck in them.

    These Greek lamb meatballs (from Aleka’s Get-Together) are one of my favorite party appetizers! They are moist, juicy and packed with Greek seasonings. Serve them with mini toothpicks and a creamy tzatziki sauce, and your guests will be raving!

    Read More

    Garlic and Ginger Meatballs with Hot Honey Glaze

    Garlic and ginger meatballs served over rice with a side of green veggies.

    These baked turkey meatballs tossed in a hot honey glaze (from Killing Thyme) are packed with garlic and ginger to give them an East Asian-inspired flare.

    Read More

    Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs

    Fork stuck in a crockpot cranberry meatball laying in a bed of rice.

    This Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs recipe (from Easy Budget Recipes) is a super easy recipe made with just five ingredients. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or main dish, it will serve a crowd!

    Read More

    Stuffed Shells with Frozen Meatballs and Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce

    Stuffed shells with frozen meatballs in arrabbiata sauce topping it in a baking dish.

    These stuffed shells with frozen meatballs (from The Spice Train) are baked with cheese in a delicious homemade arrabbiata pasta sauce. The sauce is flavored with capers and fresh basil and has a nice spice kick from crushed red pepper flakes.

    Read More

    Orange Cranberry Meatballs with Leftover Cranberry Sauce

    Orange cranberry meatballs served over mashed potatoes in a bowl and garnished with green onions.

    These cranberry orange meatballs (from Piper Cooks) are the perfect holiday dinner recipe, made with delicious leftover Homemade Cranberry Sauce. Everything comes together in this recipe in about 30 minutes because you can bake the meatballs while you make the pan sauce. These baked cranberry sauce meatballs are perfectly sweet, spicy, savory, and tangy and pair with creamy mashed potatoes like they were meant to be.

    Read More

    Spaghetti Squash Marinara

    Bowl of spaghetti squash marinara with meatballs and fresh basil garnished on top.

    This recipe for spaghetti squash marinara (from The Dizzy Cook) is so easy, it really shouldn’t even be considered a recipe. In fact, we made this last night after I got home from a workout at 7:30pm. If I have more time, I’ll roast a spaghetti squash, but if I need something a little bit faster I’ll just boil a pot of pasta. But everyone loves a warm and filling meal that can be customized to fit anyone in the family.

    Read More

    Meatball Kale Soup with Couscous

    Meatball kale soup with coucous served in a bowl.

    Meatball Kale Soup with Couscous (from Dancing Through The Rain) is a tasty recipe that anyone can make! Whether it is cold season or you need an easy soup for dinner, this will be a huge hit!

    Read More

    Frikadeller – Danish Meatballs in a Creamy Gravy

    Frikadeller in a cast iron skillet
    This recipe for Frikadeller is my new favorite for a fall appetizer or main meal. These Danish meatballs come smothered in a creamy, sage gravy that will make you fall in love.
    Read More

    Thai-Inspired Meatball Soup with Rice Noodles

    This Thai-Inspired Meatball Soup is what dreams are made of. A rich, umami-filled broth filled with perfectly flavored meatballs, delicious bok choy, and slurp-worthy rice noodles. This recipe comes together in 30 minutes and you need to make it NOW.
    Read More

    Qofte – Albanian Meatballs

    3 qofte on a wooden cutting board
    Qofte are meatballs from Albania usually made with beef, chicken, or lamb. Usually they are fried, but I chose to bake my batch in the oven. This recipe features a unique blend of mint and paprika. 
    Read More

    3 photo collage of recipes with meatballs in them and text overlay of how to enjoy recipes using meatballs.

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