Last Updated on June 18, 2026 by Sabrina Currie
Easy, delicious and economical, here are the top 35 best meatball recipes for dinner with big flavor. I've gathered the classics, like Italian meatballs in red sauce and creamy Swedish meatballs, along with some unique ideas like Thai curry meatballs and porcupine meatballs. And, of course, the meatball subs. Plus read a quick list of what to serve with your meatball dinner. Let's get cooking!
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Jump to:
- Top 10 Side Dishes For Meatballs
- Classic Meatballs + Red-Sauce Favorites
- Traegar + Smoked Meatballs
- Slow Cooker + Make-Ahead Heroes
- Meatballs From Around The World
- Holiday Meatballs + Comfort Food Classics
- Meatball Sub Sandwiches
- Top Tips For Perfect Meatballs Every Time
- FAQ's
- Save These Meatball Recipes
- West Coast Kitchen Garden cookbook is here!
- 💬 Community
Top 10 Side Dishes For Meatballs
Here's what to serve to round out your meatball dinner! I like to choose a veggie, salad and a starch for a well-rounded dinner.
- Mashed Potatoes
- Steamed or Fried Rice
- Egg Noodles or Spaghetti Noodles
- Zoodles or Spiralized Squash
- Steamed Veggies (like broccoli, carrots or peas)
- Greek Salad
- Easy Spinach Salad
- Buns or No-Knead Bread
- Garlic Toast
- Garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella
Classic Meatballs + Red-Sauce Favorites
Spaghetti and Meatballs
A reader favorite for a go-to meatball recipe, these are tender, saucy, and weeknight-friendly. Use a mixture of beef with higher fat content plus fresh breadcrumbs for that Italian-American Sunday gravy vibe. Season boldly with Italian seasoning, fresh garlic and fresh parsley, simple flavors that make a big difference. Top tip: Double the batch for meal prep and freeze half for later.
Spaghetti and Meatballs 
Ricotta Meatballs
Ricotta parmesan meatballs are the juiciest, moist meatballs. Made with creamy ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a luxurious pillowy bite.
Ricotta Meatballs 
Meatball Parmigiana
This cheesy bake starts with juicy meatballs, tomato paste-boosted sauce, and bubbling mozzarella and parmesan. Brown first for great flavor, then nestle the meatballs into sauce to simmer. If you love that trattoria feel, add a splash of red wine and a generous pinch of dried herbs. Serve with buttered spaghetti or toasted garlic bread.
Meatball Parmigiana 
Cast Iron Italian Meatballs
Seared on medium heat for a browned crust, then simmered in red sauce for a classic Italian meatball recipe technique. Stir Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, fresh parsley, black pepper and Italian seasoning right into the meat mixture for lots of extra flavor. Finish with olive oil and fresh tomatoes for a bright finish.
Cast Iron Italian Meatballs 
Swedish Meatballs with Dill Sauce
Explore the savory delight of Swedish meatballs with dill sauce, a family favorite served over rice or noodles.
Swedish Meatballs with Dill Sauce 
Swedish Meatballs
The Swedish meatballs are officially kid-approved! A classic creamy sauce pairs with savory seasoned meatballs and pasta for a fabulous dinner.
Swedish Meatballs 
Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs
This Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatball recipe makes delicious, tender meatballs in a rich cream sauce that taste way better than the original!
IKEA-Style Swedish Meatballs 
Traegar + Smoked Meatballs
Got a smoker? Have some fun adding even more flavor by smoking and slow cooking them for the ultimate tender juicy meatballs.
Smoked Meatballs
These meatballs have all the barbecue flavors without losing tenderness. Chill the meat mixture briefly so the balls hold their shape, then smoke low for that subtle campfire flavor. Try ground pork blended with ground beef and finish in tomato sauce for a cross between BBQ and Italian cuisine. Serve as sliders or with polenta.
Smoked Meatballs 
Smoked Italian Meatballs
Smoky edges meet a soft, juicy center and these flavorful meatballs soak up tomato sauce like pros. The smoker's low heat builds much flavor without drying for a tender meatball. Try a mixture of beef and Italian sausage (or ground pork) for the best results. Serve with homemade marinara sauce with fresh herbs, or stuff them into meatball subs with garlic bread. Great as an appetizer or with pasta as a main course.
Smoked Italian Meatballs 
Slow Cooker + Make-Ahead Heroes
Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs and Sauce
Hands-off and perfect for crock pot days, low heat and slow cooking equals tender meatballs. Toast your homemade breadcrumbs in a little olive oil for nuttiness, then mix in eggs and parmesan cheese. Top tip: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature (160°F for beef/pork) and avoid overcooking. Serve as a party appetizer or over pasta.
Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs and Sauce 
Sticky Asian Meatballs Recipe
These sticky Asian meatballs are tossed in a sweet and savoury hoisin sauce. Serve them over rice, noodles, or as an easy appetizer.
Sticky Asian Meatballs 
Baked Gluten Free Turkey Meatballs
Lean but juicy thanks to smart binders and seasonings. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs (or blitz oats in the food processor) and a splash of milk for softness. Brush with little oil and bake on parchment paper to keep them from sticking. Toss with your favorite sauce or pile into bowls with rice and greens.
Gluten Free Turkey Meatballs 
Smoked Chicken Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
A smoky surprise with melty centers are awesome for a party. Form chicken meatballs with a cookie scoop, insert cubes of cheese, then seal with wet hands so the filling doesn't leak. Smoke on low heat until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F. Serve with a crisp salad for a perfect pairing.
Smoked Chicken Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella 
Italian Bison Meatballs
Bison brings rich, clean, great flavor with a light feel. Sear then braise in homemade marinara sauce so the centers stay juicy while still hitting a safe internal temperature. Add a touch of parmesan cheese and fresh herbs at the end for an irresistible flavor and aroma. Serve with creamy polenta or noodles.
Italian Bison Meatballs 
Chicken + Ricotta Meatballs
Ricotta makes tender meatballs that never taste dry and these only take 15 minutes to bake! Gently mix in a large bowl and avoid overworking. If you don't have ricotta, try soaked fresh breadcrumbs and a little lemon zest. To make ahead, freeze cooked meatballs flat on a tray, then store in an airtight container.
Chicken Ricotta Meatballs 
Easy Chicken Chimichurri Meatballs Over Zoodles + Burrata
Bright, garlicky herbs and juicy chicken make a great, unique meatball that's fresh and lively. Served with over zucchini noodles and creamy burrata, set out bowls of extra chimichurri and rice for guests, Leftovers are excellent for meal prep bowls. Swap in turkey if that's your personal preference.
hicken Chimichurri Meatballs Over Zoodles + Burrata 
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Crisp outside, juicy inside-no deep fryer needed. Air fry and toss in a buttery Buffalo glaze for classic wing flavor. Serve with some blue cheese dip or in lettuce wraps or sliders.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs 
Meatballs From Around The World
Thai Curry Chicken Meatballs
One-pan coconut-red curry bathes tender chicken meatballs-fragrant and warming. Brown gently, then simmer so the coconut milk based sauce infuses flavor into the meatballs. Stir in spinach or peas or sub turkey if you like. Serve with jasmine rice and lime. (DF, GF)
Thai Curry Chicken Meatballs 
Thai Pork Meatballs + Sweet Chili Sauce
I love the flavours of Thailand - ginger, chili, garlic, lemongrass, lime - and the perfect balance of sweet-salty-sour-hot on your tastebuds. These meatballs are packed with all those bright flavours. Perfect for a party, with a sticky sweet chili sauce as their escort. Spear them with toothpicks, or serve them with torn lettuce leaves and cucumber slices.
Thai Pork Meatballs + Sweet Chili Sauce 
Greek Chicken Meatballs (Baked)
Greek chicken meatballs are made with lean ground chicken, feta cheese, and a flavorful medley of herbs and spices. These delicious meatballs are roasted
Greek Chicken Meatballs 
Middle Eastern Lamb Meatballs (with mint yogurt sauce)
Enjoy flavourful meatballs with lamb, perfectly paired with a creamy mint yogurt sauce for dipping or drizzling. The ultimate tasty combo!
Lamb Meatballs 
Hasanpaşa Köfte - Turkish Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes
Turkish seasoned meatballs get hollowed in the middle and filled with creamy mashed potatoes, then baked with cheese and homemade tomato sauce until lightly golden. Combine ground beef with ground lamb or ground veal for depth. (GF)
Turkish Meatballs 
ltalian Lamb Meatballs with Pistachio Mint Sauce
Italian Lamb Meatballs combine ground lamb with fresh herbs and aromatics in a rich, pistachio mint sauce that will take your breath away!
ltalian Lamb Meatballs with Pistachio Mint Sauce 
Izmir Kofte (Soutzoukakia - Smyrna Meatballs)
Izmir Kofte (a.k.a Soutzoukakia or Smyrna Meatballs) is a traditional dish made with lightly fried meatballs and vegetables baked in tomato sauce. A rustic tray-bake with peppers, potatoes, and a light tomato sauce, it's totally weeknight-friendly. Shape balls with wet hands to prevent sticking and add a touch of olive oil and fresh tomatoes for brightness and serve straight from the pan. (GF)
Izmir Kofte 
Taco Meatball Casserole
Baked Taco Meatballs is an easy recipe that's packed with flavor and cheesiness! Perfect for dinner or as an appetizer, this taco casserole is a fun twist on traditional tacos.
Taco Meatball Casserole 
Bulgur 'Meatballs' in Seasoned Tomato Broth (V)
A hearty tomato broth with bulgur wheat meatballs, seasoned with warming spices (kibbeh). Toasty bulgur gives these meatballs a delicate chew with fragrant spices. Finish with mint and lemon for a satisfying and easy-to-make vegetarian dinner. (Vegetarian)
Bulgur ‘Meatballs’ 
Teriyaki Meatball Bowls (30-minutes, dairy-free, gluten-free)
Sweet and sticky teriyaki meatball bowls are a great weeknight dinner! Made in just 30 minutes and easy to customize. These teriyaki meatballs served over fluffy rice are tender, simple, and flavorful. The teriyaki meatballs themselves make an easy meal prep recipe too!
Teriyaki Meatball Bowls 
Fish Meatballs with Sardines (Albondigas-de-pescado) (GF)
Easy fish meatballs (fish balls) with sardines are delicious with a quick and easy tomato sauce served as an appetizer, or add them to pasta for seafood spaghetti and meatballs. Or go Mexican style with tortillas or rice. (Pescatarian, GF)
Fish Meatballs with Sardines 
Holiday Meatballs + Comfort Food Classics
3-Ingredient Cranberry Meatballs
This sweet-tart glaze over savory meatballs is ideal for parties. Start with frozen meatballs or your own homemade meatballs and keep them warm over low heat in the slow cooker so they stay glossy, not sticky. Great with toothpicks and sharp cheddar. A great Christmas appetizer or make ahead Thanksgiving cocktail hour snack.
3-Ingredient Cranberry Meatballs 
Best Ever Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Completely irresistible, these easy, sticky sweet and sour meatballs are the best. Sweet and sticky sauce made from real orange juice along a seasoned meatball recipe gets oven-baked to perfection.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs 
Turkey + Stuffing Meatballs with Gravy
All the Thanksgiving flavors in little bites. The stuffing acts like fresh breadcrumbs, keeping the center moist and light. Bake on parchment paper and serve with pan gravy or cranberry sauce. Stash leftovers in an airtight container for sandwiches the next day.
Turkey + Stuffing Meatballs with Gravy 
Easy Porcupine Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Porcupine meatballs are a traditional Italian recipe made with ground beef coated in rice. A delicious and fun twist on a Sunday night classic.
Porcupine Meatballs 
Spicy Meatballs (Jalapeno Popper Meatball Recipe)
Spicy meatballs are the perfect game day appetizer, and this recipe is SO easy to make! Incredibly juicy and full of smoky, spicy flavor.
Jalapeno Popper Meatballs 
Meatball Sub Sandwiches
Pork Teriyaki Meatball Sub
Japanese meets meatballs with Pork Teriyaki Meatball Sub recipe that can be ready in under 60 minutes, making it an easy weeknight dinner.
Pork Teriyaki Meatball Sub 
Easy Meatball Subs
Soft rolls, melty cheese, and saucy beef meatballs make for crave-worthy meatball sub sandwiches. Bake meatballs on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper for quick cleanup and use panko breadcrumbs for lightness or fresh breadcrumbs for extra tenderness. Leftover cooked meatballs reheat easily for lunch the next day.
Easy Meatball Subs 
Thai Chili Meatball Sliders with Peanut Slaw
Thai Chili Meatball Sliders with Peanut Slaw. Sticky sweet, amazingly fragrant meatballs in Thai chili sauce, served in fluffy buns over a killer easy peanut butter Asian coleslaw. So many foodie roads collide in this recipe that is ridiculously easy to prepare.
Thai Chili Meatball Sliders 
Top Tips For Perfect Meatballs Every Time
- Meat Mixture - You can go all in on one type of ground meat or use a mixture of ground beef and pork or veal. If you've got a meat grinder, grind up your own mixture. Using meat with a higher fat content will result in juicier meatballs. For lean balls using ground chicken, turkey or fish, try not to over cook them. (160°F for beef/pork/veal, 165°F for chicken/ground turkey/turkey meatballs.)
- Breadcrumbs - Using breadcrumbs adds lightness and a tender texture. Classic breadcrumbs are great and Japanese panko crumbs add even more lightness of texture. Gluten-free crumbs can be used if needed.
- Season - Don't be shy with seasoning. Usually about 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper per pound is a good start. Then add other dried or fresh herbs like Italian seasoning, fresh parsley and mint, sage, rosemary or thyme. Minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese and finely diced onion are more excellent flavors to use.
- Mix Gently - Meatballs are best mixed with your hands just until the ingredients are mixed and combined. Try to not to overmix or they can become dense and tough.
- Pair With Sauce - Meatballs are tasty on their own but take it up a notch with a homemade marinara sauce, a drizzle of pesto, Swedish-style creamy gravy, curry, teriyaki or a sweet and sour dip.
- Batch + Freeze - Do yourself a favor and make a double batch so you can freeze some for later. Freeze meatballs on parchment lined cookie sheets and once frozen, place them in airtight bags or containers. Pull them out as needed for appetizers, pasta, pizza and subs.
FAQ's
What's the best binder for meatballs?
Use 1 part breadcrumbs (or GF alternative) to 4-5 parts ground meat.
How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?
Whether you have thawed meat or are using egg, sometimes it's hard to get the meat balls to stick together, especially if you've added lots of yummy herbs and minced onion. (While egg holds together after cooking, it can make the meat mixture hard to hold together at first.) Use ¼-1/5 breadcrumbs to ¾-4/5 meat to keep the consistency manageable, then chill them briefly before cooking. If it's still difficult to work with, chill the meat mixture in the fridge for 30-60 minutes before rolling into balls. Searing meatballs before simmering helps prevent them from falling apart in sauce.
What meat ratio makes the best Italian meatballs?
For classic richness: 50% ground beef, 25% ground pork, 25% ground veal (or sub all beef + a little Italian sausage).
Save These Meatball Recipes
Love these tasty meatball recipes? Save them to Pinterest and share on Facebook so you've got a go-to meatball recipe list ready for busy nights, game days, and Sunday simmer sessions.
Thanks for reading along, I hope you found the perfect recipe. I'd love to see you on Facebook where I share seasonal recipes and Instagram where you can see recipes and me in real life.
Cheers, Friends!
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