16 Meatball Recipes So Good the Whole Family Will Ask for Seconds

There is something about a pan of meatballs that makes everyone show up to dinner on time. They are cheap, easy to freeze and loved in almost every country on earth. These meatball recipes start with the Italian classics and then travel to Greece, the Middle East, Asia and beyond. Short on time tonight? Our 30 minute pasta dinners pair perfectly with a batch of these. Grab a big bowl and let us get rolling..

Meatball Recipes Start With Cheesy Skillet Meatballs

This is the one that wins every family vote. Juicy beef and pork meatballs simmer in a rich marinara, then get covered in melted mozzarella and fresh basil, all in one skillet. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping and nobody will leave a drop of sauce. Of all the meatball recipes on this list, this is the fastest way to a happy table. Bread for dipping or pasta on the side?

You will need: 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 pound ground pork, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup milk, 1 egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, 3 cups marinara, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, fresh basil.

How to make it: 1. Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes. 2. Mix with meat, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley and salt and roll into 20 balls. 3. Brown in an oven safe skillet. 4. Pour in the marinara and simmer 15 minutes. 5. Top with mozzarella and broil 3 minutes until bubbly, then add basil.

Meatball Recipes Classic: Nonna Style Marinara Meatballs

The secret to soft, tender meatballs is the panade, bread soaked in milk. It keeps the meat juicy and light instead of dense and dry. These are gently browned and then finished in a simple tomato sauce so they soak up flavor. Make a double batch and freeze half for a busy night. Beef only or a beef and pork mix in your house?

You will need: 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 pound ground pork, 2 slices white bread, 1/3 cup milk, 1 egg, 1/2 cup Pecorino, 2 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup parsley, salt, pepper, 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, basil.

How to make it: 1. Tear the bread and soak it in milk, then mash. 2. Mix in the meat, egg, cheese, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. 3. Roll into 2 inch balls and brown in oil. 4. Add tomatoes and basil and simmer 25 minutes, turning once. 5. Serve with pasta or bread.

Spaghetti and Meatballs, the Sunday Supper Classic

Is there any dinner more comforting than spaghetti and meatballs? It is the meal that shows up at birthdays, Sunday suppers and every movie about Italian grandmas. Quick poll: A) Small meatballs B) Big meatballs C) Giant single meatball D) Who cares, more sauce! The trick is cooking the pasta in salted water and finishing it in the sauce for a minute.

You will need: 1 pound spaghetti, 1 batch meatballs in marinara (see slide above), 2 tablespoons butter, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, fresh basil, salt.

How to make it: 1. Boil the spaghetti in well salted water until just al dente. 2. Save 1/2 cup pasta water and drain. 3. Toss the pasta with a few ladles of sauce, butter and a splash of pasta water. 4. Cook together for 1 minute. 5. Top with meatballs, more sauce, Parmesan and basil.

Meatball Recipes for Game Night: Toasted Meatball Subs

A good meatball sub is messy in the best way. Toasted rolls, saucy meatballs and a blanket of melted provolone. They are a great way to use leftover meatballs, and kids love building their own. Set out the rolls and let everyone go wild. Be honest, how many napkins do you need for one of these?

You will need: 6 hoagie rolls, 18 cooked meatballs, 2 cups marinara, 6 slices provolone, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 clove garlic, fresh basil.

How to make it: 1. Warm the meatballs in the marinara. 2. Melt butter with garlic and brush inside the rolls. 3. Toast the rolls at 400 F for 5 minutes. 4. Fill each with 3 meatballs and sauce and top with cheese. 5. Bake 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese melts, then add basil.

Sheet Pan Baked Meatballs for Meal Prep

Frying meatballs one batch at a time is messy and slow. Baking them on a sheet pan is the smart shortcut. You can make 40 at once, they brown nicely and the stove stays clean. Freeze them on the pan, then pop them in a bag for quick dinners all month. Of all the meatball recipes, this batch method is the one meal preppers swear by. Do you meal prep on Sundays?

You will need: 2 pounds ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 2/3 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1 cup Parmesan, 4 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F and line two sheet pans. 2. Soak the breadcrumbs in milk, then mix in everything else gently. 3. Roll into 1 1/2 inch balls. 4. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until browned and 160 F inside. 5. Cool, freeze on the pan and store in freezer bags.

Greek Keftedes With Mint and Lemon

Among Mediterranean meatball recipes, Greek meatballs stand out. They are packed with fresh mint, oregano and grated onion, which makes them extra juicy and bright. They are usually pan fried until crispy and served with lemon wedges and creamy tzatziki. Pile them over rice with a Greek salad and dinner feels like a vacation. Have you ever tried mint with meat?

You will need: 1 pound ground beef or lamb, 1 small onion grated, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons fresh mint, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, olive oil, lemon, tzatziki.

How to make it: 1. Mix everything except the oil and lemon and rest 30 minutes in the fridge. 2. Roll into small balls and flatten slightly. 3. Fry in olive oil 3 to 4 minutes per side. 4. Drain on paper towels. 5. Serve with lemon, tzatziki, rice and salad.

Meatball Recipes for Cold Nights: Cozy Meatball Soup

When it is cold outside, this soup is the answer. Tiny meatballs simmer in a light broth with cabbage, carrots and little pasta. It is gentle enough for anyone feeling under the weather and hearty enough for a hungry family. It is basically a hug in a bowl. Who would you bring a pot of this soup to?

You will need: 1 pound ground chicken or pork, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 3 cups shredded cabbage, 8 cups chicken broth, 1 cup small pasta, 2 cups spinach, salt, pepper.

How to make it: 1. Mix meat, breadcrumbs, egg and Parmesan and roll into tiny balls. 2. Cook onion and carrots in a pot for 5 minutes. 3. Add broth and bring to a simmer. 4. Drop in the meatballs, cabbage and pasta and cook 10 minutes. 5. Stir in spinach and season.

Grilled Kofta Skewers

Kofta are spiced meat skewers loved all across the Middle East and South Asia. Cumin, coriander, paprika and fresh herbs make them smell amazing on the grill. They cook in about 10 minutes and are perfect for a summer cookout or a quick broiler dinner in winter. Serve with flatbread and yogurt sauce. Grill or broiler, which do you use more?

You will need: 1 1/2 pounds ground lamb or beef, 1 small onion grated, 3 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup parsley, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, wooden skewers soaked.

How to make it: 1. Mix all ingredients well with your hands. 2. Shape into long sausages around the skewers. 3. Chill 30 minutes so they hold their shape. 4. Grill or broil 8 to 10 minutes, turning often. 5. Serve with flatbread, yogurt sauce and salad.

Golden Curry Meatballs With Rice

Curry might be the most underrated of all meatball recipes. The meatballs simmer in a mild, golden coconut curry sauce until tender, and the sauce soaks into fluffy white rice. Add steamed broccoli on the side for a full plate. It is cozy, colorful and mild enough for kids. How spicy would you make it, from 1 to 10?

You will need: 1 pound ground chicken or turkey, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 onion, 2 tablespoons curry powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 can coconut milk, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon honey, rice and broccoli to serve.

How to make it: 1. Mix meat, breadcrumbs, egg and garlic powder and roll into balls. 2. Brown them in a little oil and set aside. 3. Cook the onion with curry powder and turmeric for 3 minutes. 4. Add coconut milk, broth and honey and simmer. 5. Return the meatballs and cook 15 minutes, then serve with rice and broccoli.

Baked Kofta in Tomato Sauce With Cheese

This dish is a mashup of Middle Eastern kofta and Italian baked meatballs, and it is so good. Spiced kofta bake in a garlicky tomato sauce, then get a layer of melted cheese and fresh herbs on top. Scoop it up with warm pita or spoon it over couscous. Would you call this Italian, Middle Eastern, or just delicious?

You will need: 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 1 small onion grated, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 cups tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup feta, fresh herbs, salt.

How to make it: 1. Mix beef, onion, garlic, spices and salt and shape into small logs. 2. Place in a baking dish. 3. Stir sugar into the tomato sauce and pour over. 4. Bake at 400 F for 25 minutes. 5. Top with mozzarella and feta, bake 5 minutes more and finish with herbs.

Spiced Lamb Kofta With Warm Spices

Cinnamon in meat might sound strange, but it is the secret to lamb kofta. Just a pinch with cumin and coriander gives a warm, rich flavor. Brush them with a little oil and bake or grill until crispy outside. They are great on a mezze platter with hummus, olives and pickles. Have you ever cooked with lamb before?

You will need: 1 pound ground lamb, 1/2 small onion grated, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon allspice, 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, olive oil.

How to make it: 1. Mix lamb, onion, garlic, spices, parsley and salt. 2. Roll into 1 1/2 inch balls. 3. Brush with olive oil. 4. Bake at 425 F for 15 to 18 minutes or grill until browned. 5. Serve with hummus, pita and a squeeze of lemon.

Italian Polpette With Crusty Bread

In Italy, polpette are often served on their own, not on pasta. They sit in a little puddle of tomato sauce with a big piece of crusty bread for dipping. It is simple and rustic, the kind of dinner you eat slowly. Pour a glass of something nice and pretend you are at a little trattoria. Bread dippers, raise your hand!

You will need: 1 pound ground beef, 1 cup stale bread soaked in milk and squeezed, 1 egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1 clove garlic, 2 tablespoons parsley, pinch of nutmeg, salt, 2 cups tomato passata, olive oil, crusty bread.

How to make it: 1. Mix beef, bread, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, nutmeg and salt. 2. Roll into balls. 3. Brown in olive oil. 4. Add the passata and simmer 20 minutes. 5. Serve in shallow bowls with plenty of crusty bread.

Meatball Recipes for Showing Off: One Giant Stuffed Meatball

Want to make people laugh at dinner? Serve one giant meatball with a surprise inside: a melty ball of mozzarella. When you cut into it, the cheese pours out. Bake it in a little dish with sauce and serve one per person or share it family style. It is pure fun on a plate. Would your kids go crazy for this?

You will need: 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 pound ground pork, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup milk, 1 egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 2 cloves garlic, 4 small mozzarella balls, 2 cups marinara, salt, pepper.

How to make it: 1. Mix all the meat ingredients. 2. Divide into 4 portions and wrap each around a mozzarella ball, sealing well. 3. Place in a baking dish with marinara around them. 4. Bake at 375 F for 35 to 40 minutes until 160 F in the meat. 5. Spoon sauce over and serve with pasta or bread.

Crispy Falafel, the Meatless Meatball

Not all meatball recipes need meat. Falafel are made from soaked chickpeas, herbs and spices, fried until crunchy outside and fluffy and green inside. They are naturally vegan and cheap to make. Stuff them in pita or serve on a salad with tahini sauce. Quick poll: A) Falafel B) Beef meatballs C) Both, every week D) Never tried falafel.

You will need: 1 cup dried chickpeas soaked overnight (not canned), 1 small onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 cup parsley, 1/2 cup cilantro, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 2 tablespoons flour, oil for frying.

How to make it: 1. Drain the chickpeas well. 2. Pulse with onion, garlic, herbs and spices until finely chopped but not smooth. 3. Stir in baking powder and flour and chill 30 minutes. 4. Shape into small balls. 5. Fry at 350 F for 3 to 4 minutes until deep golden.

Stuffed Pita With Spiced Lamb

Turn any kofta or keftedes into a handheld meal. Warm pita is stuffed with spiced meat, crunchy greens, tomatoes and a drizzle of garlic yogurt. It is perfect for lunch boxes, picnics or a quick weeknight dinner with no plates needed. What sauce would you choose: garlic yogurt, tahini or hot sauce?

You will need: 4 pita breads, 12 cooked lamb or beef kofta, 2 cups lettuce or arugula, 1 tomato, 1/2 cucumber, 1/4 red onion. Sauce: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 clove garlic grated, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, pinch of salt.

How to make it: 1. Warm the kofta in a pan or oven. 2. Stir the sauce ingredients together. 3. Warm the pitas and open the pockets. 4. Fill with greens, tomato, cucumber and onion. 5. Add the kofta and drizzle with the garlic sauce.

Meatball Recipes From Asia: Pork Meatball Rice Bowls

These Asian style pork meatballs are flavored with ginger, garlic, soy and green onion, then served over rice with crunchy vegetables and a sweet chili dipping sauce. They are light, fresh and packed with flavor. Finish the list with this one and you have meatballs for every night of the week. Which one are you making first?

You will need: 1 pound ground pork, 2 green onions, 1 tablespoon ginger grated, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/4 cup panko, 1 egg, rice, shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber, sweet chili sauce.

How to make it: 1. Mix pork, green onion, ginger, garlic, soy, sesame oil, panko and egg. 2. Roll into small balls. 3. Bake at 400 F for 15 to 18 minutes. 4. Fill bowls with rice and vegetables. 5. Add the meatballs and serve with sweet chili sauce.