50 Homemade Meatball Recipes That Make the Perfect Family Dinner
Add to sandwiches, pasta dishes, soups and more!
There's no denying that meatballs are a family dinner MVP. You can often make them in 30 minutes or less and they're usually a kid-friendly dinner as well, even if you have some picky eaters in your household. Luckily, we've rounded up the best meatball recipes to try now, from classic red-sauce meatballs that pair perfectly with spaghetti to unique meatballs inspired by worldly cuisines.
Meatballs are more versatile than most people think. They can be served solo as a game day snack or party appetizer, paired with pasta dishes for some extra protein, or put on some crusty bread for a delicious meatball sub. Plus, you can make them with ground beef, pork, chicken, turkey or even lentils — whatever you have on hand! And you don't have to stick to traditional recipes if you don't want to. We've gathered plenty of meatball recipes that draw inspiration from flavors of India, Vietnam, and Mexico, among others. Plus, many of these recipes come together in the slow cooker or air fryer, saving you time and energy.
Pro tip: If you've got enough ingredients on hand, make a double batch of your family's favorite meatballs and freeze whatever you don't eat for a make-ahead meal. Future you will be so grateful to pull them out in a few weeks when you just need something simple.
What are you waiting for? Bookmark your favorite meatball recipes for when you need an easy meal.
Saucy Sausage Meatballs
Flavorful meatballs coated in a classic Italian red sauce are a winner every time. This recipe incorporates a few unique ingredients like cinnamon and orange zest to take your meatballs from good to amazing.
Get the Saucy Sausage Meatballs recipe.
Spicy Carrot-Pork Meatball Heroes
This take on Vietnamese banh mi brings plenty of fresh flavor to the table. You'll want to have plenty of carrots on hand, since they're both grated into the meatballs and used as a crunchy, tangy topping.
Butter Chicken Meatballs
Can't decide between meatballs and Indian food for dinner tonight? This recipe is the best of both worlds, bringing together easy chicken meatballs and a rich butter chicken sauce for a cozy, flavorful meal. Serve alongside rice or naan for a satisfying dinner the whole crew will enjoy.
Get the Butter Chicken Meatballs recipe.
Spiced Meatball Pitas with Crispy Carrot Slaw
These easy meatball pitas come together in just 30 minutes, making them a perfect weeknight dinner. The grated carrots and ginger add tons of fresh flavor.
Get the Spiced Meatball Pitas With Crispy Carrot Slaw recipe.
Gingery Pork Meatball Subs
Toss 5-ingredient meatballs with sweet chili sauce for a vibrant, flavorful sub you can make on a weeknight. Sandwiches for dinner, anyone?
Get the Gingery Pork Meatball Subs recipe.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Here's a delicious way to use up leftover cranberry sauce: Turn it into a tangy glaze for store-bought cocktail meatballs.
Get the Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe.
Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
We used lean turkey instead of beef so we could stuff these babies with cheese. It's all about balance, right?
Moroccan-Inspired Meatballs
Roasted meatballs, tomatoes and chickpeas make a filling feast served over couscous, but they are also delicious stuffed into pita sandwiches.
Get the Moroccan Meatballs recipe.
Air Fryer Meatball Sub
Best part of this dreamy sandwich? The meatballs and fresh tomato sauce cook in the air fryer at the same time.
Get the Air Fryer Meatball Sub recipe.
RELATED: 72 Easy Air Fryer Recipes for a Quick Weeknight Dinner
Grilled Rosemary Lamb Meatballs
When you need to get fancy with your standard spaghetti and meatballs, it's ground lamb to the rescue.
Skillet Meatballs
These herby meatballs are packed with dill, mint and parsley for a light and fresh feast.
Get the Skillet Meatballs recipe.
RELATED: 5 Best Nonstick Pans
Stuffing Meatballs
Meatballs, meet Thanksgiving. Folding leftover stuffing into this Italian staple makes for the best post-Turkey Day supper.
Get the Stuffing Meatballs recipe.
Picadillo Meatballs
Inspired by traditional Latin American Picadillo, these beefy bites get extra flavor from raisins and olives.
Get the Picadillo Meatballs recipe.
Sriracha Meatball Hoagies
This Asian-inspired riff on a classic Italian sub is on fire thanks to an easy homemade sriracha mayo.
Spaghetti and Air Fryer Meatballs
Forget frying meatballs on the stovetop (so messy!) or baking them in the oven — air fryer meatballs are a cinch to make and even easier to clean up.
Slow-Cooker Meatballs
Barely any cooking is required for these sliders. Just let your slow-cooker do the work and get out those buns.
Get the Slow-Cooker Meatballs recipe.
RELATED: 10 Best Slow Cookers of 2022, According to Our Testing
Doubly Cheesy Meatball Bake
We're not kidding when we say cheesy: This skillet is loaded with feta and mozzarella.
Get the Doubly Cheesy Meatball Bake recipe.
Lemon-Dill Chicken Meatball Soup
This might replace chicken noodle for our favorite sick day eats.
Get the Lemon-Dill Chicken Meatball Soup recipe.
RELATED: 30 Soup Recipes That Are Perfect for the Winter (Or Anytime of the Year)
Turkey Meatballs
We snuck in some oats and mushrooms for flavor and moisture, but the kids won't even notice.
Get the Turkey Meatballs recipe.
RELATED: 50 Best Kids' Dinner Ideas for When Your Picky Eater Just Won’t Try Anything
Mini Meatballs with Garlicky Tomatoes
Instead of boxed breadcrumbs, tear up a fresh baguette for a more tender texture and tasty flavor.
Get the Mini Meatballs with Garlicky Tomatoes recipe.
RELATED: 11 Best Substitutes for Breadcrumbs When You Need an Easy Swap
50 Healthier Chicken Recipes We Love
75 Family Dinner Ideas for Any Day of the Week
32 High-Protein Vegetarian Meals
50 Flavorful and Filling Low-Calorie Meals
