Meatballs are a classic comfort food that can be reinvented in countless ways. Whether you’re craving a traditional Italian-style dish, a bold flavor infusion, or something completely unique, there’s a recipe here for everyone. From hearty dinners to simple party snacks, these 16 meatball recipes will take your meals to the next level.

How to Make Italian Meatballs

How to Make Italian Meatballs. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Bring the authentic taste of Italy to your kitchen with these tender, flavorful meatballs. Made with a blend of herbs, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, these are simmered to perfection in a rich marinara sauce.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Italian Meatballs

Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatballs

Three glazed savory meatballs are served on a white plate with toothpicks, placed on a surface next to a stack of white dishes—perfect for effortless meals or as a standout among meatball dishes.
Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatballs. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Nothing says comfort food like these smoky barbecue meatballs! Toss them in your slow cooker with your favorite BBQ sauce and enjoy juicy, melt-in-your-mouth bites of goodness.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatballs

Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

Homemade meatballs served in a rich and savory gravy.
Meatballs and Gravy Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Rich, hearty, and comforting, these meatballs smothered in homemade gravy are the ultimate comfort food. Serve with mashed potatoes for a classic pairing!
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

Chicken Meatballs

Chicken meatballs in a white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Sometimes simplicity reigns supreme. These juicy chicken meatballs can be paired with any sauce or side dish for a meal that’s easy, light, and endlessly versatile.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Meatballs

Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs

Golden meatballs with a sprinkle of herbs on a white plate, with marinara sauce.
Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

These zesty meatballs pack a spicy-sweet punch! With the help of an air fryer, they come out crispy on the outside and irresistibly tender on the inside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs

Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs (Crockpot)

A white bowl with turkey meatballs tossed in honey sriracha sauce.
Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs (Crockpot). Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Sweet meets spicy with these crockpot turkey meatballs in a honey-sriracha glaze. They’re effortless to prep and impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs (Crockpot)

Eggplant and Beef Meatballs Recipe

A plate of eggplant and beef meatballs with a savory sauce.
Eggplant and Beef Meatballs Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Looking for a creative spin? These eggplant and beef meatballs are moist, hearty, and perfect for sneaking in some extra veggies while still enjoying a rich, savory taste.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant and Beef Meatballs Recipe

Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs

Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs in a cast iron skillet with basil.
Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Low-carb meets high flavor with these keto-friendly meatballs. Cooked in a cast iron skillet, they develop a beautiful crust that adds extra texture.
Get the Recipe: Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs

Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Black bean meatballs in tomato sauce with a spoon.
Italian Black Bean Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These plant-based meatballs combine savory Italian spices with protein-rich black beans. They’re a nutritious option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Cheddar stuffed turkey meatballs served with zoodles.
Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Take your turkey meatballs up a notch by packing them with gooey cheddar cheese. Each bite delivers a delightful surprise of cheesy goodness!
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Dive into a bowl of bold flavors with these Thai-inspired turkey meatballs. Simmered in a creamy coconut curry sauce, they’re warm, aromatic, and downright satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Greek Meatballs

Greek Meatballs on a plate with tomatoes.
Greek Meatballs. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with these savory Greek meatballs. Packed with fresh herbs and feta cheese, they’re vibrant and bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatballs

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs in a white bowl with parsley.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Looking for a healthy yet flavorful option? These turkey meatballs cooked in the air fryer are light, savory, and ready in no time!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs

A white platter with cheese stuffed meatballs, limes, radishes and onions.
Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Add a kick to your dinner with these Mexican-inspired meatballs stuffed with melty cheese. Seasoned with bold spices, they’re as delicious as they are fun to make.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs

Chicken Marsala Meatballs

Chicken Marsala Meatballs in a black dish.
Chicken Marsala Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tender chicken meatballs meet creamy marsala wine sauce in this elevated dish. Pair it with pasta or bread to soak up every last drop of that sauce.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala Meatballs

Enchilada Meatballs

Cheesy mexican meatballs in a skillet.
Enchilada Meatballs. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Put a Tex-Mex twist on your meatball repertoire with these saucy enchilada meatballs. They’re cheesy, smoky, and absolutely delicious.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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