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Home » Trending

17 Meatball Recipes So Good You Will Forget They Are Technically Side Dishes

Published: Dec 14, 2025 by Janelle This post may contain affiliate links - read my disclaimer for full details... Leave a Comment

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There is something magical about meatballs. They are cute, round, full of flavor, and somehow manage to disappear from the serving bowl faster than anything else on the table. These 17 recipes turn simple ground meat into juicy, saucy, irresistible bites that taste like pure happiness. From skillet favorites to slow simmered beauties and fun global twists, these meatballs are here to prove they deserve the spotlight. So grab your fork, maybe grab a backup fork, and get ready for a delicious lineup that rolls big flavor into every bite.

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatballs on a white plate with parsley and tooth picks.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatballs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Looking for a speedy meal? These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatballs are ready in less than 20 minutes! With crispy bacon wrapped around savory meatballs, they’re packed with irresistible flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

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.

Get juicy, homemade keto meatballs in less than 30 minutes with this easy Cast Iron Meatballs recipe! Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal on the stove top.
Get the Recipe: Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

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

Air Fryer Frozen Turkey Meatballs are the perfect hassle-free dinner! With just 3g of carbs per serving, these keto meatballs heat up perfectly in the air fryer and are ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

How To Cook Frozen Meatballs in an Air Fryer

Savory meatballs in tomato sauce topped with cheese slices and garnished with herbs on a white plate. Perfectly cooked using an air fryer for a crispy texture.
How to make frozen meatballs in an air fryer. Photo credit: From Ice Cream to Steak.

Skip the oven and try air frying frozen meatballs! They come out juicy with a crispy finish, ready in minutes for appetizers, pasta, or sandwiches—making mealtime super easy!
Get the Recipe: How To Cook Frozen Meatballs in an Air Fryer

Thai Turkey Meatballs

Thai turkey meatballs on a platter with red curry dipping sauce.
Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These Thai Turkey Meatballs in Red Curry Sauce are not only quick and easy to make but also packed with bold flavors! Baked in the oven, they're perfect for appetizers or served over rice with veggies for a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Thai Turkey Meatballs

Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

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

These turkey zucchini meatballs are filled with gooey cheddar cheese and seasoned with Italian herbs, then cooked in marinara sauce for a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs

Meatballs in a white bowl on a wooden table.
Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs are a classic, offering the perfect balance of sweet and savory! Serve them at your next event, and they’ll disappear in no time.
Get the Recipe: Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs

Meatballs and Sauce

Image shows Spaghetti and meatballs with a fork twirling pasta in a white bowl.
Meatballs and Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Craving comfort food? Our Instant Pot Meatballs and Sauce recipe delivers juicy meatballs in rich, savory tomato sauce, all cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. Get ready for a delicious classic that will have everyone coming back for more!
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce

Meatball Pasta Bake

A casserole dish with meatballs and pasta.
Meatball Pasta Bake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Looking for an easy dinner? This meatball casserole recipe is perfect! Just toss everything into one pan, stir, and bake—it couldn’t be simpler!
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake

Meatball Casserole

A casserole dish filled with meatballs and cheese.
Meatball Casserole. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

A deliciously simple keto-friendly casserole featuring meatballs, creamy sauce, and cheese! With 25 minutes of prep and an hour to cook, it’s an easy, customizable dish—try different meats or homemade marinara. Great for family meals or meal prepping, and it stores perfectly for later.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Casserole

Greek Meatballs

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

Meatballs with a Mediterranean twist! These Greek Meatballs are moist, meaty, and bursting with feta, spinach, and more. Tzatziki is a must!
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatballs

Enchilada Meatballs

Cheesy meatballs baked in a skillet, garnished with herbs, perfect for a cozy Monday night. Sides of chopped cilantro and diced tomatoes in small bowls nearby on a white surface.
Enchilada Meatballs. Photo credit: Litlle House Big Alaska.

Enchilada Meatballs are so simple to make and bake, you'll be adding them to your meal rotation all the time!
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Plate of spaghetti and meatballs made in an Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Get a classic comfort meal fast with Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs. Tender meatballs and pasta made in a flash—so easy and delicious!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Meatballs with cheese on a plate.
Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Turn dinner into something special with these mozzarella-stuffed meatballs! Quick, easy, and made with just three ingredients, they’re guaranteed to impress your family.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Jalapeno Popper Meatballs

Close-up of a stuffed meatball with cheese and green peppers, showing a bite taken out of the center—a perfect addition to your Taco Tuesday spread.
Jalapeno Popper Meatballs. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

There’s something addicting about Jalapeno Popper Meatballs—the spicy kick from jalapenos, smoky bacon, and creamy cheese make the perfect flavor trio!
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Meatballs

Chicken Meatballs

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

Looking for a healthy, high-protein meal? These Chicken Meatballs are made with lean ground chicken or turkey and seasoned with unique spices. The buttery sauce adds the perfect touch, making them delicious on their own or paired with cauliflower rice!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Meatballs

Italian Sausage Meatballs

Meatballs in a white bowl with sauce and parsley.
Italian Sausage Meatballs. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Dig into these homemade Italian Sausage Meatballs, packed with savory spices and fresh herbs, making every bite a flavorful treat. Perfect for any meal or special occasion!
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Meatballs

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Hi, I’m Lara, a Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer with a passion for food and travel.

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