17 Meatball Recipes That Prove They’re More Than Just Spaghetti’s Sidekick

Meatballs are one of those dishes that never go out of style—juicy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. These 17 meatball recipes show just how many delicious directions you can take them. From Italian-style classics simmered in rich tomato sauce to Asian-inspired bites glazed in sweet and spicy sauces, there’s something here for every craving. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or meal prep, these recipes make it easy to roll up something amazing any night of the week.

How To Cook Frozen Meatballs in an Air Fryer

A plate of air fryer frozen meatballs smothered in rich tomato sauce, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. — How to make frozen meatballs in an air fryer. Photo credit: From Ice Cream to Steak.

Air fryer frozen meatballs? Yes, please! This quick method gives you juicy, crispy-edged meatballs in no time. Perfect for tossing into spaghetti, stuffing into subs, or serving as a quick snack. No thawing, no stress—just easy, tasty results.
Get the Recipe: How To Cook Frozen Meatballs in an Air Fryer

Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs

Ready for juicy keto meatballs made easy? Cook them right on the stovetop in your cast iron skillet, and have dinner on the table in less than half an hour!
Get the Recipe: Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

Whip up these air fryer bacon-wrapped meatballs in under 20 minutes! The bacon not only adds mouthwatering flavor but also gives the meatballs a perfect crispy finish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Frozen turkey meatballs in the air fryer = simple, fast, and keto-approved! With only 3g carbs per serving, they’re an easy, tasty dinner you can heat up anytime.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Whole30 Meatballs and Gravy Over Riced Veggies

Clear bowl of riced veggies and meatballs. — Whole30 Meatballs and Gravy Over Riced Veggies. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Whether you’re on Whole30 or just love a good meal, Meatballs and Gravy over Riced Veggies is an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Whole30 Meatballs and Gravy Over Riced Veggies

Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Cheddar-stuffed turkey zucchini meatballs cooked right in marinara sauce make for a quick, flavorful dinner you can whip up on the stove with ease.
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.

Sweet, tangy, and totally addictive—these Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs make a classic appetizer everyone will be asking for at your next event.
Get the Recipe: Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs

Meatball Pasta Bake

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

If simple is your style, you’ll love this one-pan meatball casserole—just mix the ingredients, bake, and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake

Chicken Marsala Meatballs

Switch up your meatball game with these Chicken Marsala Meatballs—packed with all the rich flavors of the classic dish but in bite-sized fun! What sides would you pair with them?
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala 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.

Enjoy tender, juicy meatballs cooked in a savory tomato sauce with this Instant Pot recipe. It’s a quick, classic dish that’s perfect for satisfying your comfort food cravings.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce

Enchilada Meatballs

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

Easy to bake and packed with enchilada goodness, these meatballs are sure to become a repeat favorite!
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs

Greek Meatballs

Love meatballs? Give these Greek Meatballs a try! Juicy, flavorful, and packed with feta and spinach—don’t forget the tzatziki on the side!
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatballs

Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

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

Make dinner unforgettable with these easy, 3-ingredient mozzarella-stuffed meatballs — cheesy, simple, and sure to impress at the table!
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella-Stuffed 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.

Enjoy the ultimate comfort meal in minutes! Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs means tender meatballs and pasta with zero hassle.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and 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.

Spicy, cheesy, and wrapped in bacon—these Jalapeno Popper Meatballs are the ultimate flavor bomb you won’t be able to stop eating.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Meatballs

Chicken Meatballs

Juicy, flavorful, and full of protein—these Chicken Meatballs are made with ground chicken or turkey and tossed in a rich buttery sauce. Great for low-carb eaters, they’re perfect as a snack or served over cauliflower rice for an easy, complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Meatballs

Italian Sausage Meatballs

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

Savory and flavorful, these Italian Sausage Meatballs are easy to make and perfect for any occasion—dinner, snacks, or entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Meatballs