22 Meatball Recipes That Don’t Need Spaghetti
Spaghetti night is fine, but these meatball recipes show just how satisfying the classic can be on its own. They’re easy, flavorful, and far from ordinary.
Inside are options for weeknight dinners, cozy meals, and snacks made for sharing. Each recipe highlights why meatballs deserve a place at every table.
Cranberry Meatballs
These Cranberry Meatballs are one of my most requested appetizers. Orange juice and orange zest give them another excellent depth of flavor. They are tart, sweet, and very fruity. Additionally, they are gluten- and lactose-free.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Meatballs.
Smoked Meatballs
Smoked meatballs offer a delicious twist on a classic favorite, infusing every bite with a rich, smoky flavor. This method is surprisingly simple, elevating both appetizer plates and main courses. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or seeking a new dinner staple, these smoked delights are sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatballs.
Oven Braised Meatball Stew
This classic oven meatball stew is a vintage dish that’s incredibly simple to prepare and absolutely tasty! It’s a full meal served in one pot, combining hearty meatballs with a rich, savory stew. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this recipe offers both ease and flavor, ensuring a satisfying dining experience with minimal cost and cleanup.
Get the recipe: Oven Braised Meatball Stew.
Air Fryer Meatballs
Easy Air Fryer Meatballs turn out as crispy as you remember your Grandmother’s fried meatballs! The sheer beauty of this recipe is that they are done in about ten minutes and is so tasty!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Meatballs.
Lamb Meatballs With Coconut Curry
Lamb Meatballs with Coconut Curry is a quick and delicious dinner that brings exotic flavors to your table! These juicy lamb meatballs are seasoned with Ras el Hanout, a fragrant Indian spice blend. Simmered in a rich coconut curry sauce, they offer a perfect balance of savory and creamy. Serve over rice or with naan for a meal that’s sure to impress any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Meatballs With Coconut Curry.
Swedish Meatballs with Sour Cream Sauce
There are so many things to adore about this Swedish meatballs with sour cream sauce recipe! We have moist, tender meatballs swimming in a modified version of my popular sour cream sauce, and if that doesn’t win you over, these meatballs are served with zoodles!!
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs with Sour Cream Sauce.
Bourbon Meatballs Appetizer
This bourbon meatball recipe is a well-loved and delicious appetizer. The meatballs are succulent, the bourbon sauce is scrumptious, and their flavors complement each other famously!
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Meatballs Appetizer.
One Pot Greek Meatballs With Lemon Dill Rice
Enjoy a full meal from scratch on the table in 45 minutes or less using only one pan! These delicious One-Pot Greek Meatballs are super easy to make and family-friendly, and they cook alongside a fluffy lemon dill rice.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Greek Meatballs With Lemon Dill Rice.
Italian-Style Meatballs
Hey, y’all! Looking to cook a restaurant-quality Italian meal at home? Start by making my Italian-Style Meatballs, which come together in minutes and are simply delicious. You’re going to love them!
Get the Recipe: Italian-Style Meatballs.
Curry Meatballs on Zoodles
These curry meatballs are soft and succulent on their own, but when added to a rich curry sauce and served over zoodles, they create an incredibly delicious meal. The zoodles soak up the flavorful sauce, making this dish both hearty and healthy. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table!
Get the Recipe: Curry Meatballs on Zoodles.
Mediterranean Meatballs
These Mediterranean Meatballs are one of my top picks for a quick weeknight dinner, bursting with vibrant flavors. Seasoned with bold spices like sumac, coriander, and cumin, they offer a refreshing twist that sets them apart from the usual meatballs.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Meatballs.
Tikka Masala Meatballs
These easy Tikka Masala Meatballs are juicy oven-baked meatballs simmered in a deliciously aromatic creamy sauce. They are wonderful served over basmati rice or as an appetizer for parties.
Get the Recipe: Tikka Masala Meatballs.
Sweet And Sour Meatballs
Cranberry Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a sweet and tangy holiday appetizer! Use up leftover cranberry sauce in this quick and easy recipe.
Get the Recipe: Sweet And Sour Meatballs.
Baked Turkey Meatballs
Moist flavor-packed baked turkey meatballs are quick and easy to make at home and ready in about 30 minutes. Serve them as appetizers, snacks, or the main dish! Perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Baked Turkey Meatballs.
Tender Italian Meatballs In Fresh Basic Tomato Sauce
No breadcrumbs, no flour, low-carb meatballs are tender, moist, and cooked in an authentic Italian tomato sauce. Delicious to serve with pasta, zucchini noodles, and your choice of salad!
Get The Recipe: Healthy Italian meatballs (low carb) in tomato sauce.
Meatball Parmigiana
Meatball Parmigiana with juicy meatballs in marinara, topped with melted mozzarella. Perfect over pasta, in a sub or wrap, or on its own!
Get The Recipe: Meatball Parmigiana.
Porcupine Meatballs
Porcupine Meatballs are an old-fashioned meatball recipe made with seasoned ground beef mixed with rice and then simmered in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. Serve these yummy meatballs with roasted veggies and buttery biscuits for an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love.
Get The Recipe: Porcupine Meatballs.
Meatball Soup
Italian meatball soup is the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in 40 minutes. Homemade meatballs simmered in a comforting, rich tomato broth.
Get The Recipe: Meatball Soup.
Skillet Italian Meatballs
These Cast Iron Meatballs are as easy as they are delicious, so no need to worry about the prep time on a busy weeknight.
Get The Recipe: Cast Iron Italian Meatballs.
Albondigas (Spanish Meatballs)
These Spanish Meatballs, known locally as Albondigas, are beautifully seasoned and smothered in the tastiest tomato sauce you can ever cook. Result? Meatballs with just enough tomato sauce that you can mop up with fresh, crusty bread, drizzled generously with some great extra-virgin olive oil.
Get the Recipe: Albondigas (Spanish Meatballs).
