Forget the same old spaghetti and meatballs. The humble meatball is having a global moment, and we’re here for it. From zesty shrimp to hearty bison, these recipes showcase incredible versatility. You’ll want to explore every delicious variation of this classic comfort food. Get ready to make meatball night the most exciting night of the week.
Transform Your Dinner Game With These Meatball Creations
1. Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Meatballs
These seafood-based meatballs offer a light and elegant twist. The shrimp provides a delicate, sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sharp, salty Parmesan. A generous amount of lemon zest brightens the entire dish, creating a refreshing taste. They are perfect for a special occasion or to simply elevate a weeknight meal. Get the recipe →
2. Greek Chicken Meatballs over Whipped Feta
Infused with classic Mediterranean herbs like oregano and mint, these chicken meatballs are bursting with flavor. They are served atop a luxuriously smooth and tangy whipped feta dip. The combination creates a perfect balance of savory and creamy in every bite. This dish feels both rustic and sophisticated at the same time. Get the recipe →
3. Bison Meatballs with Wild Mushroom Gravy
Experience a richer, deeper flavor with these robust bison meatballs. They are smothered in an earthy wild mushroom gravy that is incredibly savory. The gravy, made with a mix of forest mushrooms, adds a wonderful umami quality. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner. Get the recipe →
4. Meatball Sandwich Sliders
These sliders are the ultimate party food or fun family dinner. Tender meatballs are nestled in soft rolls and covered in marinara sauce. A layer of melted provolone or mozzarella cheese brings everything together. They are easy to eat, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Get the recipe →
5. Quinoa-Lentil Turkey Meatballs
These turkey meatballs get a fantastic texture and a nutritional boost from quinoa and lentils. The combination keeps the meatballs moist and adds a pleasant, hearty bite. They are gently seasoned to let the wholesome ingredients shine through. Serve them with your favorite pasta or over a fresh green salad. Get the recipe →
6. Hoisin-Glazed Cocktail Meatballs
These bite-sized appetizers are sticky, sweet, and savory all at once. The glossy hoisin glaze gives the meatballs a beautiful sheen and deep flavor. A hint of garlic and ginger adds a wonderful aromatic quality. They will disappear quickly from any platter you put them on. Get the recipe →
7. Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Meatball Subs
Prepare for a delicious surprise in the center of each meatball. A pocket of creamy, mild ricotta cheese melts beautifully as they cook. Served in a toasted sub roll with marinara, it’s a decadent twist on a classic. The creamy center takes the meatball sandwich experience to a new level. Get the recipe →
8. Vietnamese Pork Meatballs with Nuoc Cham
These pork meatballs are seasoned with fresh herbs like lemongrass and cilantro. They are served with a traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce called Nuoc Cham. This sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy. The result is a light, fresh, and incredibly flavorful dish. Get the recipe →
9. Mexican Albóndigas Soup
This is a comforting and hearty soup featuring meatballs simmered in a flavorful broth. The meatballs often include rice and herbs, making them tender and light. The tomato-based broth is filled with vegetables for a complete meal. It’s a bowl of warmth that feels like a hug from the inside. Get the recipe →
10. BBQ-Glazed Beef Meatballs
These classic beef meatballs are coated in a smoky, tangy barbecue glaze. The glaze caramelizes slightly as it heats, creating a finger-licking good coating. They are perfect as a main dish served with mashed potatoes or as a party appetizer. This is a family-friendly recipe that everyone will love. Get the recipe →
11. Mozzarella-Stuffed Kimchi Meatballs
Get ready for a burst of flavor and a gooey, cheesy center. Finely chopped kimchi gives the meatballs a tangy and spicy kick. Inside, a cube of mozzarella melts into a perfect pocket of richness. This fusion recipe is exciting, bold, and utterly addictive. Get the recipe →
12. Turkish-Style Keftedes with Tzatziki
These seasoned lamb or beef meatballs are packed with Mediterranean flavors like mint and oregano. They are pan-fried until they have a beautifully browned, savory exterior. Served with a cool, cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce, the contrast is phenomenal. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that transports your taste buds. Get the recipe →
13. Thai Meatballs in Coconut Curry Sauce
These meatballs swim in a luxuriously creamy and aromatic coconut curry sauce. The sauce, infused with red curry paste and lemongrass, has a complex flavor profile. It’s rich and comforting with a gentle heat that builds. Serve them over jasmine rice to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce. Get the recipe →
14. Anchovy Fish Meatballs
For those who love bold, umami-rich flavors, these fish meatballs are a must-try. Anchovies are incorporated into the mix, providing a deep, savory taste that isn’t overly fishy. They are surprisingly light and pair wonderfully with a simple lemon wedge. This is a fantastic way to explore seafood in meatball form. Get the recipe →
15. BBQ Meatball Kebabs with Summer Veggies
Take your meatballs outside with these fun and colorful kebabs. Juicy meatballs are skewered with peppers, onions, and other seasonal vegetables. They are brushed with barbecue sauce and grilled to smoky perfection. This is a complete meal that makes for a fantastic outdoor gathering. Get the recipe →
16. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Blue Cheese Sauce
All the classic flavors of Buffalo wings, reimagined as a meatball. Tender chicken meatballs are coated in a spicy, tangy Buffalo sauce. They are served with a cool, pungent blue cheese dipping sauce for the perfect contrast. It’s a game-day favorite that’s easy to eat and share. Get the recipe →
17. Caribbean Jerk Pork Meatballs with Pineapple Salsa
These pork meatballs are seasoned with a vibrant and spicy jerk seasoning blend. The heat from the spices is perfectly balanced by a fresh, sweet pineapple salsa. The salsa adds a juicy, tropical element that cools the palate. This dish is a festive and flavor-packed escape for your dinner table. Get the recipe →
18. Chermoula Chicken Meatballs with Couscous
Chermoula, a North African herb sauce, gives these chicken meatballs their distinctive flavor. The sauce is a bright blend of cilantro, parsley, lemon, and spices. Served over fluffy couscous, it makes for a light yet satisfying meal. This recipe is an aromatic journey to a different part of the world. Get the recipe →
19. Chicken-Sweet Potato Meatballs in Curry
These meatballs are incredibly moist and slightly sweet from the addition of sweet potato. They are simmered in a warmly spiced, aromatic curry sauce. The sweet potato adds a unique texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the spices. It’s a wholesome and comforting dish that feels nourishing. Get the recipe →
20. Chinese Lion’s Head Pork Meatballs in Broth
This classic Chinese dish features oversized, incredibly tender pork meatballs. They are gently braised in a light, savory broth with Napa cabbage. The meatballs are so soft they practically melt in your mouth. It’s a soothing, elegant, and deeply satisfying soup-based meal. Get the recipe →
