Meatballs are one of the few dinners that work for almost everyone. You can bake a tray while you help with homework, simmer them in sauce for a one pan meal, drop them in soup, or pile them in a bowl with rice. Most of them freeze well too, so a double batch on Sunday covers a couple of weeknights later.
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Here are 17 of my best meatball recipes, sorted by how you want to cook them tonight. A few come from my other site, cookrita.com, where noted. Every one of them is built for a busy weeknight, not a weekend project.
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Easy Baked and Air Fryer Meatballs
The most hands off way to make meatballs. Shape them, put them in the oven or air fryer, and walk away. These are also the ones to batch and freeze.
Extra Juicy Air fryer Meatballs
Baked Ground Chicken Meatballs (Juicy)
Italian Style Turkey Meatballs Baked
Baked Turkey Stuffing Meatballs
Juicy Air Fryer Beef Meatballs
Saucy Skillet Meatballs for Dinner
Brown the meatballs, build a sauce in the same pan, and dinner is one skillet and a pot of pasta or rice. This is the weeknight sweet spot.
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Juicy Pork and Beef Meatballs
Swedish Meatballs
Chicken Meatballs in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Sweet, Spicy and Party Meatballs
Sticky glazed meatballs for game day, potlucks, or a dinner that feels like a snack. Keep a bag of cooked meatballs in the freezer and these come together in minutes.
Saucy Firecracker Meatballs
Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
Honey Sriracha Spicy Meatballs
Meatball Bowls and Bakes
When you want the meatballs to be the whole meal. Bowls for a fast lunch or dinner, bakes for feeding a crowd.
15 Minute Greek Rice Bowl With Turkey Meatballs
Baked Meatball Casserole (Baked Ziti)
Mediterranean Bowl With Ground Turkey Meatballs
Cozy Meatball Soups
Meatballs dropped into broth make one of the easiest one bowl dinners there is. Both of these reheat well for lunch the next day.
Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup (with Orzo)
Turkey Meatball Soup
Tips for Better Weeknight Meatballs
- Do not skip the panade. A few tablespoons of breadcrumbs soaked in milk keeps meatballs tender. Without it they turn dense and dry, especially with turkey or chicken.
- Use a cookie scoop. It portions them evenly in seconds so they cook at the same rate, and your hands stay cleaner.
- Chill the mix for 15 minutes. Cold meatballs hold their shape better and brown more evenly. Handy if you mix them before the oven is hot.
- Bake a double batch and freeze half. Freeze cooked meatballs on a tray, then bag them. Drop frozen ones straight into sauce or soup on a busy night.
- Do not overmix. Mix just until combined. Overworked meat gets tough and rubbery once cooked.
- Brown for flavor, finish in sauce. A quick sear builds flavor, then simmering in sauce keeps them moist and lets them soak up the seasoning.
Meatball Recipe Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes. Shape them up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, or freeze them raw or cooked. Cooked meatballs keep about four days in the fridge and three months in the freezer.
What is the best meat for meatballs?
A mix of beef and pork gives the classic flavor and texture. Ground turkey and chicken are leaner and work well as long as you add a panade and do not overbake them. Use whatever your family likes best.
How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?
Use enough binder, one egg and some breadcrumbs per pound of meat, do not overmix, and let them firm up in the fridge before cooking. If simmering in sauce, brown or bake them first so they hold together.
Can I cook frozen meatballs in sauce?
Yes. Add frozen cooked meatballs straight to simmering sauce or soup and heat for 15 to 20 minutes until hot through. No need to thaw.
What should I serve with meatballs?
Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread for saucy ones. For party meatballs, toothpicks and a dipping sauce. For a lighter meal, pile them in a bowl with grains and a big handful of vegetables.
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Before You Go
If you found this post helpful, I'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts, questions, or experiences. Your feedback helps me create content that truly serves this wonderful community. ❤️
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