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The Yummy Bowl ยป Dinner

8 Simple Sauces That Make Meatballs Even Better

Aug 8, 2025 ยท Last updated: Sep 6, 2025 by Julia ยท 2 Comments ยท this post may contain affiliate links

Letโ€™s be real, pork meatballs (or any meatballs really!) are already juicy and packed with flavor. But you know what makes them even better? A really good sauce.

Whether you're serving them over rice, stuffing them into a sub, or going low-carb with veggie noodles, the right sauce takes things from โ€œmehโ€ to โ€œmore please.โ€

Iโ€™ve tried more than 10 different ones, but these 8 are the absolute best.

Letโ€™s get into it!

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8 Sauces To Serve With Pork Meatballs

1. Sweet and Spicy Chili Sauce

Sweet and Spicy Chili Sauce for meatballs.

This is my #1 go-to when I want something bold but still healthy. A mix of honey (or maple syrup), garlic, soy sauce, and chili flakes creates a sticky glaze that clings to every bite.

Make it with these Baked Meatballs (full recipe with meatballs).

Sweet and Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce, such as Sriracha

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan over low to medium heat, combine all the ingredients for the hot honey.
  • Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken. This will happen quickly, so keep an eye on it!
  • Drizzle this sweet and spicy hot honey over the meatballs or your favorite dish for an extra kick.
  • This sauce is enough for 23 small meatballs.

Tips

  • Also perfect for: Rice bowls, lettuce wraps, shrimp, or skewers
  • Bonus: You can make it in under 5 minutes
  • Tip: Add grated ginger for extra zing

2. Classic Tomato Basil Sauce

Classic Tomato Basil Sauce.

Yep, good old marinara. Itโ€™s cozy, familiar, and makes pork meatballs feel right at home over spaghetti or in a sub.

Chunky Marinara Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ยฝ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1 medium onion, or shallot, diced fine
  • 1 clove garlic , minced
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • 1 pinch of ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • ยฝ teaspoon sugar
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a medium pan, toss in onion, and cook till it's translucent (about 4 minutes). Add minced garlic, cook for another minute.
  • Throw in tomatoes, salt, pepper, spices, and sugar. Bring it to a boil, then simmer with the lid on for 15 minutes.
  • Stir in fresh basil, then take it off the heat. Voila! Your quick homemade marinara sauce is ready to jazz up pasta, lasagna, pizza, or serve as a dip!
  • If you want them well-coated (like for serving over pasta or in a sub), stick with about 10 small meatballs per cup. If you're just using the sauce for dipping or light coating, you could stretch it to about 12โ€“15.

Tips

  • Also great for: Meal prep, pasta night, or picky eaters
  • Make it healthier: Use low-sugar canned tomatoes + lots of fresh basil
  • Tip: Add a pinch of fennel seeds to match pork's natural sweetness

3. Thai Peanut Sauce

Thai Peanut Sauce.

If you havenโ€™t tried pork meatballs with creamy peanut sauce, youโ€™re missing out. Itโ€™s nutty, salty, slightly sweetโ€”and totally addictive.

Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • ยผ cup low sodium gluten-free soy sauce, or coconut aminos
  • 3 tablespoon sesame oil, toasted untoasted has a neutral aroma
  • 2 tablespoon white wine or rice wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon or to taste chili powder or red curry paste. Both taste great but will have a slightly different flavor.
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1 medium clove of garlic, minced
  • 1 knob ginger
  • ยฝ cup room temperature water
  • I didnโ€™t use salt but you may need to add a small pinch after tasting if needed
  • a drizzle of fresh lime juice, optional

Instructions

  • Add all the ingredients to a food processor and pulse until smooth. If the sauce comes out too thick and dark, add more water it will become creamy very fast. Add a little splash of freshly squeezed lime juice. Garnish with peanuts, and red pepper flakes if served as a dipping sauce.
  • Serve as a dipping sauce for fresh veggies such as broccoli, bell pepper, paprika, cucumber, and celery.
  • Thai peanut sauce is richer and thicker than marinara, so a little goes a long way. If you're tossing meatballs in it for something like an appetizer or rice bowl, 1 cup should comfortably coat around 12 small meatballs with extra to spare.

Tips

  • Best with: Cabbage slaw, rice noodles, or in lettuce wraps
  • Make it lighter: Use natural peanut butter + lime juice + coconut aminos
  • Tip: Add a splash of water to thin it out if youโ€™re drizzling

4. Garlic-Lemon Yogurt Sauce

lemon herb yogurt sauce.

For something cool and fresh, this is the one. Just stir together Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. Thatโ€™s it!

Garlic-Lemon Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat both work)
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 1 ยฝ tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra richness)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (like dill, parsley, or mint)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil (if using).
  • Add the chopped herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Mix well and let sit for at least 5โ€“10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Keep chilled until ready to use.
  • This recipe makes about 1 cup of sauce, enough to coat 12 to 16 small (1-inch) meatballs generously, or serve 4 portions if youโ€™re pairing the meatballs with rice, veggies, or salad.

Tips

  • Also works with: Mediterranean bowls, pita wraps, or roasted veggies
  • Why itโ€™s healthy: High protein, low fat, no added sugar
  • Tip: Add grated cucumber for a tzatziki twist or try this tahini sauce instead

5. Teriyaki Sauce (Healthier Version)

Store-bought teriyaki can be loaded with sugar, but a homemade version is easy and better for you. I use tamari, honey, garlic, and cornstarch to thicken.

Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

  • ยผ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • ยฝ teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or ยผ teaspoon ground)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ยฝ teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
  • In a separate small bowl, stir the cornstarch and water until smooth, then add it to the pan.
  • Place the pan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sauce starts to bubble and thickenโ€”about 2โ€“3 minutes.
  • Once thickened, remove from heat. Taste and adjustโ€”add more honey for sweetness, or more vinegar for tang.
  • Let it cool slightly before using or storing.
  • Yields: About ยฝ cup of sauce (enough for 2โ€“3 servings if tossing with protein and veggies).

Tips

  • Also works with: Stir-fries, meal prep boxes, or skewers
  • Tip: Add chopped green onion and sesame seeds on top for extra crunch
  • Bonus: It only takes 6 ingredients to make

6. Honey Mustard Herb Sauce

Mustard herb sauce for meatballs.

Sounds fancy, but itโ€™s just Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon, and herbs like thyme or parsley. It gives your meatballs a bright, tangy flavor thatโ€™s not too heavy.

Mustard-Herb Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

  • ยฝ cup dijon mustard
  • 5-6 tablespoons of honey OR add more/less depending on personal preference
  • ยฝ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ยผ teaspoon cayenne
  • ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ยผ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon white wine or apple cider vinegar
  • salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Make the mustard sauce by combining all the ingredients in a mason jar. Close the lid and give it a good shake so all the flavor can blend nicely.
  • If you have time, transfer the honey mustard to the fridge for at least 15-30 minutes so the ingredients can combine perfectly.
  • This honey mustard sauce makes about 1 to 1ยผ cupsโ€”enough to coat 12 to 16 small (1-inch) meatballs generously, or serve 4 portions if you're pairing them with sides like rice or salad.

Tips

  • Good with: Roasted potatoes, greens, or lentil salad
  • Make it creamy: Stir in a little Greek yogurt
  • Tip: This oneโ€™s a hidden gem and tastes better after sitting for 10 minutes

7. Balsamic Glaze

Balsamic glaze for meatballs.

Sweet, tangy, and totally unexpected on meatballsโ€”but it works. Drizzle it lightly over warm meatballs and pair with roasted veggies or grains.

My recipe for Balsamic Glaze.

8. Barbecue Meatball Sauce

Sweet & Tangy Barbecue Sauce for Meatballs

Ingredients

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • ยฝ cup ketchup
  • ยผ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ยฝ teaspoon onion powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5โ€“7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Add cooked meatballs to the pan, toss until fully coated, and simmer for another 3โ€“5 minutes so the flavors soak in.
  • The recipe I gave will make enough sauce for about 20โ€“25 medium-sized meatballs (roughly 1โ€“1.5 pounds of cooked meatballs).

Tips

  • Use with: Quinoa, farro, or roasted root veggies
  • Health tip: Reduce balsamic vinegar with a little honey for a clean version
  • Tip: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to make it feel fancy

Final Thoughts

If I had to pick just 2 sauces to use all year, Iโ€™d go with the sweet chili sauce for bold flavor and the yogurt sauce for everyday ease.

Meatballs are super versatile, so donโ€™t be afraid to mix it up.

And remember: sauce = instant upgrade. Whether youโ€™re keeping it light or going all in on flavor, these combos make dinner easier and more exciting.

More Meatball Dinner Ideas

  • Baked vs. Pan-Fried Meatballs: Which Is Better?
  • 5 Cooking Differences Between Ground Pork and Ground Beef
  • Ideas For Leftover Meatballs
  • Firecracker Meatballs
  • Meatball Sauce Ideas
  • Swedish Meatballs

FAQs

Can I make these sauces dairy-free or gluten-free?

Totally. Use coconut yogurt for the creamy ones, and tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free options.

Which sauce is best for kids?

Go for the tomato basil or yogurt sauceโ€”mild, creamy, and not too spicy.

Can I freeze pork meatballs in sauce?

Yes! Freeze them in an airtight container with the sauceโ€”theyโ€™ll last up to 3 months.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Erin

    July 13, 2025 at 10:15 am

    Is there an actual recipe for any of these sauces? Maybe Iโ€™m missing something?

    Reply
    • Julia

      August 08, 2025 at 3:12 am

      thanks for your comment, yo uare right! I updated the post and added the recipes ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply

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the yummy bowl julia author

I'm Julia and welcome to The Yummy Bowl. I share easy and healthier recipes for busy people. Whether you're craving something deliciously healthy or a bit indulgent, you'll discover a variety of satisfying and comforting dishes here.

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