Are you tired of the same old spaghetti and meatballs? Look no further! We’ve got 17 creative meatball dinner recipes that will take your taste buds on a wild adventure, from meatball subs to international dishes that will make your mouth water.
Get ready to discover new flavors and ideas that will make mealtime exciting again.
You’ll find recipes that are easy to make and fun to eat, perfect for kids and adults alike.
From classic comfort food to exotic twists, our meatball recipes will inspire you to try something new tonight!
Swedish Meatball Subs
Tender Swedish meatballs served in a crispy sub roll with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 4 sub rolls
- 4 slices cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, flour, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Mix the meat mixture with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the beef broth to the saucepan and bring to a simmer.
- Once the meatballs are done, add them to the saucepan and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Split the sub rolls in half and place them on a baking sheet.
- Place a few meatballs on each sub roll, followed by a slice of cheese.
- Place the subs under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the subs hot and enjoy.
Meatball Stew With Crusty Bread
Hearty meatball stew served with crusty bread for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound meatballs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 loaf crusty bread
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Slice the crusty bread and serve with the meatball stew.
Greek Meatball Gyros
Greek Meatball Gyros are a flavorful twist on traditional gyros.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 pita breads
- Tomato, onion, cucumber, and tzatziki sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano in a bowl.
- Mix well with hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
- Form into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Warm pita breads by wrapping them in foil and heating in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Assemble gyros by placing meatballs in pita breads and topping with tomato, onion, cucumber, and tzatziki sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Meatball And Vegetable Soup
Hearty meatball and vegetable soup perfect for a cold winter’s night.
Ingredients
- 1 pound meatballs
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 large can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the vegetable broth, meatballs, onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes and thyme to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Baked Potato Topped With Meatballs
Baked potato topped with meatballs is a hearty comfort food dish.
Ingredients
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the potatoes clean and poke some holes in them with a fork.
- Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the potatoes are baking, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, and breadcrumbs in a bowl.
- Mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until just combined.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and top each one with a few meatballs, some marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Meatball And Mushroom Risotto
Creamy risotto with meatballs and mushrooms is a hearty Italian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups mixed mushrooms
- 1 pound meatballs
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the white wine and cook until the liquid is almost completely absorbed.
- Add 1/2 cup of the vegetable broth to the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Repeat step 5, adding the broth in 1/2 cup increments, until the rice is cooked and creamy.
- In a separate skillet, cook the meatballs according to package instructions.
- Add the mixed mushrooms to the skillet with the meatballs and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown.
- Combine the cooked rice and meatball mixture, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the risotto hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Italian Meatball Calzone
Italian Meatball Calzone is a twist on traditional calzone, filled with meatballs and melted mozzarella.
Ingredients
- 1 package of pizza dough
- 1 cup of meatballs
- 1 cup of marinara sauce
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
- Place the meatballs in the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around them.
- Spoon the marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges to seal.
- Brush the beaten egg over the dough to glaze.
- Bake the calzone for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Meatball Tacos With Salsa
Meatball Tacos With Salsa is a twist on traditional tacos, featuring meatballs instead of ground beef.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 8-10 corn tortillas
- Salsa
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno in a bowl.
- Mix in taco seasoning and form into meatballs.
- Bake meatballs in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
- Assemble tacos by placing meatballs onto a tortilla and topping with salsa, cheese, and cilantro.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Chinese Meatball And Broccoli Stir Fry
Chinese Meatball And Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and easy dinner option.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, chopped scallions, and minced garlic.
- Mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet and stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the meatballs are coated in the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Meatball And Spinach Quiche
Delicious meatball and spinach quiche perfect for brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pie crust
- 1 dozen meatballs
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Roll out the pie crust and place in a pie dish.
- Arrange the meatballs in the pie crust.
- Chop the spinach and sprinkle over the meatballs.
- Mince the garlic and sprinkle over the spinach.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the garlic.
- In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and eggs.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the cream mixture over the cheese.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the quiche is set.
Meatball And White Bean Chili
Hearty meatball and white bean chili perfect for a cold winter night.
Ingredients
- 1 lb meatballs
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can white beans
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat and cook the onion until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add the diced tomatoes, white beans, chicken broth, and cumin.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Meatball And Egg Breakfast Burrito
A breakfast twist on traditional meatballs, wrapped in a burrito.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 eggs
- 8 burrito-sized tortillas
- Shredded cheese, optional
- Salsa, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well with hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
- Use hands to shape mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While meatballs are baking, scramble 8 eggs in a bowl and set aside.
- Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
- Assemble burritos by placing scrambled eggs, 2-3 meatballs, and any desired toppings (cheese, salsa) down the center of each tortilla.
- Fold bottom half of tortilla up over filling, then fold in sides and roll up burrito to enclose.
Korean Meatball And Kimchi Fried Rice
Spicy Korean meatballs meet savory kimchi fried rice in this twist on a classic dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Gochujang
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup diced kimchi
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped kimchi, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, and Gochujang.
- Mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced kimchi to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to caramelized, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
- Stir-fry the rice with the kimchi for about 5 minutes, or until everything is well combined and heated through.
- When the meatballs are done, add them to the skillet with the kimchi fried rice and stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Meatball And Roasted Vegetable Casserole
Hearty meatball casserole with roasted vegetables and rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound meatballs
- 2 cups mixed roasted vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook meatballs according to package instructions.
- Roast mixed vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, sauté chopped onion and garlic until softened.
- Add marinara sauce to the skillet and stir to combine.
- In a large casserole dish, arrange a layer of roasted vegetables.
- Add a layer of meatballs on top of the vegetables.
- Pour marinara sauce mixture over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Meatball And Pesto Pasta Bake
A flavorful and easy-to-make pasta dish with homemade meatballs and pesto sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup penne pasta
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan cheese, and mix well with your hands until just combined.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, combine marinara sauce and pesto sauce, and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- In a large baking dish, combine the pasta, meatballs, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Meatball And Sweet Potato Hash
Savory meatball and sweet potato hash is a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound meatballs
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Peel and dice sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
- Bake sweet potatoes in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Add meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add baked sweet potatoes to the skillet and stir to combine with meatballs and onion mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Turkish Meatball And Eggplant Kebabs
Grilled Turkish meatball and eggplant kebabs with flavorful spices.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 medium eggplant
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper
- 10 wooden skewers
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, cheese, and parsley.
- Mix well with hands until just combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Cut eggplant into 1-inch chunks and thread onto skewers, leaving space between each piece.
- Form meat mixture into small balls and thread onto skewers with eggplant.
- Brush with oil and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through and eggplant is tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Conclusion
You’ll never run out of meatball dinner ideas with these 17 creative recipes. Notably, 70% of Americans eat meatballs at least once a week, showcasing their enduring popularity. From Swedish subs to Greek gyros, these dishes offer a flavorful twist on a classic favorite, making mealtime more exciting and varied.