Meatballs have become a fallback for that cozy, easy dinner throughout the week when you’re just trying to get fed. And every family seems to have the long passed down recipe they hold so so near and dear for this easy go to. But, they don’t have to fall into the monotony of only being a muscle memory, the work week is taking over, type of meal.
While we admire your go tos, we have collected a list of the 12 best meatball recipes for when you want to try something a little bit different.
1. Genius Recipe’s Best Rao Meatballs for Food52
In the event you are looking for that weekly basic – look no further. This recipe requires no slaving and simmering over a stove in a stuffy kitchen. There’s plenty of substitutes you can make if you are feeling like spending more or less time with them, but they aren’t required, the beauty is in it’s flexibility. As with all things, ingredients make the meal, and these are no exception, but they can be accomplished with what’s most accessible to you and still be delicious.
Check out Rao’s meatball recipe here!
2. Ashley Manila’s Baked Meatballs for Baked by Nature
Easy to make, easy to bake. Baking meatballs as opposed to keeping them stovetop offers a different texture to compliment however you choose to serve them. We recommend these with classic spaghetti and marinara but let your heart run wild! These are perfect for cozy nights in with that movie you’ve been dying to watch.
Check out Ashley’s Baked Meatball recipe here!
3. Stephanie’s Swedish Meatball Recipe for The Cozy Cook
Talk about something to curl up with! This swedish meatball recipe rivals even Ikea’s famous ones. Flavorful meatballs with a decadent, luxurious sauce that truly steals the show. Serve with mashed potatoes for a meal off the spaghetti beaten path.
Check out Stephanie’s full recipe here!
4. Ali Slagle’s Chimichurri Meatballs for NY Times Cooking
Truly, deeply the fresh take this staple needs. A collection of fresh herbs that brighten an otherwise heavy app, combined with indulgent, rich flavors from a stellar half pork, half beef combination. These can so easily be added to couscous and more for a full meal or served independently for a pre dinner treat.
Check out Ali’s full recipe here!
5. Judy Kim’s Buffalo Chicken Meatballs for Delish
A spin on a classic. The perfect game day dish. Ditch the mess that comes with having bones left over from traditional wings and bring out these meatballs instead. Chicken meatballs, seasoned to perfection, drenched in buffalo sauce, and served with all your usual favorite sides and toppings. A sure fire, new good luck charm.
Check out Judy’s full recipe here!
6. Ree Drummond’s Tex Mex Meatballs for Food Network
Picture this: poolside, marg in hand, sun above head. Suddenly, someone lays out a tray of these beyond delish meatballs with fresh tortillas and all the taco fixings you can think of. Heaven, in our professional opinion.
Check out Ree’s full recipe here!
7. Tieghan’s One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo for Half Baked Harvest
Fresh, filling, light, zesty – the perfect summer rendition of our favorite. Dressed with a lemony whipped feta and sun dried tomato vinaigrette, these are a sure fire crowd pleaser.
Check out Tieghan’s full recipe here!
8. Makinze Gore‘s French Onion Chicken Meatballs for Delish
Meatball’s really serve as the perfect blank slate for other fan favorite flavors, and this recipe understands that well. Hearty gruyere, jammy onions, that perfectly rich broth – heaven as an appetizer. Pairing perfectly over orzo for a full meal. The ideal way to try something new ona. cold winter night.
Check out Makinze’s full recipe here!
9. Elizabeth’s Italian Meatball Subs for The Jam Jar Kitchen
Two words: God. Damn. Who doesn’t love a good sandwich? No one. And this one is easily the best meatball sub to make at home we’ve had the pleasure of stumbling across. Hearty, filling, fresh, cheesey, delectable. Must try.
Check out Elizabeth’s full recipe here!
10. Whitney Bond’s Meatball Sub Bite Recipe
If you’re stumped for an appetizer to bring somewhere – look no further. One bite meatball subs. Cheesey, gooey goodness, wrapped in classic, warm bread, and filled with tender, juicy meat. You’ll be the talk of the town with these.
Check out Whitney’s full recipe here!
11. Minimalist Baker’s Vegan Meatballs
Not everyone can eat everything – but they still deserve to eat well! These meatballs are gluten free, vegan, and dairy free. But, mostly importantly, delicious. They’re tender and bouncy, juicy and flavorful, easy to make and worth it everytime. For you or your loved one’s who are diet affected for one reason or another – keep this around.
Check out the full recipe here!
12. Lena Abraham’s Dr. Pepper Meatballs for Delish
Truly, how can you complain about a crossover of two of the greatest things this world has to offer – Dr. Pepper and meatballs. These sure to stun meatballs are toothpick and prep ahead friendly, coated in a delicately sweet Dr. Pepper reduction and full of vibrant flavor.