10 Meatball Dinner Recipes for Easy Meals
A collection of 10 quick and easy meatball dinner recipes, perfect for easy family meals that everyone at your table will love! These recipes are simple to prepare and are a lifesaver on those busy nights when you just have no idea what to cook. From classic Italian meatballs in marinara sauce, to light and healthy creamy spinach turkey meatballs, to fragrant Moroccan meatballs, these ideas are inspired by flavors from across the globe and I think you’ll love them just as much as I do!
1. Classic Italian Meatballs
A timeless favorite, these Classic Italian Meatballs are tender, juicy, and simmered in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for pasta night or meatball subs, and one of those recipes that everyone should have in their weeknight repertoire!
Servings: 4 (about 16 meatballs)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Roll into 1.5-inch meatballs.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes.
- Simmer baked meatballs in marinara sauce for 10 minutes. Serve with pasta or crusty bread, and garnish with parmesan and fresh basil.
2. Swedish Meatballs
These creamy, comforting Swedish Meatballs are smothered in a luscious gravy and are just as good over mashed potatoes as they are with egg noodles. It’s comforting food at its finest, and such a good choice for a cozy midweek meal. I use a mix of ground beef and ground pork, and the results are tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Servings: 4 (about 18 meatballs)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef and pork mix
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Combine meat, breadcrumbs, egg, nutmeg, and allspice. Form into meatballs.
- Brown meatballs in butter over medium heat, then set aside.
- Add beef broth to the pan, scraping up bits. Stir in cream and simmer.
- Return meatballs to the gravy and simmer for 10 minutes, or until cooked through. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
3. Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs
These turkey meatballs are light yet indulgent, with a creamy spinach sauce that makes this dish both cozy and wholesome.
Servings: 4 (about 16 meatballs)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Instructions:
- Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and garlic powder. Form into meatballs.
- Brown meatballs in a skillet, then set aside.
- Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Stir in cream, stock, and Parmesan.
- Return meatballs to the pan and simmer for 10 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Juicy turkey meatballs meet cool, creamy tzatziki in this refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish. This dish is a fresh spin on your usual meatball recipes, and it’s great for the summer months when you want something light, fresh, and flavorsome.
Servings: 4 (about 16 meatballs)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Tzatziki sauce, for serving
Instructions:
- Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, garlic powder, and parsley. Roll into meatballs.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or pan-fry until golden and cooked through.
- Serve with a generous dollop of tzatziki and a fresh Greek salad.
5. Indian Meatballs in Curry Sauce
Warm spices and creamy curry sauce make these Indian Meatballs a standout dish with global flair. I use a mild curry paste to keep this dish kid-friendly, though you can add much more spice if you prefer!
Servings: 4 (about 16 meatballs)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1 egg
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 2 tbsp curry paste
- 1 tsp turmeric
Instructions:
- Mix meat, cumin, coriander, and egg. Form into meatballs and brown in a skillet.
- Simmer curry paste, turmeric, and coconut milk until thick.
- Add meatballs and simmer for 15 minutes or until cooked through. Serve with rice.
6. Sweet Chili Meatballs
These Sweet Chili Meatballs are sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy—a delicious dinner when served with rice!
Servings: 4 (about 16 meatballs)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions:
- Combine chicken, breadcrumbs, and egg. Form into meatballs.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Simmer sweet chili sauce and soy sauce in a pan. Toss in meatballs and coat.
7. Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Inspired by the famous “Marry Me Chicken” dish that’s been going viral on TikTok, these meatballs are creamy, savory, and impossible to resist! Legend has it that the sauce is so good that it might just inspire a marriage proposal. I can’t promise you that, but what I do know is that it’s a totally delicious, easy family dinner idea!
Servings: 4 (about 16 meatballs)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Instructions:
- Mix chicken, breadcrumbs, and egg. Form into meatballs and brown.
- Simmer cream, stock, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. Add meatballs and simmer for 10 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Moroccan Meatballs
These Moroccan Meatballs are packed with spices like cumin and cinnamon, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. They’re perfect served on a bed of couscous, garnished with fresh chopped herbs for a pop of color.
Servings: 4 (about 16 meatballs)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cups tomato sauce
Instructions:
- Mix beef, cumin, cinnamon, and breadcrumbs. Form into meatballs.
- Brown in a skillet, then simmer in tomato sauce for 15 minutes or until cooked through.
9. Thai Coconut Curry Meatballs
These Thai-inspired meatballs are simmered in a creamy, aromatic coconut curry sauce. I love them served with rice or noodles.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tsp fish sauce
Instructions:
- Mix chicken, breadcrumbs, and egg. Form into meatballs and brown.
- Simmer coconut milk, curry paste, and fish sauce. Add meatballs and simmer 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
10. Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Tangy and sweet, these classic meatballs are a must-have at parties or dinner tables.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Chopped bell pepper
Instructions:
- Combine pork, breadcrumbs, and egg. Roll into meatballs and bake until cooked through.
- Pan-fry bell pepper until slightly softened, but retaining a crunch. Simmer ketchup, pineapple juice, and soy sauce. Toss in meatballs and coat.
Meatballs are versatile, flavorful, and so fun and easy to make. Whether you’re craving something classic like Italian meatballs or looking for a global twist with Thai coconut curry or Moroccan flavors, these 10 recipes have something for everyone. Which will you be trying first?