Popular Meatball Recipes You Need to Try

Meatballs are a beloved dish across many cultures, offering endless variations in flavors, textures, and cooking styles. Whether you enjoy them in a rich sauce, baked to perfection, or served as a snack, there’s a meatball recipe for everyone. Here are some of the most popular meatball recipes you can try at home.

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1. Classic Italian Meatballs

These traditional meatballs are packed with garlic, parmesan, and Italian herbs, making them a perfect match for pasta or a hearty sub.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients (except marinara sauce) in a bowl until well combined.

2. Form into meatballs and place on a baking sheet.

3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or pan-fry until browned.

4. Simmer in marinara sauce for 10 minutes and serve with pasta.

2. Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs are creamy, slightly sweet, and perfect when served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1/2 lb ground pork

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup grated onion

• 1/2 tsp allspice

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp flour (for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Mix ground meats, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, and spices.

2. Form small meatballs and brown them in butter.

3. Remove meatballs and add flour to the pan to create a roux.

4. Stir in beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce.

5. Return meatballs to the pan and simmer until the sauce thickens.

3. Spicy Mexican Albóndigas

Mexican meatballs are often served in a flavorful tomato broth with a hint of spice.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1/4 cup rice, uncooked

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 4 cups beef broth

• 2 cups tomato sauce

• 1 diced jalapeño (optional for spice)

• 1 small carrot, diced

Instructions:

1. Mix meat, rice, egg, cilantro, and spices together.

2. Form meatballs and set aside.

3. In a pot, bring beef broth, tomato sauce, and vegetables to a boil.

4. Drop meatballs into the broth and simmer for 20-25 minutes.

5. Serve hot with tortillas or rice.

4. Asian-Style Teriyaki Meatballs

These sweet and savory meatballs are perfect for serving over rice or as an appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken or turkey

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp ginger, grated

• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, and salt.

2. Shape into meatballs and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

3. In a saucepan, heat teriyaki sauce, honey, and sesame oil.

4. Toss cooked meatballs in the sauce and garnish with sesame seeds.

5. Greek Keftedes

Greek-style meatballs are packed with Mediterranean flavors and often served with tzatziki sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb or beef

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup chopped mint or parsley

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp oregano

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients until well combined.

2. Form into small meatballs and fry in olive oil until golden brown.

3. Serve with tzatziki sauce and pita bread.

No matter what flavors you love, there’s a meatball recipe for you! Try these popular variations and enjoy delicious, homemade meatballs any day of the week.