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40 Unique and Delicious Meatball Recipes

Meatballs are one of those meals that never go out of style. Whether you’re simmering them in tomato sauce, baking them with cheese, or adding a bold glaze, there’s a version here to match your mood and pantry. This list brings together all kinds of flavors and cooking methods, giving you plenty of options to try something new or stick with a classic.

Some recipes are perfect for weeknights when time is short, while others are ideal for sharing at parties or making ahead for busy days. From sweet and smoky to spicy or rich and creamy, each one brings something different to the table. You’ll also find ideas for slow cookers, air fryers, grills, and ovens, so no matter your setup, there’s a way to make it work.

Scroll through to see which ones catch your eye. Whether you’re after something comforting, crowd-pleasing, or just plain fun, you’re sure to find a few favorites worth bookmarking.

IKEA Swedish Meatballs

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IKEA Swedish Meatballs . Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Recreate IKEA’s signature dish with tender beef and pork meatballs smothered in a creamy, savory gravy. Serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty meal. The sauce can be made ahead, and the meatballs freeze well if you want to prep extra.
Get the Recipe: IKEA Swedish Meatballs

Air Fryer Meatballs

Air Fryer Meatballs. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Cooked in the air fryer, these meatballs get a crisp outside while staying juicy inside. Great for busy weeknights or making ahead for quick lunches.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Meatballs

Alfredo Meatballs

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Alfredo Meatballs. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Juicy chicken meatballs are simmered in creamy Alfredo sauce for a satisfying dinner option. Serve over pasta, rice, or even steamed veggies. The recipe is great for weeknights and can be made ahead.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Meatballs

Asian Meatballs

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Asian Meatballs. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These meatballs are coated in a sweet, tangy glaze and served over rice or skewered for parties. They’re quick to make and full of bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Asian Meatballs

Baked Bison Meatballs

Baked Bison Meatballs. Photo credit: Stetted.

Lean but flavorful, these baked bison meatballs are great for those looking for a lighter option. Use them in pasta, sandwiches, or grain bowls.
Get the Recipe: Baked Bison Meatballs

Baked Chicken Meatballs

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Baked Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

Quick to prepare and oven-baked, these chicken meatballs are versatile and great for meal prep. Serve them with your favorite sauce or toss into grain bowls.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Meatballs

BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Meatballs

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BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Meatballs. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Crispy bacon wraps around smoky meatballs glazed with barbecue sauce for a rich, flavorful bite. Perfect for parties or game day, they can be made on a smoker or baked in the oven with smoky seasoning.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Meatballs

BBQ Meatballs

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BBQ Meatballs. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

These meatballs are oven-baked and coated in a smoky, slightly sweet barbecue sauce. Serve them over mashed potatoes, in buns, or as an appetizer for casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Meatballs

Blackstone Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

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Blackstone Chicken Parmesan Meatballs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Ground chicken meatballs are seared on a griddle, then topped with marinara and melted mozzarella. These crisp, cheesy bites are perfect for serving over pasta or in sub rolls for a fun dinner.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Blackstone Teriyaki Meatballs

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Blackstone Teriyaki Meatballs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Cooked on a griddle, these meatballs are glazed in a sticky, sweet teriyaki sauce. Serve over rice or noodles for a fast weeknight dinner with an Asian-inspired twist.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Teriyaki Meatballs

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Food Fun and Faraway Places.

These meatballs are made from ground chicken and coated in classic buffalo sauce. Serve them with toothpicks for an easy appetizer or use in wraps and bowls.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

These chicken-based meatballs pack all the flavor of chicken parm into every bite. They’re baked with marinara and cheese, making them a favorite with kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Classic Retro Porcupine Meatballs

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Classic Retro Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

Made with rice inside each meatball and simmered in tomato sauce, these retro favorites are filling and simple. A great all-in-one dinner idea.
Get the Recipe: Classic Retro Porcupine Meatballs

Cranberry Sauce Cocktail Meatballs

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Cranberry Sauce Cocktail Meatballs. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

Simmered in a tangy cranberry sauce, these bite-sized meatballs are made for holiday parties or potlucks. Use the slow cooker for an easy hands-off option.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce Cocktail Meatballs

Crockpot Meatballs

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Crockpot Meatballs. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

With just three ingredients and a few hours in the slow cooker, these meatballs become tender and flavorful. Perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Meatballs

Easy Greek Freak Meatballs

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Easy Greek Freak Meatballs. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

These meatballs are packed with herbs, garlic, and lemon for bold Mediterranean flavor. Serve with tzatziki and pita for a simple but flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Greek Freak Meatballs

Easy Pork Meatballs

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Easy Pork Meatballs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Packed with flavor and easy to prep, these pork meatballs stay tender thanks to a few smart ingredients. They’re great with marinara or served plain with dipping sauces.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pork Meatballs

Easy Smoked Meatballs

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Easy Smoked Meatballs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A gentle smoking method gives these meatballs deep flavor without drying them out. Ideal for parties or adding to pasta for a smoky twist.
Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Meatballs

Firecracker Meatballs

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Firecracker Meatballs. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

These spicy meatballs are tossed in a creamy firecracker sauce that’s both bold and easy to make. Serve over rice or noodles, or skewer for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Firecracker Meatballs

French Onion Meatballs

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French Onion Meatballs. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This version emphasizes a deep onion flavor with a touch of thyme and rich broth. Add melted cheese and serve with crusty bread for a cozy meal or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Meatballs

French Onion Meatballs

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French Onion Meatballs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

These meatballs are cooked with caramelized onions and topped with melted cheese, capturing the taste of French onion soup in a comforting meal. Try them over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Meatballs

Ginger-Garlic Asian Pork Meatballs

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Ginger-Garlic Asian Pork Meatballs. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Bursting with fresh ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, these pork meatballs offer bold flavor and a quick cook time. Serve them over rice, in lettuce wraps, or as a tasty appetizer with dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Ginger-Garlic Asian Pork Meatballs

Hawaiian Meatballs

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Hawaiian Meatballs. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

These sweet and tangy meatballs are coated in a pineapple-based sauce. Serve them with rice for a fast and flavorful meal or offer them as skewers at parties.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Meatballs

Homemade SpaghettiOs with Meatballs

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Homemade SpaghettiOs with Meatballs. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This nostalgic recipe brings SpaghettiOs to life with homemade tomato sauce and small, juicy meatballs. It’s kid-friendly and makes a great lunch or quick dinner. Much more flavorful than the canned version, and easy to batch cook.
Get the Recipe: Homemade SpaghettiOs with Meatballs

Meatballs with Homemade Mushroom Sauce

Meatballs with Homemade Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

A rich mushroom sauce adds a savory twist to these tender meatballs. Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs with Homemade Mushroom Sauce

Mississippi Meatballs

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Mississippi Meatballs. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Made in the slow cooker with ranch seasoning, pepperoncini, and au jus mix, these Mississippi-style meatballs are tangy, savory, and simple to make. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or as sliders.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Meatballs

Olive Garden Meatballs

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Olive Garden Meatballs. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

These juicy meatballs are seasoned with herbs and garlic to taste like the ones from Olive Garden. They’re easy to bake and perfect for pasta night or meatball subs. You can make a double batch and freeze some for later.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Meatballs

Olive Garden Spaghetti and Meatballs

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Olive Garden Spaghetti and Meatballs. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This recipe brings the full Olive Garden experience home with tender meatballs, rich marinara, and classic spaghetti. Easy to make for a crowd and perfect for a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Spaghetti and Meatballs

Rich and Creamy Swedish Meatballs

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Rich and Creamy Swedish Meatballs. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

This version highlights a decadently rich sauce over well-seasoned meatballs. It’s perfect for special dinners or when you want something warm and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Rich and Creamy Swedish Meatballs

Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce with Meatballs

Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce with Meatballs. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Add meatballs and tomato sauce to the slow cooker and let the flavors build over time. This easy recipe is great for busy days and works with pasta, subs, or mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce with Meatballs

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

These chicken meatballs are tossed in spicy buffalo sauce and make a great game-day snack or party appetizer. Serve with ranch or blue cheese and celery sticks for a classic combo. They can be baked or air-fried.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Swedish Meatballs

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Swedish Meatballs. Photo credit: Stetted.

Another take on the classic, this version keeps the prep simple while still delivering that signature creamy sauce and warmly spiced meat. Great for a fast dinner with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs

Swedish Meatballs

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Swedish Meatballs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Classic Swedish-style meatballs seasoned with nutmeg and allspice, served in a creamy, savory gravy. Ideal with mashed potatoes or noodles and great for meal prep or entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs

Sweet & Sour Pork Meatballs

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Sweet & Sour Pork Meatballs. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

These pork meatballs include water chestnuts and green onions for crunch and are simmered in a pineapple sweet-and-sour sauce. Serve with rice or skewers.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Pork Meatballs

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

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Sweet and Sour Meatballs. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

These tender meatballs are coated in a tangy, red sweet-and-sour sauce that’s made with basic ingredients. They’re easy to serve over rice or noodles and also work well for appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Meatballs

The Best Easy Homemade Meatballs Recipe

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The Best Easy Homemade Meatballs Recipe. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

This simple recipe makes a big batch of versatile meatballs you can freeze for later. Whether for spaghetti, subs, or soups, they’re tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: The Best Easy Homemade Meatballs Recipe

Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

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Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These smoked meatballs are coated in a grape jelly and chili sauce combo. The sweet and smoky flavor makes them a hit at casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

Traeger Smoked Italian Meatballs

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Traeger Smoked Italian Meatballs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These classic Italian meatballs are smoked on a pellet grill for deeper flavor. Serve with marinara, pasta, or on their own with fresh herbs.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Italian Meatballs

Turkey Zucchini Meatballs

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Turkey Zucchini Meatballs. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

These lean meatballs combine ground turkey and shredded zucchini for a juicy texture. They’re oven-baked and ideal for meal prep or serving with pasta and sauce.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Zucchini Meatballs

Veal Meatballs

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Veal Meatballs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Light and tender thanks to traditional mixing techniques, these veal meatballs are ideal for serving in marinara or simply topped with parmesan and herbs.
Get the Recipe: Veal Meatballs