Explore this collection of the Best Meatball Recipes for family dinners or fun get-togethers with friends. From classic comfort food to creative, party-ready bites, this round-up has something for everyone, whether you’re planning a cozy night in or hosting a party.
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When it comes to cooking for family dinners or feeding a crowd, I always turn to one of my favorite go-to dishes: meatballs. It doesn’t matter whether I’m serving them up for a cozy family meal or whipping them out for a last-minute party appetizer, meatballs have rescued me more times than I can count. They’re simple to make and totally versatile. I can even prep them ahead of time or use frozen ones when I’m short on time.
Why Meatballs Are A Perfect Choice For Dinner And Appetizers
- They’re easy to make in batches and packed with flavor. What’s not to love, right?
- You can serve them as a hearty main dish, or a bite-sized appetizer. They are also great, turned into subs or added to soups.
- They’re ideal for meal prep—you can freeze a batch and have them ready whenever you need a quick meal or spur-of-the-moment entertaining.
Donya’s Tips For Making Great Meatballs
- Get creative with your seasonings! Whether you’re making Italian, Asian, or homestyle meatballs, switching up your spices and herbs can elevate them.
- Don’t skip the sauce. Meatballs are the perfect vehicle for soaking up delicious sauces. Whether it’s marinara, BBQ, or a tangy glaze, don’t be afraid to let your meatballs simmer in something flavorful.
- Size matters. If you’re making meatballs for appetizers, keep them smaller and bite-sized. For main dishes, go larger so they stand out on the plate.
Shop The Tools
- Mixing Bowls with Lids
- Wood Spoons
- Meat Chopper
- 3-Piece Scoop Set
- Programmable Crock Pot
- Parchment Paper Sheets
- 2-Piece Sheet Pan Set
- Measuring Cup and Spoon Set
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Versatile Meatball Recipes That Are Easy And Delicious
Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs
These succulent meatballs are a slow cooker masterpiece. Smothered in a sweet, tangy sauce with pineapple and fresh ginger, they are cooked low and slow, making them tender and juicy.
Hero Ingredient: Pineapple chunks add the right amount of sweetness and a great contrast in texture.
Homemade Meatballs
These tender and juicy meatballs are perfect served over pasta, as an appetizer, or in subs. They’re baked and ready to serve with a simple, flavorful marinara sauce in just 30 minutes.
Hero Ingredient: Sour cream! It’s mixed into the meat, making these meatballs incredibly juicy, rich, and irresistible.
Crock Pot Bourbon Meatball
It’s the sauce, baby! The meatballs are tossed in a rich, sweet, tangy ketchup base sauce.
Hero Ingredient: Bourbon brings a deep, rich flavor to the homemade sauce.
Crock Pot Game Day Meatballs
With only four ingredients, including the meatballs, this fan-favorite recipe requires only a little stirring of the homemade sauce for prep, and then the slow cooker does the rest.
Hero Ingredient: Apricot preserves give the simple sauce a delicious fruity sweetness.
Sweet And Tangy Party Meatballs
This retro recipe is the perfect appetizer for casual entertaining since you can serve the meatballs from the crock pot with toothpicks.
Hero Ingredient: Grape Jelly! The combination of grape jelly and chili sauce may seem odd, but it’s crazy good!
Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs
This recipe combines robust ranch and garlic flavors with a mild spicy kick from peppers. Meatballs are simmered in the flavor-packed sauce, making them tender, juicy, and ridiculously good!
Hero Ingredient: Peperoncini peppers add a mild spicy kick.
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