5.0 from 2 votes
Best Meatball Recipes for Delicious and Easy Meals
When it comes to comfort food on a busy weeknight, juicy meatballs are a classic go-to dish. Whether it’s served with spaghetti or in a sandwich, meatballs are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. With so many different recipes out there, it can be challenging to find the best one.
When it comes to making the best meatballs, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is to choose the right meat. Ground beef is the most common choice, but you can also use a combination of beef, pork, and veal for a richer flavor.
The second is to make sure the mixture is properly seasoned with herbs, garlic, onions, and salt and pepper. Finally, using a liquid like milk to moisten the mixture can make a big difference in the texture of the meatballs.
In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my family favorite meatball recipes that meet all of these criteria. From classic Italian-style meatballs to unique twists like chicken meatballs with pesto, there’s something for everyone. So, let’s get started and find your new go-to meatball recipe! Scroll down to the recipe card to find all these delicious recipes!
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Meat
When it comes to making homemade meatballs, choosing the right meat is crucial. While you can use any type of ground meat, each one has its own unique flavor and texture. Here are some of the most popular options:
Ground Beef is a classic choice for meatballs. It has a rich flavor and is widely available. When choosing ground beef, look for an 80/20 blend, which means it has 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This ratio will help keep your meatballs moist and flavorful.
Ground Turkey– if you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey is a great choice. It has a milder flavor than beef and is lower in fat. However, it can be dry if overcooked, so be sure to add some moisture to your meatball mixture. You can do this by adding some breadcrumbs or an egg.
Ground Porkis another popular option for meatballs. It has a slightly sweet flavor and is often used in Italian-style meatballs. When choosing ground pork, look for a mix of lean and fatty meat. This will help keep your meatballs juicy.
Ground Vealis a bit more expensive than other types of ground meat, but it has a delicate flavor and is very tender. It’s often used in Italian-style meatballs and can be combined with beef and pork for a more complex flavor.
Ground MeatIf you can’t decide between beef, pork, and veal, you can always use a mix of all three. This is known as “ground meat” and is a popular choice for meatballs. When using ground meat, be sure to choose a mix of lean and fatty meat. This will help keep your meatballs moist and flavorful.
You can also experiment with different combinations of meats. For example, you could use a mix of beef and lamb for a Mediterranean-inspired meatball. Or you could use a mix of beef and chorizo for a spicy twist. The possibilities are endless!
Best Meatball Favorite Recipes
Here are some of the best and easy meatball recipes that my family loves:
1. Classic Italian Meatballs
Made with a combination of ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, and herbs like parsley and fresh basil. These meatballs are typically simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
2. Swedish Meatballs
Tender meatballs made with a mix of ground beef and pork, grated onion, breadcrumbs, and spices like allspice and nutmeg. They are usually served with a creamy gravy.
3. Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)
Flavorful meatballs made with ground lamb or beef, breadcrumbs, onions, garlic, herbs like oregano and mint, and sometimes feta cheese. They are often served with tzatziki sauce.
4. Turkish Meatballs (Kofta)
Spiced meatballs made with ground lamb or beef, onions, garlic, cumin, coriander, and parsley. They can be grilled, baked, or fried and are often served with flatbread and yogurt sauce.
5. Thai Chicken Meatballs
These meatballs are made with ground chicken, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, and Thai red curry paste, giving them a delicious Asian-inspired flavor. They can be served with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
6. Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Meatballs made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, cooked in a tangy sweet and sour sauce made from ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce.
7. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Made with ground chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a mixture of buffalo sauce and butter. They are baked until tender and served with blue cheese dressing.
8. Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Classic meatballs with a surprise inside – a gooey mozzarella cheese center. They are perfect when served with marinara sauce and pasta or egg noodles.
9. Mexican Albondigas
These are flavorful Mexican meatballs made with ground beef, rice, onions, garlic, and various spices, simmered in a tomato-based broth.
10. Asian-inspired Pork Meatballs
Made with ground pork, ginger, garlic, green onions, and soy sauce, they can be served with a sweet and savory glaze or used in noodle soups.
11. Turkey Meatballs
Rich and creamy Tuscan turkey meatballs with orzo pasta. Easy, one-pan dinner with juicy meatballs, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese!
12. Spicy Pork Meatballs
Bang Bang Meatballs are juicy ground pork and ground beef meatballs are tossed in a homemade sweet and spicy bang bang sauce.
13. Cheesy Italian Meatball Bake Casserole
Storage and Leftovers
Leftover meatballs can be used in a variety of dishes, such as spaghetti and meatballs, meatball subs, and meatball casseroles. However, storing meatballs can be tricky, especially if you want to keep them fresh and flavorful. Here are some tips that I have found to be effective:
Refrigerate– If you have leftover meatballs and want to store them in the fridge, an airtight container is your best bet. Make sure that the container is clean and dry before adding the meatballs. You can also add some sauce to the container to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful. When storing meatballs in an airtight container, they can last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freeze– If you want to store your leftover meatballs for a longer period, you can freeze them in a freezer bag. Make sure that the meatballs are completely cooled before putting them in the bag. You can also add some sauce to the bag to keep the meatballs moist. Label the bag with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer. Frozen meatballs can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Meatballs– When reheating leftover meatballs, make sure to heat them thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that they are safe to eat. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove, or even in the oven if you want them to be crispy.
Tips for Best Meatballs
Here are my tips for making flavorful and moist meatballs that are sure to impress.
Flavorful Meatballs
To make truly flavorful meatballs, it’s important to use a combination of meats. I like to use a mixture of ground beef, pork, and veal, but you can use whatever combination you prefer. The different meats each bring their own unique flavor and texture to the meatballs.
In addition to the meat, I like to add plenty of seasonings to my meatballs. Some of my favorites include garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to find the combination that you like best.
Finally, I like to add some grated Parmesan cheese to my meatballs. The cheese adds a nice salty flavor and helps to bind the meatballs together.
Moist Meatballs
There’s nothing worse than dry, tough meatballs. To ensure that your meatballs are nice and moist, there are a few things you can do.
First, be careful not to overwork the meat mixture when you’re forming the meatballs. Overworking the meat can cause the meatballs to become tough. I like to use a light touch and gently form the meatballs.
Second, I like to add some bread crumbs soaked in milk to my meatballs. The breadcrumbs help to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
Finally, be careful not to overcook the meatballs. I like to cook my meatballs in a tomato sauce for about 20-25 minutes, until they are cooked through but still moist and tender.
By following these tips, you can make perfect meatballs every time. And once you’ve mastered the basics, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique meatball recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of meatballs?
There are many different types of meatballs, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some of the most popular types include Italian meatballs, Swedish meatballs, and Asian-style meatballs. Italian meatballs are typically made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, while Swedish meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and pork and are often served with a creamy sauce. Asian-style meatballs can be made with a variety of meats, such as pork, chicken, or beef, and are often seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
What is the best frozen meatball brand?
There are many different brands of frozen meatballs available, but some of the most popular include Johnsonville, Cooked Perfect, and Rosina. Ultimately, the best brand will depend on your personal taste preferences and the specific recipe you are making.
What type of meat is best for making meatballs?
The type of meat that is best for making meatballs will depend on the specific recipe you are using. Ground beef is a popular choice for Italian-style meatballs, while a combination of ground beef and pork is often used for Swedish-style meatballs. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used for a lighter, healthier option. It is important to choose a meat that is not too lean, as the fat helps to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.
Best Meatball Recipes
Recipe by Adore Foods
5.0 from 2 votes
Best comfort food on a busy weeknight, juicy meatballs are a classic go-to dish. Whether it’s served with spaghetti or in a sandwich, meatballs are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. With so many different recipes out there, it can be challenging to find the best one.
Course: Main
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Ingredients
Swedish Meatballs
Cheesy Italian Meatball Bake Casserole
Directions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Gather and prep the the ingredients.
- Make the recipe according to recipe instructions.
