10 Meatball Dinner Recipes for Easy Meals

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a good meatball dinner. Whether you’re whipping up a simple weeknight meal or entertaining guests, meatballs bring convenience and versatility to the table.

They come in different styles, flavors, and cuisines, making them a perfect fit for anyone’s palate. Having a collection of quick, delicious meatball recipes ready to go can make any meal effortlessly enjoyable.

In this article, I’ll share 10 meatball dinner recipes for easy meals, each with its own charm and appeal. From classic Italian to spicy Mexican, these recipes promise to fill your kitchen with tempting aromas and satisfy your taste buds with every bite.

1. One Pan Meatball Stroganoff

When time is short, but you crave something hearty and warm, One Pan Meatball Stroganoff hits the spot.

This dish is reminiscent of chilly evenings, with the comforting aroma of mushrooms and beef stock wafting through the house. It’s a dish that brings back memories of family dinners without the fuss of elaborate preparation.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 16 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef stock
• 1 pound frozen or pre-cooked meatballs
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 8 ounces wide egg noodles
• ½ cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté onions and mushrooms until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in beef stock, meatballs, paprika, and egg noodles. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cook until noodles are tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Stir in sour cream, season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

2. Easy Swedish Meatballs with Noodles

There’s something about the creamy, savory allure of Swedish meatballs that just spells comfort. Picture a snowy winter evening, snug with family as this delicious dish warms you from the inside.

These meatballs, paired perfectly with noodles, are a delightful escape into Swedish hospitality.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound frozen meatballs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or beef stock
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup half-and-half or heavy cream
• 12 ounces egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Bake meatballs according to package directions.
2. Cook egg noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
4. Gradually add stock while whisking, ensuring no lumps. Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Reduce heat to low, add half-and-half, and simmer until sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.
6. Toss cooked meatballs in the sauce and serve over egg noodles.

3. Homemade Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

Embrace the timeless charm of Italian cuisine with these homemade meatballs. They bring to mind family reunions, bustling with laughter and the rich, savory scent of marinara simmering on the stove.

Perfect for spaghetti nights, this dish is an ode to simple yet profound Italian flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound 80% lean ground beef
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley until well combined.
3. Shape into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 17-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. If desired, simmer meatballs in marinara sauce before serving over pasta.

4. Meatball Subs with Homemade Meatballs

Craving something hearty and satisfying? Meatball subs bring the deli experience to your kitchen. The tale of these subs is intertwined with carefree summer afternoons, their hearty nature offering a substantial bite of joy.

Rich marinara and melted cheese make each bite a little moment of bliss.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 4 sub rolls
• 8 slices provolone cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Mix until evenly combined.
• Shape into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until fully cooked.
• Slice sub rolls open and place 3-4 meatballs in each roll.
• Top with marinara sauce and layer with 2 slices of provolone cheese per roll.
• Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan.

5. Slow Cooker Meatballs in BBQ Sauce

Slow cooker recipes have a way of wrapping you in warmth and comfort. This BBQ meatball recipe invites memories of lazy weekends, when the cozy smell of BBQ sauce fills your home. Toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the magic, yielding tender delights perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound frozen meatballs
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup water
• Optional: sliced onions, bell peppers

Instructions:

1. Place frozen meatballs in the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce and water, then pour over the meatballs.
3. Add optional vegetables on top.
4. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours. Stir before serving.

6. Greek-Style Meatballs with Feta and Olives

Transport yourself to sun-dappled shores with these Greek-style meatballs. Their Mediterranean flair brings back the sights and sounds of vibrant Greek streets, where feta and olives reign supreme. These meatballs are more than a meal—they’re an experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground lamb or beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup chopped Kalamata olives
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, feta, olives, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until combined.
3. Shape into 1-inch meatballs and arrange on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
5. Serve with tzatziki sauce.

7. Mexican Meatballs in Chipotle Tomato Sauce

Spicy, bold, and full of life—these Mexican meatballs embody the vibrant spirit of Mexican cuisine. Reminiscent of bustling food markets, the warmth of chipotle tomatoes infuses every bite with a rich, smoky flavor that delights the senses.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can chipotle tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Shape into meatballs.
3. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
4. Simmer baked meatballs in chipotle tomato sauce for 10 minutes before serving.

8. Asian-Style Meatballs with Soy Sauce and Ginger

Deep, umami flavors of ginger and soy sauce give these Asian-style meatballs their distinctive zing. Close your eyes, and you might just hear the bustling sounds of an Asian street market, these meatballs capturing the vibrant culinary heritage of the region.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground pork
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup chopped scallions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine pork, breadcrumbs, scallions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
2. Shape into meatballs and arrange on a baking sheet.
3. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Serve with additional soy sauce and steamed rice or vegetables.

9. Crockpot Meatballs in Marinara and Mozzarella

This recipe brings you back to the comforting simplicity of home-cooked meals. There’s nothing like coming home to the smell of marinara and melted mozzarella; these meatballs deliver a cheesy, savory treat that’s a hit with everyone.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound frozen meatballs
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional: chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Layer meatballs in the crockpot, pour marinara sauce over them, and top with mozzarella.
2. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
3. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.

10. Baked Meatballs with Honey and Mustard Glaze

These baked meatballs with a honey mustard glaze bring an unexpected twist to the traditional. Their sweet and savory blend might remind you of backyard gatherings, the familiar honeyed tang calling everyone to the table for something intriguing and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Shape into meatballs.
3. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
4. Brush meatballs with honey-mustard glaze and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Here we’ve explored a variety of meatball recipes proving that meatballs are incredibly adaptable. Each recipe brings its own flavor and flair to the table, allowing you to experiment and find your favorites.

Don’t hesitate to tweak them—like adding your favorite spices or swapping meats—to make them truly yours. The joy lies not just in their taste but also in their ease and the warm, inviting spirit they bring into the heart of your meals.