11 Meatball Dinner Ideas

11 Delicious Meatball Dinner Recipes Beyond Spaghetti

by

Meatball dinners are super yummy and fun to eat. You can have them with spaghetti, but that’s not all – there are many more cool ways to enjoy meatballs. You’ll find meatball subs, meatballs from different countries, and comfy foods that will make your tummy happy.

Get ready to try something new and exciting! Meatballs can be served in many different ways, and you’re about to discover some amazing ideas. From tasty subs to global inspirations, you’ll want to try them all and find your favorite meatball dinner!

Table of Contents

Hearty Meatball Subs

juicy italian beef sandwiches SAVE IT

Hearty meatball subs are a satisfying meal filled with juicy meatballs and melted mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 4 sub rolls
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Combine ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, and breadcrumbs in a bowl.
  3. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
  4. Form into meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
  6. While the meatballs are baking, toast the sub rolls in the oven.
  7. Assemble the subs by placing 4-5 meatballs on each roll.
  8. Spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs.
  9. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  10. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Flavorful Meatball Curries

delicious indian meatballs dish SAVE IT

Rich and aromatic Indian-inspired meatball curry with tender meatballs.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground meat
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 medium potatoes
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Mix ground meat, onion, garlic, curry powder, garam masala, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Form into meatballs and bake for 18-20 minutes.
  4. Boil the potatoes until they are tender, then set aside.
  5. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the baked meatballs.
  6. Pour in coconut milk and stir to combine.
  7. Add the boiled potatoes to the curry and simmer for 10 minutes.
  8. Serve the meatball curry hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Meatball Stuffed Baked Potatoes

meatball filled baked potatoes SAVE IT

A flavorful twist on traditional baked potatoes, filled with savory meatballs and melted cheese.

Ingredients

  • 4 large baking potatoes
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Scrub the potatoes clean and poke some holes in them with a fork to allow steam to escape.
  3. Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
  4. While the potatoes are baking, prepare the meatballs by combining the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, and breadcrumbs in a bowl.
  5. Use your hands to mix the meat mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Use your hands to shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
  7. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
  8. When the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
  9. Slice the potatoes in half lengthwise and fluff the flesh with a fork to make room for the meatballs.
  10. Place 2-3 meatballs on each potato half, followed by a spoonful of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  11. Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  12. Remove the potatoes from the oven and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Swedish Meatball Dinner

traditional scandinavian food option SAVE IT

Swedish Meatball Dinner is a hearty meal with meatballs and cream sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup lingonberry jam
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, flour, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice.
  3. Mix the meat mixture with your hands until just combined.
  4. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
  5. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
  7. While the meatballs are baking, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  8. Add the beef broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to the saucepan.
  9. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
  10. Stir in the lingonberry jam and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  11. When the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the saucepan with the cream sauce.
  12. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to coat them evenly.
  13. Serve the Swedish Meatballs hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Meatball and Vegetable Kabobs

grilled meat and vegetables SAVE IT

Meatball and Vegetable Kabobs are a colorful and flavorful dish perfect for outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound meatballs
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 1 onion
  • 2 zucchinis
  • 2 cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Thread meatballs, bell pepper, onion, zucchinis, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers.
  3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy.

Greek Meatball Gyros

savory greek street food SAVE IT

Greek Meatball Gyros are a twist on traditional gyros, featuring flavorful meatballs.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 pita breads
  • Tomato, onion, cucumber, and tzatziki sauce for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, garlic, egg, and feta cheese.
  3. Mix well with hands until just combined.
  4. Form into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
  5. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
  7. Warm pita breads by wrapping in foil and heating in oven for 5 minutes.
  8. Assemble gyros by placing meatballs in pita bread and topping with tomato, onion, cucumber, and tzatziki sauce.
  9. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Meatball and Mushroom Risotto

italian dish main course SAVE IT

Creamy risotto with meatballs and sautéed mushrooms.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 8 oz mushrooms
  • 1 lb homemade meatballs
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
  3. Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly toasted.
  4. Add the white wine and cook until the liquid is almost completely absorbed.
  5. Add 1 cup of vegetable broth to the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  6. Repeat step 5, adding the broth in 1-cup increments, until the rice is cooked and creamy.
  7. In a separate skillet, sauté the mushrooms in butter until tender and lightly browned.
  8. Add the homemade meatballs to the skillet with the mushrooms and cook until heated through.
  9. Stir the meatball and mushroom mixture into the cooked risotto.
  10. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan.

Mexican Meatball Tacos

tasty mexican food option SAVE IT

Mexican Meatball Tacos are a twist on traditional tacos, filled with flavorful meatballs.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 minced garlic clove
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 8-10 corn tortillas
  • Taco toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, cilantro, garlic, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and milk, then add to the meat mixture and mix until just combined.
  4. Use hands to shape mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
  5. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each meatball to allow for even cooking.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
  7. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
  8. Assemble tacos by placing a few meatballs onto a tortilla, followed by desired toppings.
  9. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Meatball and Egg Breakfast Burritos

breakfast burrito with meatballs SAVE IT

Savory breakfast burritos filled with meatballs and scrambled eggs.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound homemade or store-bought meatballs
  • 1 dozen eggs
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 4 large tortillas
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the meatballs according to package instructions or your own recipe.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and scramble the eggs.
  4. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
  5. Assemble the burritos by filling each tortilla with scrambled eggs, meatballs, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
  6. Top with chopped cilantro and serve hot.

Chinese Meatball and Vegetable Stir Fry

stir fried chinese dish SAVE IT

Chinese Meatball and Vegetable Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, scallions, garlic, egg, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, and mix well.
  3. Use hands to shape mixture into small meatballs.
  4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  6. Add sliced onion and bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
  7. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  8. Add cooked meatballs to the skillet and stir-fry for 1 minute.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve hot and enjoy.

Meatball and White Bean Casserole

hearty italian style casserole SAVE IT

Hearty meatball and white bean casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound meatballs
  • 1 can white beans
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the meatballs according to package instructions.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
  4. Add the marinara sauce and white beans to the skillet, stirring to combine.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked meatballs, sauce mixture, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with grated parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.

Conclusion

You’ll be intrigued to know that 71% of Americans crave meatball dishes. With diverse options like hearty subs and global curries, it’s no wonder this comfort food is a staple, offering endless possibilities to savor and explore, making every meal a unique culinary experience.

Leave a Comment