Ultimate Family-Friendly Meatball Dinner Recipes to Make

We’ve curated a collection of the most mouthwatering and family-friendly meatball dinner recipes that will have your loved ones clamoring for seconds. When it comes to hearty and satisfying family dinners, few dishes can compete with the humble meatball.

Whether they’re served with pasta, nestled in a warm sub, or accompanied by a flavorful sauce, meatballs have a unique way of bringing smiles to the faces of both kids and adults alike. They’re comforting, versatile, and undeniably delicious, making them the perfect go-to option for a family meal that’s sure to please.

Over 40 Easy Meatball Dinner Ideas

These recipes are not only easy to make but also a fantastic way to get everyone around the table, sharing stories, and enjoying the comforting flavors of home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned pro, these meatball recipes are designed to be easy to make and enjoyable for everyone.

From classic spaghetti and meatballs to unique twists on the traditional, our selection covers a variety of tastes, ensuring there’s something for every palate.

You’ll find recipes that span different cuisines, offering a global tour of flavors right at your dinner table. And for those seeking healthier options or dietary considerations, we’ve included some creative and nutritious variations as well.

Let’s dive into the world of tender meatballs and discover a treasure trove of delicious recipes. Whether you’re planning a weeknight meal or a special gathering, these recipes are sure to become favorites in your household.

Ultimate Family-Friendly Meatball Dinner Recipes to Make

What goes good with meatballs for dinner?

Meatballs are one of those dishes that pair well with so many side dishes. They are delicious as is all by themselves just fried. However, you can serve them with something that takes them to the next level.

Let’s talk about a few options.

Pasta. This is probably the way we enjoy our meatballs the most except as an appetizer. Spaghetti or any pasta of your choice is a classic accompaniment. You can serve meatballs with marinara sauce or with a creamy Alfredo sauce over pasta.

Rice. Meatballs go well with plain or seasoned rice, such as white rice, brown rice, or even flavored rice like pilaf.

Potatoes. Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting side dish that pairs nicely with meatballs, especially if you have gravy or sauce to drizzle over them. Whether roasted, mashed, or in any other form, potatoes are a versatile and filling side dish that complements meatballs well.

Vegetables. Grilled, roasted, or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or a simple garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a healthy and balanced option.

Polenta. Soft, creamy polenta is a fantastic side dish for meatballs. It’s a great alternative to pasta or rice.

Breadsticks or Garlic Bread. Serve meatballs with warm garlic bread or breadsticks for a satisfying Italian-inspired meal. Meatball subs or sandwiches are a popular choice. You can use a crusty baguette or sub roll and add some cheese, marinara sauce, and toppings like sautéed peppers and onions.

Whether you prefer a classic Italian pairing or something more eclectic, you have plenty of options to create a delicious and well-rounded meal.

Meatball Dinner Recipes

Let’s get inspired for your next family dinner.

Over 40 Easy Meatball Dinner Ideas
- What goes good with meatballs for dinner?
Meatball Dinner Recipes
- Cheesy Meatball Casserole Dinner or Appetizer
- Dump and Bake Meatball Ravioli Casserole
Delicious and Easy Meatball Soup Recipe

Cheesy Meatball Casserole Dinner or Appetizer

Another dump and bake dinner recipe. However, you can make this ahead of time, freeze, and bake. It is also a nice recipe to make as an appetizer for a party.

Just serve with toasty garlic bread.

Get the full recipe for Cheesy Meatball Casserole Dinner or Appetizer

Dump and Bake Meatball Ravioli Casserole

Baked pasta recipes that don’t require extra pots and pans are always welcomed at my house. Anyone can layer in frozen ravioli, marinara sauce, and frozen meatballs. Just bake and enjoy.

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Delicious and Easy Meatball Soup Recipe

This soup is a one pot meal. With just a few ingredients you are on your way to a hearty and comforting meal.

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Banh Mi Meatball Sandwich

An Asian Street food at home. A Banh Mi Sandwich is a toasted bun stuffed meatballs that are bursting with flavors smothered in an Asian sauce. Top this with a creamy sriracha sauce and quick-pickled carrots and daikon for a sweet crunch.

Get the full recipe for Banh Mi Meatball Sandwich

Baked Meatballs With Feta

When you spoon these cheesy, rich meatballs on top of a plate of pasta, there are no words to describe the experience. It’s like a glorious mash up of everything you love about Greek and Italian cuisine.

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Waikiki Meatballs

An easy family meal that is a little sweet, sour, and savory. It comes together in just 15 minutes.

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Easy Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Subs

Take juicy meatballs, zesty tomato sauce, and melty cheese. Let your slow cooker do all the work. A delicious meatball sub at home with just a few simple ingredients.

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Ultimate Cheesy, Garlicky Meatballs

Homemade Italian meatballs in homemade sauce. Gourmet spaghetti dish right at home.

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Honey Garlic Meatballs

A popular sweet and savory appetizer or easy busy weeknight dinner. Wondering what the secret to making good meatballs is?

It’s a simple ratio of one egg per pound of meat, grated onion, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.

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Baked Ziti with Meatballs

Make a large batch and freeze half for a quick and easy meal on another day. A family-friendly delicious one pot oven baked casserole.

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Tomato Ramen Noodles with Meatballs

This Ramen Noodles dish has lots of big flavors fillings, and toppings. A 25 minute meal with lots of umami flavors.

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Beef Kafta Meatballs

An easy Mediterranean rice bowl. Make this budget-friendly meal for the whole family on busy weeknights.

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Turkey Meatballs with Curry Sauce

Delight in succulent turkey meatballs baked to perfection, paired with a luscious coconut curry sauce. Serve alongside fluffy rice, these ground turkey meatballs in curry sauce for a truly comforting and satisfying meal.

Get the full recipe for Turkey Meatballs with Curry Sauce

Baked Mint Meatballs: Albanian Qofte

Make these meatballs with any kind of ground meat; ground beef, ground pork, lamb, chicken, and vegetables. Serve them with a big salad, a yogurt based dip, and bread.

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Spanish Meatballs in Tomato Sauce: Albondigas Recipe

Albondigas, Spanish meatballs in a flavorful tomato sauce, are commonly enjoyed as tapas in Spain. Tapas, representing small portions of food, are a characteristic feature of Spanish cuisine.

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Baked Garlic and Basil Meatballs

These simple five-ingredient meatballs are ideal for prepping in advance and incorporating into meals throughout the week. Their uncomplicated flavors make them versatile and easy to integrate into a variety of recipes.

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Greek-Style Baked Chicken Meatballs

Savor the tenderness of Greek-style baked chicken meatballs. Pair them with your preferred grain, tzatziki, and crisp veggies for a delightful meal.

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Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs

Turn these Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon spheres into the perfect party appetizer or a quick and easy meatball recipe. Complete the meal by serving them with pasta, rice, or a refreshing salad.

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Parmesan Chicken Meatballs

Bake the best chicken meatballs until they achieve a golden brown perfection, packed with the finest Parmesan cheese and chicken flavors. Enjoy an easy and delicious culinary experience.

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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Bake Buffalo Chicken Meatballs for the same great flavor as buffalo wings, but without frying. Crafted with ground chicken and seasoned with delightful garlic and ranch seasoning, they make the perfect party snack for your next gathering.

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Hungarian Paprikash Chicken with Meatballs

In this version of Hungarian paprikash chicken, we use light, tender, juicy chicken meatballs. The paprikash sauce remains the same delicious and fairly traditional one. This from-scratch recipe takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish.

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Asian Chicken Meatballs

Opt for meatballs for speedy weeknight dinners. Mix them up quickly with common pantry ingredients, give them a brief bake in the oven, and they’re ready to go! There are numerous ways to finish them off and infuse them with tons of flavor.

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Greek Chicken Meatballs

Savor the delicious and versatile flavors of these Greek chicken meatballs, featuring classic Mediterranean tastes. Enjoy them as an appetizer or pair them with a Greek salad and pita bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Grandma’s BBQ Meatballs

Prepare meatballs and sauce up to 2 days in advance; sitting and marinating will enhance their flavors. Store the concoction in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

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Easy Greek Meatballs

Making them is a breeze; they bake quickly in the oven and freeze exceptionally well. This recipe relies on just a few pantry staples to create a delicious, garlicky meal infused with delightful herbs.

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Cheesy Baked Chicken Meatballs

Cook them up to be tender and juicy, and the whole family will devour them. Ideal for meal prep or freezer cooking.

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Slow Cooker Meatball Soup Recipe

Some days demand only a slow cooker soup. Prepare a rich, hearty, and satisfying hot soup in minutes, allowing it to cook low and slow while you go about your day. Get the full recipe for Slow Cooker Meatball Soup Recipe

Italian Meatball Soup

Savor the flavor of Italian seasoning in a meatball soup, featuring meatballs and pasta in a savory tomato broth. With straightforward ingredients and minimal prep, this hearty meal graces the table in less than an hour.

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Instant Pot Orange Glazed Meatballs Recipe

Make them easily and quickly, and they’ll be ready in just 20 minutes. Serve them with rice and veggies for a complete meal, or they can also shine as wonderful appetizers and party food.

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Spaghetti Squash Casserole with Meatballs

This spaghetti squash casserole with meatballs isn’t just low in carbs; it also crafts a delicious and freezer-friendly meal. It serves as a great means to incorporate extra veggies and proves to be a fantastic dish for gifting to a new mom or preparing ahead and freezing for later.

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Slow Cooker Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Meatballs

The combination of raspberries and balsamic vinegar makes this recipe a winner, with meatballs perfectly complementing the jam. Whether you opt for homemade meatballs or start with frozen ones due to time constraints, the flavors meld seamlessly.

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Meatball Texas Toast Casserole

This dish is sometimes dubbed a meatball sub casserole recipe, so if you’re a fan of those, you’re bound to adore this one. It also proves to be an excellent option for hosting or attending a Super Bowl Sunday party.

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Deluxe Cheeseburger Kabobs

Prepare cheeseburger kabobs in a variety of ways; grill, broiler, stovetop, or slow cooker. The endless possibilities arise from diverse marinades and sauces. Plus, they’re perfect for saving as a tasty leftover lunch.

Get the full recipe for Deluxe Cheeseburger Kabobs

Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Whether you crave cheesy comfort food, a low-carb entrée, an effortless one-pan dinner in a skillet, or the ideal addition to your Italian-themed meal, Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs will fulfill all your desires.

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Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

Crafted from scratch, these slow cooker turkey meatballs are not only homemade but also satisfying with minimal effort. Bursting with flavor and incredibly tender, they make an excellent lunch option for the entire week. Pair with a salad, bed of spaghetti, or stuff inside a roll.

Get the full recipe for Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs