Have a Ball: Meatball Recipes for Every Mood

Cocktail Meatballs

Nothing goes faster at a cocktail party than a tray of succulent spherical meatballs. Arrange on a platter, pass out the toothpicks, and watch as they disappear.

Mini Meatballs

If you worship at the altar of bacon, you’ll love the slivers of smoky pork threaded throughout these beef balls. Freeze them raw, then keep the formed extras ready to use in soups and sauces.

Swedish Meatballs

This Scandinavian mainstay has a life outside Ikea. Just add noodles (and a spot of lingonberry jam) to make a hearty, comforting main dish.

Parmesan-Dusted Meatballs

A flurry of Parm is all you'll need to accent the subtly sweet underpinnings of these beef-and-pork balls. Restraint: It’s what’s for dinner.

Sriracha Marinara and Meatballs

The cult-favorite "rooster sauce" lingers in the background of this marinara -- and in the back of your throat after swallowing. Cutting ground pork with turkey and spinach makes for a healthier meal.

Get the Sriracha Marinara and Meatballs Recipe

Skewered Greek Meatballs

A pot of bubbling sauce may be the classic meatball vehicle, but these feta-fied skewers are a wiser choice for entertaining. Don’t skip the mint-lemon yogurt dip.

Honey-Chipotle Turkey Meatballs

Say good-bye to bland turkey balls forever. You'll be packing away these sweet-and-spicy bites as if they're buffalo wings -- fitting, given their equally addictive heat.

Chicken Parm Meatballs

Make that meatball, singular. One breaded beauty perched atop a tangle of pasta spells cheesy Chicken Parm perfection.

Northern Indian Lamb Meatballs

These Indian-spiced meatballs are stuffed with prunes and stewed in a silky tomato sauce. Serve with flatbread for mopping up the sauce.

Shrimp Scampi Meatballs in Garlicky Broth

Because "crustaceanballs" just doesn't roll off the tongue. These seafood patties use chicken as a binder, keeping things light for the summer months.

Light and Fluffy Meatballs

Try a little tenderness. A generous dose of ricotta makes these three-meat balls a far cry from the leaden cafeteria grub of your youth.

Moroccan Meatballs with Couscous and Roasted Carrots

You won't have to go to Morocco to enjoy exotic Northern African fare. We love it when comfort food takes us out of our comfort zone.

Pork Meatballs

The base of these balls may be pork, but you won't believe what's hiding inside -- fiber-rich (and cost-effective) zucchini and bulgur. Call it economy of taste.

Beef Stroganoff Meatballs

While we're talking veggies, this mushroom-packed dish puts a new spin on stroganoff. The standard type is often an all-day slow-cooker affair, but this version can be on your table in 40 minutes.

Meatballs with Ouzo and Mint

Did you know the Greeks call their meatballs keftedes? Did you know they're utterly delicious? Flavored with lemon, mint, capers, and ouzo, these plump pillows won't disappoint.

Lamb Meatballs with Harissa

Lovers of Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine will adore these lamb meatballs, which feature dates, pine nuts, cilantro, couscous, and ground lamb. Harissa, a spicy red pepper paste, is the perfect finish.

Turkey and Pancetta Meatballs

These lean meatballs are an ideal topper for any light pasta dish. We've paired ours with Pasta with Mint Pesto and Fava. We don't regret it.

Asian Turkey Meatballs with Carrot Rice

For a dish with so much going on (carrot rice!), this recipe is surprisingly simple -- proving that even a weeknight dinner can be an international affair.

Slow-Cooker Spanish Meatballs

Slow and low means throw in and go. Translation: All of the flavor with next-to-no effort.

Chicken-and-Ricotta Meatballs in Broth

Meatballs made from ground white-meat chicken and ricotta cheese melt in your mouth, not in your broth. Think of this as a meaty matzo ball soup.

Escarole and Meatball Soup

Escarole, kidney beans, and currant-studded meatballs are key players in this take on Italian wedding soup. Talk about getting the ball 'role-ing.

Deep-Dish Meatball Pizza

Got balls to spare? Make a meatball pizza! Even if you don't, this recipe shows you how to whip up a speedy batch just for the occasion.

Meatball Hero Sandwich

Another outlet for leftovers that's worth making in its own right. Mini meatballs, roasted bell peppers, zucchini and onion add up to one mighty hero sandwich.

Mini BBQ Meatball Sliders

If tiny sammies are more your speed, serve individual meatballs on party-size potato rolls. These turkey balls are dredged in store-bought barbecue sauce for fast flavor.

Spinach and Meatball Calzones

An Italian-American favorite, these pocket-shaped pies bring things full circle. Definitely a recipe worth bringing into the fold.

Eggplant Meatball Casserole

Even vegetarians can get in on the meatball fun. These eggplant-based meatballs are delicate in texture, but vibrant in flavor.