February 21, 2026
41 Easy Meatball Recipes & Meatball Side Dishes
Meatballs are one of the most versatile freezer staples. They work just as well as party appetizers as they do in easy weeknight dinners, and they pair seamlessly with a wide range of side dishes.
Whether you’re cooking meatballs in a slow cooker, air fryer, or on the stovetop, these 41 easy meatball recipes and side dishes make it simple to build satisfying meals for any occasion.
Glazed cocktail meatball recipes
Cocktail meatballs are a crowd favorite that pack protein and flavor into a small, bite-size appetizer. Don’t be surprised if you need to make a second batch!
Grape jelly and rosemary meatballs

The sweetness of the grape jelly mixed with the earthiness of fresh rosemary and garlic offers a unique flavor combination sure to impress your guests.
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Classic sweet and spicy meatballs

They’re sweet, they’re spicy, they’re the perfect crowd pleaser!
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Crockpot meatballs with cranberry sauce and orange

These meatballs are packed with holiday flavor, but one bite and you’ll be craving them all year.
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Stout-glazed meatballs

Your favorite stout gives these meatballs a deep, malty flavor with just a hint of sweetness.
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Easy slowcooker sriracha meatballs

Add a little spice to your life. But don’t worry—the spicy Sriracha sauce is tempered by cranberry sauce and brown sugar, so there’s enough sweetness to balance the heat.
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Cranberry chili meatballs with a dijon twist

Dijon mustard is the secret ingredient that adds some tang to these sweet chili meatballs.
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Slowcooker orange-glazed turkey meatballs

A glossy glaze made from orange juice, soy sauce, Sriracha and rice wine vinegar give your meatballs a burst of flavor.
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Tangy cranberry meatballs

Add cranberry sauce and dried cranberries to your meatballs for a sweet finish with just the right hint of sour.
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Easy Meatball Appetizer & Party Starters
From game days to birthday celebrations, get the party started with these meatball appetizers.
Homemade Turkey Meatballs

These Italian-style turkey meatballs are simple to make and packed with flavor from Parmesan, breadcrumbs and oregano.
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Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

What’s better than meatballs? That’s right: meatballs wrapped in bacon.
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Meatball Bites with 3 Dipping Sauces

Choose between marinara sauce, honey BBQ sauce, and spicy sweet and sour sauce, or try all three!
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Meatless Meatball Sliders
Meat eaters and vegetarians alike will enjoy this classic meatball slider made with Gardein® Meatless Meatballs.
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Taco Meatball Ring
Wrap your meatballs in crescent roll dough and serve with your favorite taco toppings for a new twist on Taco Tuesday.
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Classic 3-Ingredient BBQ Meatballs
With just three ingredients you can make a tangy BBQ meatball that’s perfect as an appetizer or the main course.
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Twists on classic meatball dinner recipes
Meatballs are kid-approved, and these meals are easy to get on the table even on a busy school night.
Slow Cooker Spaghetti & Meatballs
This easy and convenient slow cooker recipe lets you enjoy spaghetti and meatballs any night of the week.
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Easy Meatball Subs

Frozen Italian-style meatballs are the secret to making these meatballs subs an easy weeknight meal.
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Squash “Spaghetti” and Meatballs

Lighten up your spaghetti and meatballs by using frozen veggie spirals instead of pasta.
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Creamy Polenta with Spicy Marinara & Veal Meatballs
Wow your family with this sophisticated dinner, made easier with frozen meatballs.
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Meatball Risotto with Pesto
Frozen meatballs and jarred pesto help turn this risotto into a school night meal.
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Mama Mia’s Meatball Bake

It’s the perfect kid-friendly meal: garlic bread, meatballs and plenty of cheese!
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Sweet & Tangy Sesame Meatballs & Rice
In less than 30 minutes you have a dinner packed with sweet and sour flavor.
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Meatball Stuffed Shells with Spinach

This cheesy meatball bake is a great way to get your kids to eat their spinach.
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Cheesy Meatball Stuffed Peppers
Add frozen meatballs to your favorite stuffed pepper recipe for a quick, colorful dinner.
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Spicy Coconut Meatball Pasta

Give your spaghetti and meatballs a Southeast Asian twist by adding Thai chili pepper and coconut cream.
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Savory Meatball Pho

Cozy up with a warm bowl of meatball pho packed with aromatic Vietnamese flavors.
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Meatless Meatball Greek Bowls

Your Meatless Monday goes Greek with plant-based meatballs, fluffy quinoa and a roasted vegetable medley, topped with tzatziki, hummus and olives.
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Meatball Sandwich Recipes, Wraps & Handhelds
Meatball sandwiches can make a filling dinner, a light lunch or a hearty appetizer. They’re perfect for any occasion!
Classic Italian Meatball Sub Sandwich

All the authentic Italian flavor you love, made easy with frozen meatballs.
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Turkey Meatball Gyro

Turkey meatballs are perfectly complemented by the Mediterranean flavors in this easy, fresh gyro.
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Italian Style Meatball Panini

The Italian sub you love gets an upgrade when you toast it in your panini press.
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Turkey Meatball Sandwich

A lighter take on a meatball sandwich that makes a great, healthy dinner or lunch.
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Turkey Cranberry Wrap

This wrap is bursting with fresh flavor and makes the perfect light lunch.
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Buffalo Meatball Subs

This bold, zesty Buffalo sub is the hearty game-day sandwich you’ve been craving.
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Side Ideas for what to Serve with Meatballs
Not sure what to serve with meatballs? These side dishes pair well with everything from classic Italian meatballs to bold, globally inspired flavors.
Baked Pasta with Two Cheeses

Pasta is a go-to pairing with meatballs for a reason. Hearty marinara sauce and two different cheeses perfectly complement savory meatballs.
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Savory Onion Mashed Potatoes

Serve your meatballs on top of a bed of creamy mashed potatoes mixed with flavorful sautéed onions.
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French Onion Potatoes au Gratin

This comforting side dish combines French onion dip, thinly sliced potatoes with caramelized onions and melted cheese for a creamy meatball pairing.
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Stadium Style Garlic Fries

Your game-day meatball subs will go great with these fries tossed in garlic and parsley.
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Garlic Lemon Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Who said veggies can’t be fun? Zucchini fries tossed with parmesan and lemon zest make the perfect side for a meatball sandwich or wrap.
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Air Fried Crispy Green Bean “Fries”

Enjoy your meatballs with a side of fries that are crispy, flavorful and made with fresh green beans.
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Crispy BBQ Pork Fried Rice Balls

Pair your meatballs with another Italian classic: an Asian-inspired take on Italian rice balls.
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Potsticker Wreath

Serve this festive appetizer along with your meatballs at your next holiday party for a combination your guests will love.
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Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

Move over spaghetti! This decadent mac and cheese is packed with cheese and spices, making it the perfect comfort food to pair with your meatballs.
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