There is no such thing as too many meatballs recipes and with this template we're going to show you how to make ones you'll want to eat all. day. long!
Meatballs have come a long way, and so has our understanding of their magical capabilities! No longer are meatballs strictly served with pasta and homemade sauce, and made of just beef and/or veal. From beefto turkey, to chicken, pork, lamb, or even vegetarian recipes, the possibilities are endless with meatballs! And don't even get us started on the sauces. Or, better yet, what you can eat them with. There is a recipe out there for every palate! And the best part? Meatballs areeasy to make, inexpensiveand transport in your containers without a hitch.
So, go wash your hand and get out a big bowl. It's time to make meatballs.
The key? You gotta start with a solid foundation. To do that, use our 20-minute meatball recipeor customize the meatballs by following the steps below. Think of this as a template.
What's great about this meatball recipe is that they are baked, so they are healthier because you're not frying them in oil, batch after batch. Baking them is a hands-off process, and less messy, too. It's important to keep an eye on the meatballs, though, so they don't dry out and they stay tender and flavorful.
Step 1:
Choose your protein:
- ground beef
- ground chicken
- ground turkey
- ground lamb
- ground pork or sausage
- beans (yes, beans!)
NOTE: You will want 2 pounds of protein. This provides you with you enough meatballs for about 4 people, with some leftover to freeze, if desired.
Step 2:
Choose your seasonings based on the recipe. Aim for somewhere between 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning for 2 pounds of protein. Again, consider the following, based on the meatballs recipe:
- dried parsley
- dried oregano
- fennel seeds
- coriander
- celery salt
- cumin
- Italian seasoning
- basil
- dried dill
- garlic powder
- onion powder
Step 3:
Choose your binder:
- almond flour
- coconut flour
- bread crumbs or bread soaked in milk
Depending on your needs, whether they're paleo or gluten-free meatballs, you've got options. We recommend using a ½ cup for all options except coconut flour. However, for coconut flour, use half that amount, or ¼ cup, instead.
Step 4:
Add in an egg (or flax egg, for vegan recipes).
Step 5:
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until just combined. Often, it's smart to use your clean hands. Do not overmix or your meatballs will be tough. Then, roll into meatballs of your desired size. Usually, this means meatballs that resemble walnuts or golf balls. However, you can make them bigger or smaller based on your preferences.
Step 6:
Transfer the meatballs to a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Then, bake them in a preheated 400-degree F oven for about 20 minutes (Time will vary depending on the size of your meatballs. As you might suspect, the bigger they are, the longer they'll take.)
Once you established your solid meatball foundation, decide what recipe you want to tackle! And boy, are therea lot of options. Read closely to determine which one best suits your dietary needs, because they run the gamut of paleo and gluten-free to almost every cuisine you can imagine. You'll have meatball recipes for days! And that is never, ever, a bad thing. Your future self will thank your current meal-prepping self. It's true.
22 Easy Meatballs Recipes
20 Minute Paleo Thai Almond Butter Meatballs
3 Ingredient Sweet & Sour Meatballs
Serve with rice, or eat them just like that, off little toothpicks.
Cheesy Mexican Meatballs
We dare you to look away from that cheese pull. Really. Someone find me some tortilla chips, stat!
Mongolian Beef Meatballs
Mongolian meatballs want to be served with broccoli. They just do. And cauliflower rice, anyone?
Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs
Look at that color. And then, look at that texture. Meatballs never had it so good, right?
Sweet & Spicy Korean Meatballs
We'd wager a guess that you could eat these all by themselves.
Spaghetti and meatballs, reimagined.
Swedish Meatballs
Better than Ikea's. Promise.
Fire CrackerChicken Meatballs
Take the concept of firecracker shrimp, and apply it to chicken meatballs. 'Nuff said.
Chili Sauce & Molasses Meatballs
You might want some cornbread when you make this recipe.
Carrot Meatballs
You read that correctly. Don't judge! Just make them!
Cauliflower, Feta & Lemon Meatballs
Imagine the flavors of Greece and the Mediterranean, packed into meatballs.
Taco Meatballs
How cool is this concept?
ChimichurriMeatballs
The zesty and bright flavors of chimichurri sauce come to life here with in this meatball recipe.
Sesame Chicken Meatballs
Meatballs recipes, there's really nothing they CAN'T do. Noodles optional.
Vegan Meatballs
They look like falafel, but they are meatballs!
Teriyaki Meatballs
You knew this one was coming, right? Noodles are a great companion to these meatballs.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs
Serve these luxurious meatballs with a big green salad and call it dinner.
Honey Buffalo Meatballs
This meatball recipe is just what you think it is.
Lamb Meatballs
Yes, that's lamb but what's more important is that the meatballs are floating in a manchego polenta with chimichurri.
Ok, so maybe this isn't a meatball recipe per se, but it's funny! So why not?
