60 Meatball Recipes That Go Beyond Basic Spaghetti

From the Recipe Creator: Keep a batch of these meatballs in your freezer for an easy weeknight meal. This simple meatball recipe can be used for pizzas, sub sandwiches, in soups and more. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: One of our favorite comfort-food dinners is spaghetti and meatballs. We’re crazy about this lighter, healthier version that features so many veggies. It has the same beloved flavors with more nutritious ingredients! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: While it looks complicated, this attractive meatball-filled ring is really very easy to assemble. My family loves tacos, and we find that the crescent roll dough is a nice change from the usual tortilla shells or chips. There are never any leftovers. —Brenda Johnson, Davison, Michigan. Looking for a dairy-free recipe? Learn how to make vegan meatballs.

From the Recipe Creator: I got the idea for how to make this soup after I went to a brewhouse restaurant that put ale in their gravy. I make this every time the weather starts to cool down in the fall—it's comfort food for the soul. —Crystal Holsinger, Surprise, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: As amazing as this flatbread is, you would never know how unbelievably easy it is to make. And hiding veggies in the sauce is a great trick, especially if you have kids. For a crunchy crust, bake the naan in the oven until slightly crispy on top before adding the tomato puree. —Kimberly Berg, North Street, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: When you think of Italian food, spaghetti with meatballs is probably one of the first dishes that comes to mind. Every Italian mother and grandmother has their signature polpette (meatball) recipe, and their children will always boast that their meatballs are the best. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: A tangy sauce, combined with green pepper and pineapple, tranforms Ruther’s pre-made meatballs into a delightful main dish served over rice. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: When the temperatures are high, and so is your craving for Italian fare, turn to these deliciously different kabobs. A green salad and rustic bread are all you'll need to complete this summer meal. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Treat yourself to homemade meatballs, already simmering in sauce, at the end of a busy day. —Suzanne Wagg, Madison, Maine

From the Recipe Creator: We love lasagna, but it takes too long on weeknights. My solution: meatball taquitos. My kids get the flavors they want, and I get a meal on the table in a hurry. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: I like to dunk these appetizer meatballs in blue cheese or ranch salad dressing. If I make them for a meal, I often skip the dressing and serve with blue cheese polenta on the side. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: My family enjoys this delicious recipe—it's like a spicy meatball stew with dumplings!—Sarah Yoder, Middlebury, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: I developed this one-skillet spaghetti and meatball dish to cut down on cooking time on busy nights. The beans, artichokes and tomatoes bump up the nutrition factor, while the lemon and parsley make it pop with brightness. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

From the Recipe Creator: I love the sweet orange marmalade paired with the zip of a jalapeno in this sweet-sour glaze. —Bonnie Stallings, Martinsburg, West Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: My kids are picky eaters, but teriyaki and hoisin sauces work wonders with them. They love the meatballs, and I swap the noodles for whole grain pasta. —Kelly Shippey, Orange, California

From the Recipe Creator: Christmas was the time when our family forgot about the food budget and splurged on one special meal. I can still envision Grandmother making dozens of these little meatballs! The spices gives them a taste that makes them authentically Norwegian.

From the Recipe Creator: These little sliders deliver big Buffalo chicken flavor without the messiness of wings. The spicy-sweet meatballs are a hit on game day with kids and adults alike. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: Chimichurri is a tangy herb sauce that comes from South America that's often served with steak. If you've never had it with meatballs, it's time to give it a try! —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia

From the Recipe Creator: A simple tomato-enhanced broth is perfect for cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. Increase the garlic and add Italian seasoning to suit your taste. —Debbie Wilson, Burlington, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: I've relied on this recipe many times as a soothing finish to a hectic day...and since I usually have all the ingredients on hand, there's no last-minute rush to the store, either. —Judy Larson, Greendale, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Serve these tangy meat loaf muffins for dinner or slice them up for a take-along sandwich lunch. They're just as flavorful after freezing. —Cheryl Norwood, Canton, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: My mother often had these cabbage rolls simmering in her slow cooker when my family and I arrived at her house for weekend visits. The mouthwatering meatballs tucked inside made these stand out from any other cabbage rolls I've tried. —Betty Buckmaster, Muskogee, Oklahoma

From the Recipe Creator: This is one of our favorite main dishes. Because we raise our own pork and beef, the meat we use is always freshly ground. For variety, these meatballs can be cooked with a sweet cream gravy or steamed with tomatoes. But we prefer them with homemade sauerkraut. —Iona Redemer, Calumet, Oklahoma

From the Recipe Creator: With its mix of delicious colors, textures and flavors, this soup is something special. —Dilnaz Heckman, Buckley, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: With colorful vegetables and nicely seasoned meatballs, this hearty dinner offers a lot of flavor for not a lot of money. —Donna Smith, Victor, New York

From the Recipe Creator: As either a hearty sandwich or a filling lunch or dinner, this sub will rise to the top of your list of favorites. —Deana Paul, San Dimas, California

From the Recipe Creator: This wonderful appetizer is very easy to prepare and also very tasty. —Jan Kasinger, Graham, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings when I was growing up. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: My strategy to get picky kids to eat healthy: Let everyone assemble their dinner at the table. We love these easy meatball wraps topped with crunchy veggies and peanuts, sweet raisins and a creamy dollop of yogurt. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: When my husband travels for work, I make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: This is one of those recipes you always come back to. A flavorful tomato sauce and mildly spiced meatballs make a hearty sandwich filling, or they can be served over pasta. I broil the meatballs first to quickly brown them. —Jean Glacken, Elkton, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is easy, and the meatballs can be made well ahead of time and frozen until needed. I think what makes them taste so good is the sauce. —Nathalie Guest, Caledon, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: I always keep meatballs and pizza crusts in the freezer to make this specialty on the spur of the moment. Add a tossed salad and you have a delicious dinner. —Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: Throughout Vietnam there are many kinds of soups, called canh, served all year long. I particularly love having this warm, flavorful bowl of Vietnamese chicken soup on laid-back weekends, but it's also great packed in a thermos for lunch. It's the perfect bok choy soup too! —Brenda Watts, Gaffney, South Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: We were hosting a bunch of friends, and after a comedy of errors, I had to come up with a plan B for dinner. I realized that much-loved meatball subs are even better as a hearty casserole—so delicious! —Rick Friedman, Palm Springs, California

From the Recipe Creator: These well-seasoned porcupine meatballs in a rich tomato sauce are one of my mom’s best main dishes. I used to love this meal when I was growing up. I made it at home for our children, and now my daughters make it for their families. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: I make these tangy-sweet appetizers every year during the holidays, and it doesn't take long for them to disappear.—Elaine Sweet, Dallas, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: Our children call these “Gramby Meatballs” because the recipe came from my dear mother-in-law. It’s a great way to make spinach palatable. I usually make a triple batch, bake them all and freeze the extras for a quick meal later. —Mimi Blanco, Bronxville, New York

From the Recipe Creator: Here is one of my favorite ways to cook and enjoy cabbage. It has all the good flavor of regular cabbage rolls, but it's a lot less bother to make. In fact, it's a one-pot meal! —Mrs. Bernard Snow, Lewiston, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Talk about one easy dish that creates an amazing sweet and sour sauce! You can serve over rice for more of a dinner-like option, but I also like to offer them as an appetizer simply served with toothpicks. —Julie Schiefer, Nappanee, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: When my husband’s not manning the grill, I count on my slow cooker. These mouthwatering meatballs are just one reason why. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser as an appetizer, or spooned over crusty rolls and topped with cheese for irresistible sandwiches. —Peggy Rios, Mechanicsville, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: Cranberry sauce and brown sugar create a tangy glaze for moist meatballs that are good Christmas appetizers or Christmas dinner ideas. We love them so much, I prepare them year-round. —Joyce Bentley, Redlands, California

From the Recipe Creator: Served over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: I grow onions, garlic and herbs, so that’s what I use in these saucy sandwiches. Make patties or form the ground beef into meatballs instead. —Alysha Braun, St. Catharines, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: I combined some favorite staples from our freezer and pantry to come up with this easy dish. It has few ingredients and little preparation. —Tracie Bergeron, Chauvin, Louisiana

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe was a lifesaver when I worked full time and needed a dinner that we all would enjoy when we got home. It is perfect to let your young ones help prepare. They can chop, peel, mix and pour. It doesn’t matter if the veggies are all different sizes—your children will still devour this fun and tasty stew. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

From the Recipe Creator: This simple meatball recipe relies on time-saving ingredients like frozen meatballs and barbecue sauce. It’s the perfect last-minute appetizer! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Our approach to meatball sandwiches is a simple one: Cook the meatballs low and slow, load them into hoagie buns, and top them with provolone and pepperoncini. —Stacie Nicholls, Spring Creek, Nevada

From the Recipe Creator: For a meal on busy days, I pop ready-made meatballs in the slow cooker to make this tantalizing Asian-style specialty. Nothing is more convenient than walking in the door to dinner. —Lisa Stepanski, Munnsville, New York

From the Recipe Creator: As a writer and busy mom of three boys, I need tasty meals on the quick. We serve these glazed meatballs over a steaming bed of rice. —Amy Dong, Woodbury, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: These savory German meatball patties are packed with flavor and taste delicious when served hot or cold. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Indulge in Mediterranean flavors with these irresistible Greek chicken meatballs. The juicy, tender meatballs blend aromatic herbs like mint and basil with lean ground chicken, garlic and feta cheese. But the real star of the show is the homemade tzatziki sauce. —Melanie C. Tritten, Charlotte, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: We love eggplant Parmesan, so I created this crowd-pleasing meatless 'meatball' by combining roasted eggplant with a blend of aromatic herbs, cheese and crispy panko bread crumbs. Serve them over pasta, nestle them in crusty rolls for meatball subs or offer them as appetizers at your next gathering. —Sharon Ricci, Mendon, New York

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe adds a delightful bit of sophistication to a family-friendly meal. My children love meatballs and the adults love the caramelized onions and layer of melty Gruyere cheese. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

From the Recipe Creator: Baked turkey meatballs are a protein-packed dish that combines lean ground turkey with fresh spinach, garlic and the tangy punch of feta cheese. They pair well with various sauces from tzatziki to hummus. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: These tofu meatballs are a game changer for the meatless appetizer world, especially when served with a side of ranch. Each bite has a burst of flavor from seasonings like oregano, basil, garlic and onion powder. —Sue Draheim, Waterford, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: The ultimate German 'comfort food,' Königsberger Klops is usually served as a family Sunday dinner. My version of this recipe came from the Frau, who gave me my first cooking lessons; it has stood the test of time and is still one of my family's favorites. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida