MEATBALLS. They don’t just go with spaghetti, kids. Over the past few years, I’ve created over 10 amazing meatball recipes that are filled with flavor, served with fun sauces, and seriously SO easy to make. If you’ve never made meatballs from scratch before, get ready for your new favorite cooking project.
I typically make all of my healthy meatball recipes with ground chicken or ground turkey because we rarely buy beef, but you’re welcome to use ground beef if you’d like! I love cooking meatballs for dinner because they’re:
- Packed with tons of lean protein
- Easy to customize with delicious spices and sauces
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly!
What’s not to love? Check out all of my amazing meatball recipes below, and learn how to prep them ahead of time + freeze them for later for the ultimate meal prep.
Make your meatballs ahead of time
If you’re looking to make a meatball recipe, you can absolutely prep them 1-2 days ahead of time or freeze them for later. To prep them:
- Mix and form the meatballs as directed in the recipe you’re following.
- Cook them as directed and store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days until you’re ready to continue with the recipe, OR place them raw on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Tightly cover the meatballs with plastic wrap.
- Put the raw meatballs in the fridge until you are ready to cook them.
- Once ready to cook, simply follow the recipe as written.
Two ways to freeze meatballs
One of the reasons I LOVE making meatballs is because they’re incredibly easy to freeze for later! There are two ways to do it:
- Bake first, then freeze: simply place your meatballs by themselves or in a sauce in a freezer safe, airtight container or bag and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let your container of meatballs (and sauce, if using) thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, and then empty the contents into a pan on the stovetop. Heat them in your pan until they’re nice and warm, and then serve!
- Freeze before baking: you can also freeze meatballs before cooking them! Form your meatballs as instructed, place them on a baking sheet, and put them in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Then, transfer your frozen meatballs to an airtight, freezer-friendly bag or container and place them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw them, simply place them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight and then cook them as directed in the recipe that you’re following.
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Orzo & Creamy Feta Yogurt Sauce
Delicious Greek turkey meatballs with lemon orzo, tender veggies, and a creamy feta yogurt sauce. These healthy baked Greek turkey meatballs are filled with tons of wonderful herbs and make the perfect protein-packed weeknight meal!
Herby Chicken Meatball Pitas with Jalapeño Tzatziki
Absolutely delicious herby chicken meatball pitas piled high with flavorful, protein-packed chicken meatballs, fresh veggies, and a creamy homemade jalapeño tzatziki sauce. This easy, nourishing dinner comes together in 30 minutes and is the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh.
Sheet Pan Jalapeño Pistachio Chicken Meatball Bowls
Herby sheet pan pistachio chicken meatballs with a kick of heat from jalapeño and served with crispy spiced chickpeas, tender couscous, fresh toppings, and homemade spicy green feta sauce. These epic pistachio chicken meatball bowls are packed with protein for a fun, flavorful dinner you’ll love!
Jalapeño Coconut Curry Chicken Meatball Bowls
Flavorful jalapeño curry chicken meatballs with gorgeous veggies and a delicious, sweet and savory yellow coconut curry sauce. These protein-packed curry chicken meatball bowls are easy to make for the perfect dinner.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Bleu Cheese Yogurt Dip
Delicious and easy buffalo chicken meatballs served with a creamy bleu cheese dip for the perfect party appetizer! These healthy buffalo chicken meatballs are made with lean ground chicken, simple mix-ins, and your fav buffalo sauce. Options to make them mild or spicy for guests, and easy to double for a larger crowd!
One Pan Baked Pesto Orzo with Chicken Meatballs
Delicious melt-in-your-mouth pesto chicken meatballs made with shredded zucchini for a boost of nutrition. Paired alongside an incredible creamy pesto orzo with vitamin D packed mushrooms and brightness from lemon! Get your veggies and nutrition in, all while having a comforting well-rounded meal.
Oh So Good Chicken Meatballs in Pumpkin Coconut Curry Sauce
Oh so good one pan chicken meatballs simmered in a wonderful pumpkin curry sauce. You’ll LOVE the amazing flavors from coconut milk, pumpkin puree, cozy spices, and a little natural creamy peanut butter. The perfect weeknight dinner that’s delicious with coconut rice, brown rice, or rice noodles!
Juicy Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Basil Sauce with Burrata
Healthy turkey meatballs simmered in a delicious, homemade spicy tomato basil sauce with creamy burrata cheese. These one pan homemade juicy turkey meatballs in sauce are savory, spicy, creamy and make a delicious weeknight dinner with your favorite pasta or even spaghetti squash!
Sweet & Spicy Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls
Delicious sesame chicken meatballs with crispy broccoli and a sweet and spicy ginger sesame sauce. These flavorful, protein-packed sesame chicken meatball bowls make the best weeknight dinner served with coconut rice, brown rice or quinoa! Customize these bowls with your fav sides & garnishes.
Delicious chicken parmesan meatballs with a savory, crispy coating and gooey mozzarella cheese in the center. These easy chicken parmesan meatballs are kid-friendly and SO fun to make for the perfect party appetizer or side dish!
Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy BBQ Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
Incredible sweet & spicy BBQ cranberry turkey meatballs made right in your slow cooker! This delicious slow cooker meatball recipe has a seasonal twist with homemade, naturally sweetened cranberry sauce to make the perfect party appetizer for the holiday season.
One Pan Enchilada Zucchini Turkey Meatballs and Rice
Flavorful one pan enchilada zucchini turkey meatballs simmered with rice in a delicious enchilada sauce. This healthy one pan dinner recipe is packed with veggies like zucchini, bell pepper, corn, and poblano pepper, and is perfect for weeknights or meal prep!
Sheet Pan Zucchini Chicken Meatballs with Coconut Curry Sauce
Sheet pan zucchini chicken meatballs baked with gorgeous roasted bell peppers and drizzled with a flavorful coconut curry sauce. This easy, incredibly delicious recipe is packed with protein and great for meal prep! Serve with coconut rice or naan for a full meal.
Creamy Tomato Orzo Soup with Mini Turkey Meatballs
Deliciously creamy orzo tomato soup with protein-packed mini turkey meatballs simmered in a flavorful coconut milk tomato broth. This satisfying, healthy turkey meatball tomato orzo soup packs in protein & veggies from spinach and carrots and is delicious with a touch of basil pesto!
One Pan Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Peanut Sauce
Incredible one pan ginger chicken meatballs with a Thai-inspired peanut sauce. This easy weeknight dinner is loaded with veggies & protein and is perfect for meal prep! Serve with brown rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or your favorite spiralized veggie noodles.
Paleo Turmeric Chicken Meatballs with Green Tahini Sauce
Flavorful paleo turmeric chicken meatballs drizzled with a delicious green tahini sauce. This sheet pan dinner is protein-packed and perfect for meal-prep!
Firecracker Chicken Meatballs with Cilantro Coconut Pineapple Rice
Incredible firecracker chicken meatballs made with flavorful spices and served with a creamy cilantro coconut pineapple rice. These healthy firecracker chicken meatballs are spicy, sweet, savory and make an incredible one pan meal. Easily made gluten free and perfect for meal prep!
One Pan Cilantro Chicken Meatballs in Mango Coconut Sauce
Delicious cilantro chicken meatballs cooked in a flavorful mango coconut sauce. This incredible one pan meal is sweet, savory, and packed with protein and veggies for the perfect weeknight dinner!
Nourishing Italian wedding soup with protein-packed chicken meatballs, lots of beautiful vegetables, and tender pearl couscous. This classic Italian wedding soup recipe is easy to make for the perfect weekday lunch or dinner the whole family will love!
If you make any of these meatball recipes, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
I love all the meat balls recipes I give them a five star rating
If you’ve been wondering what to make for a dinner party or just want to try something new, this recipe is perfect. It’s full of flavor and will be sure to please your guests. It’s so simple too that it doesn’t require any fancy ingredients.