The Ultimate Guide to Making meatballs

The Ultimate Guide To Meatballs Recipes

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 beef to 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 are easy to make, inexpensive and transport in your containers without a hitch.

So, go wash your hand and get out a big bowl. It's time to make meatballs.

Make the Best Meatballs Ever:

The key? You gotta start with a solid foundation. To do that, use our 20-minute meatball recipe or 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.)

20 Minute Meatballs

Once you established your solid meatball foundation, decide what recipe you want to tackle! And boy, are there a 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

Thai Almond Butter Turkey Meatballs Edited -6

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?

AIP Mongolian Beef Meatballs

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.

One Skillet Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs, reimagined.

21 Low Calorie But Still Awesome Casserole Recipes

Swedish Meatballs 

Better than Ikea's. Promise.

Fire Cracker Chicken 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!

Carrot Meatballs With Mint Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower, Feta & Lemon Meatballs 

Imagine the flavors of Greece and the Mediterranean, packed into meatballs.

Taco Meatballs

How cool is this concept?

Taco Meatballs

Chimichurri Meatballs 

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!

Vegan Meatballs with Lemon Dijon Sauce

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.

Meatball Cupcakes 

Ok, so maybe this isn't a meatball recipe per se, but it's funny! So why not?


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