Meatball

N/A Meat/Prepared Food

Meatball Meat/Prepared Food

At a Glance

  • Category Meat/Prepared Food

The Forktionary Angle

"Crafting the perfect spherical delight, from comforting classics to global interpretations."

Definition

Ground meat (often beef, pork, or a mix) mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings, rolled into spheres and cooked.

Freezing Shelf Life 3-4 months (raw or cooked)
Global Variations Köttbullar (Sweden), Frikadeller (Denmark), Kofta (Middle East)
Recommended Internal Temp 71°C (160°F) for ground meat

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Meatball are:

Savory umami rich (varies greatly with seasoning and meat)

Chef’s Secret

Adding a panade (bread soaked in milk) to your meatball mixture keeps them incredibly moist and tender, preventing them from drying out during cooking.

Best Substitutes

Lentil "Meatballs"

vegetarian
Ratio 1:1

Mushroom "Meatballs"

vegetarian
Ratio 1:1

Ground Sausage

loose
Ratio 1:1

Tofu/Tempeh Crumble

vegetarian
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

If pre-made, check ingredient quality and meat percentage. If making, choose fresh ground meat with appropriate fat content.

Recipes Using Meatball

Time To Make Beef Easy New Years

Baked Meatball Sandwich Rounds

Elevate your meatball sandwich game with these irresistible Baked Meatball Sandwich Rounds! Inspired by a Pillsbury Bake-Off finalist, this recipe transforms classic flavors into a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal. Juicy turkey meatballs (or your favorite!), tangy pizza sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese are baked inside a perfectly golden-brown French bread roll. Prepare for rave reviews!

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Cuisine Pasta Ground Beef Dietary

All Day Spaghetti And Meatballs

Prepare for a flavor explosion! This authentic Italian spaghetti and meatballs recipe, passed down for over 50 years, is worth the wait. The secret? A pinch of baking soda that unlocks unparalleled depth of flavor. This recipe yields a rich, melt-in-your-mouth sauce and incredibly tender meatballs. Make a double batch – it's THAT good! #ItalianFood #SpaghettiAndMeatballs #FamilyRecipe #SlowCooked #AuthenticItalian

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Equipment Preparation Main Ingredient Pasta Shells

Baked Shells And Meatball Casserole

This comforting Baked Shells and Meatball Casserole is a family-friendly favorite! A delicious twist on classic Italian flavors, it combines tender pasta shells, juicy meatballs, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella for a satisfying meal that's perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Imagine layers of cheesy goodness, hearty meatballs, and perfectly cooked pasta – pure comfort food heaven!

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Easy 5 Ingredients Or Less Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less

Barbeque Glazed Meatballs

These easy barbecue glazed meatballs are a crowd-pleaser! Sweet and tangy with a hint of grape jelly, they're ready in under 20 minutes. This recipe, inspired by Good Housekeeping, is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a game-day appetizer.

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Cuisine Pasta Pasta Rice And Grains Main Ingredient

Baked Ravioli And Meatballs

Craving comfort food but short on time? This Baked Ravioli and Meatballs recipe is your weeknight savior! Perfectly cheesy, saucy, and satisfying, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes (after a quick prep). Prepare it ahead of time, pop it in the oven, and enjoy a delicious dinner that's sure to please the whole family. Skip the takeout and make this easy, crowd-pleasing meal tonight!

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Beef Main Ingredient Potluck Occasion

Apricot Salsa Meatballs

These incredibly yummy apricot salsa meatballs are a guaranteed party hit! This recipe, inspired by an Armour meatballs package, features a sweet and savory flavor explosion with a generous helping of warm cinnamon. They're so delicious, they'll disappear in minutes! Perfect for appetizers, game day, or any gathering.

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Pizza Time To Make Pasta Rice And Grains Main Ingredient

Pepperoni Rigatoni

Experience a flavor explosion with this cheesy, saucy Pepperoni Rigatoni! This comforting Italian-American classic is baked to perfection, creating a bubbly, golden-brown top. Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce – pure comfort food heaven!

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Dietary Meat Ground Beef Course

Baked Macaroni And Cheese With Meatballs

A nostalgic family favorite! This elevated take on Kraft Mac & Cheese features juicy meatballs and a cheesy, baked-to-perfection topping. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering. This recipe is inspired by a childhood classic, but with homemade goodness that will impress everyone.

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Time To Make Course Rice 60 Minutes Or Less

Baked Chicken Flavoured Rice With Meatballs

This easy recipe creates a delicious and satisfying meal! Perfectly baked rice infused with savory chicken flavor is combined with juicy meatballs for a complete and comforting dish. The rice itself is unbelievably tasty, but adding meatballs elevates it to a hearty meal, perfect with a side salad. For best results, use Uncle Ben's Converted White Rice. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Feel free to add frozen peas for extra veggie goodness!

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Ground Beef Dietary Time To Make Cuisine

Absolute Best Holiday Meatballs Crock Pot Or Not

These aren't your grandma's meatballs! Our award-winning recipe elevates the classic grape jelly meatballs to a whole new level of flavor. Perfect for holiday parties, football Sundays, or any get-together, these tender meatballs simmered in a sweet and spicy sauce are guaranteed to disappear. Prepare to be amazed – and maybe hide from the hungry crowd!

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North American Time To Make 5 Ingredients Or Less Swedish

Quick Swedish Meatballs

Ready in 30 minutes, this recipe for Swedish meatballs elevates simple frozen meatballs into a family-friendly weeknight dinner! Doubling the creamy, dreamy sauce and adding extra meatballs ensures everyone gets a generous portion. Served over your favorite noodles for a complete and satisfying meal that's both quick and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without the fuss.

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Dinner Party Low Cholesterol Occasion Soups Stews

Andalusian Condiment Soup

Impress your guests with this vibrant Andalusian Condiment Soup! A hearty and flavorful recipe perfect for parties or using up leftover vegetables. This generous batch is inspired by a Sunset Magazine recipe (1976) and cleverly uses concentrated chicken stock for convenience and rich taste. Get ready for a taste of sunshine!

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Dinner Party Meat One Dish Meal Weeknight

Baked Ziti And Meatball Casserole

This hearty Baked Ziti and Meatball Casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd! Using your favorite homemade or store-bought meatballs and tomato sauce (recipe #240802 works great!), this recipe comes together quickly for a comforting and delicious meal. Imagine layers of cheesy ziti, juicy meatballs, and rich tomato sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Weeknight Main Ingredient Course 60 Minutes Or Less

Asian Steamed Pork Meatballs Sesame Noodles Salad

Craving delicious Chinese takeout but hate the wait? This vibrant 3-course Asian meal is ready in under an hour! Enjoy juicy steamed pork meatballs (perfect as an appetizer or main course) served alongside refreshing chilled sesame noodles and a crunchy Asian salad bursting with napa cabbage, mandarin oranges, cucumber, red onion, and water chestnuts. A simple, flavorful dipping sauce unites all the elements. This recipe uses readily available ingredients and features a clever time-saving technique: while the meatballs steam, you'll whip up the salad and noodles! Get ready for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying Asian feast.

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Main Ingredient Weeknight Easy Course

Please Make Those Meatballs Crockpot Meatballs

Crowd-pleasing Crockpot Meatballs that are ridiculously easy! Kids (and adults!) will gobble these up. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe requires minimal prep – simply toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite egg noodles for a complete and comforting meal. Easily adaptable to larger or smaller batches.

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Pasta Ground Beef Course Meat

Beef Stroganoff Italian Meatball

This recipe is a delightful twist on classic comfort food! Imagine tender, juicy Italian meatballs swimming in a creamy, savory beef stroganoff sauce, served over perfectly cooked egg noodles. It's simple, easy, and incredibly versatile – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe makes a generous amount, leaving you with delicious leftovers for lunch the next day. Feel free to substitute ground beef for the meatballs (simply add extra Italian seasoning!), but trust us, the meatballs truly elevate this dish to another level! Get ready for a flavor explosion that your family will rave about.

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