I love a good meatball recipe because they are so versatile and always a hit! From quick dinners to easy party appetizers, meatballs truly make mealtime fun and simple.
If you’re looking for simple, tasty meals that make weeknights easier, or impressive snacks for your next gathering, I’ve got you covered. This round-up shares some of my favorite meatball recipes that you’ll want to make again and again.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. 30 Minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs
- 2. Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs
- 3. Apricot BBQ Cocktail Meatballs
- 4. Baked Salmon Meatballs with a Tangy Avocado Sauce
Quick Mongolian Beef Meatballs: A 30 Minute Recipe
These Mongolian Beef Meatballs are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. You get all that great sweet and salty flavor in a super speedy way.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Mongolian Meatballs
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for less grease in your sauce.
- Fresh Ginger & Garlic: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic add the best warm flavor to the sauce.
What You Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Mix and Roll Beef Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with a tablespoon of breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roll them into small, even-sized meatballs, about 1 inch each.
Step 2: Cook and Sauce the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. Drain any excess fat. In the same skillet, add soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, and a dash of water. Simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the meatballs.
📝 Final Note
These are great served over steamed rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs
Get ready for a burst of flavor with these Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs. They are crispy on the outside and juicy inside, all thanks to your air fryer.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Chicken Meatballs
- Ground Chicken: Using ground chicken keeps these meatballs a bit lighter.
- Bang Bang Sauce: The creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce is what makes this dish special; you’ll love it!
What You Need
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp Sriracha (or to taste)
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 3-4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Form Chicken Meatballs
Mix ground chicken with a tablespoon of breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Roll into small, uniform meatballs. Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil.
Step 2: Air Fry and Sauce Meatballs
Place meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until cooked through and golden. Meanwhile, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha for the bang bang sauce. Toss cooked meatballs with the sauce.
📝 Final Note
Serve these immediately with a sprinkle of fresh green onions or cilantro for a bit of extra color.
Easy Apricot BBQ Cocktail Meatballs
These Apricot BBQ Cocktail Meatballs are a party favorite that everyone will love. They are sweet, tangy, and so easy to prepare for any gathering.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cocktail Meatballs
- Frozen Cooked Meatballs: Using pre-cooked meatballs makes this recipe incredibly fast and simple.
- Apricot Preserves: This sweet and fruity base creates the classic sticky glaze. You can also use grape jelly.
What You Need
- 1 bag (2 lbs) frozen cooked meatballs
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- ½ cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes (prep + simmer)🍽️ Yields: 6-8 appetizer servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Combine the Apricot BBQ Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the apricot preserves, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Heat it gently over medium-low heat, stirring until the preserves melt and everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 2: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
Add your frozen cooked meatballs to the sauce. Stir to coat them evenly. Let them simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and coated in the sticky sauce.
📝 Final Note
These meatballs can be kept warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting for parties, making them super convenient.
Baked Salmon Meatballs with Tangy Avocado Sauce
Try something different with these Baked Salmon Meatballs, a lighter meal option. They are tender and go perfectly with a bright, creamy avocado sauce.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Salmon Meatballs
- Fresh Salmon Fillets: Using fresh salmon that you chop yourself gives the best texture to the meatballs.
- Tangy Avocado Sauce: This creamy sauce adds healthy fats and a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon.
What You Need
- 1 lb salmon fillets, skin removed
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tbsp lime juice
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 3 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Make and Bake Salmon Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Finely chop the salmon fillets or pulse them in a food processor until ground. Mix with breadcrumbs, a beaten egg, chopped herbs (like dill or parsley), salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes until cooked through.
Step 2: Blend the Tangy Avocado Sauce
While the salmon meatballs bake, combine the ripe avocado, lime juice, a sprig of cilantro, a dash of water, salt, and pepper in a small food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
📝 Final Note
These baked salmon meatballs are delicious served with a side of quinoa, a fresh green salad, or even tucked into soft pita bread.
