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 meatballs 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.
Oh So Good Chicken Meatballs in Pumpkin Coconut Curry Sauce
Juicy Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Basil Sauce with Burrata
Sweet & Spicy Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls
Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy BBQ Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
One Pan Enchilada Zucchini Turkey Meatballs and Rice
Sheet Pan Zucchini Chicken Meatballs with Coconut Curry Sauce
Creamy Tomato Orzo Soup with Mini Turkey Meatballs
One Pan Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Peanut Sauce
Paleo Turmeric Chicken Meatballs with Green Tahini Sauce
Firecracker Chicken Meatballs with Cilantro Coconut Pineapple Rice
Baked Turkey Parmesan Meatballs with Rigatoni and Chunky Tomato Basil Sauce
One Pan Cilantro Chicken Meatballs in Mango Coconut Sauce
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!