Best-ever Meatball Recipes for Easy Dinners
Our hearty meatball recipes are sure to leave you feeling satisfied with lamb, pork and veal on offer there’s sure to be something for everyone. We’ve even included delicious vegetarian meatball recipes.
The versatility of meatballs make them a favourite in most households. They can be baked, pan fried, even served in a soup.
Where do meatballs come from?
Throughout history, meatballs have made their way into various cuisines. In the Mediterranean region, dishes like kofta and keftedes are essentially meatballs made with a mix of ground meat, herbs, and spices. In Sweden, meatballs, known as köttbullar, have a long history and are traditionally made with a mix of ground pork and beef, seasoned with spices like allspice and nutmeg. They are often served with lingonberry sauce and potatoes.
In Italy, meatballs, known as polpette, have become iconic. Italian immigrants brought their meatball recipes to the United States, where they became a staple of Italian-American cuisine. Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic combination that has gained worldwide popularity.
Smart Tips when making meatballs
When making meatballs, there are some lesser-known tips that can elevate your dish to the next level.
- Soak breadcrumbs in milk or broth: Instead of simply mixing dry breadcrumbs into the meat mixture, try soaking them in milk or broth beforehand. This helps to keep the meatballs moist and tender. The breadcrumbs absorb the liquid, adding moisture and flavour to the meatballs.
- Use a combination of meats: Experiment with using a mixture of different meats in your meatball recipe. Combining ground beef with pork, veal, or even lamb can add depth of flavour and create a more interesting texture. Each type of meat brings its own unique characteristics, resulting in a delicious and complex taste.
- Chill the meat mixture before shaping: After mixing the ingredients, refrigerate the meat mixture for about 30 minutes before shaping the meatballs. Chilling helps to firm up the mixture, making it easier to roll into uniform balls. It also helps the flavours to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and flavourful meatball.
How to roll meatballs
Rolling meatballs can be a fun and satisfying process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:
- Prepare the mixture: Ensure that your meatball mixture is well combined and evenly mixed. This will make it easier to shape the meatballs.
- Portion the mixture: Use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to portion out equal amounts of the mixture. This helps ensure that your meatballs are uniform in size and cook evenly.
- Shape into balls: Take a portion of the mixture in your hands and gently roll it between your palms to create a ball shape. Apply light pressure to ensure the meatball holds its shape, but be careful not to overwork the mixture, as it can make the meatballs dense and tough.
- Keep your hands moist: To prevent the meat mixture from sticking to your hands, moisten them with a little water or oil before rolling each meatball. This will make the process smoother and prevent the meat from sticking to your hands.
- Roll gently: Avoid pressing too hard or compacting the meatballs excessively. Gentle rolling helps maintain a tender and juicy texture.
- Line them up: As you roll each meatball, place them on a baking sheet or a plate lined with parchment paper. Make sure there is some space between the meatballs to prevent them from sticking together.
- Chill, if needed: If the meat mixture is too soft or sticky, refrigerate the rolled meatballs for about 30 minutes before cooking. Chilling helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
Best-ever meatball recipes
Meatball recipes offer a delectable and versatile way to enjoy mince, infused with a variety of herbs and spices for a yummy meal.
Slow Braised Pork Meatballs
Pea ‘Meatballs’ with Zucchini & Pesto Recipe
Make your next spaghetti dish vegan and try our vibrant Pea ‘Meatballs’ with Zucchini & Pesto Recipe.
Fennel Pork and Veal Meatballs
For a taste of Autumn try this hearty dinner, it has two of our favourite flavours, apple and fennel.
Venison Meatballs
These tasty meatballs are made with our favourite venison from Silver Fern Farms.
Click here for this creamy dish.
Meatballs in Adobo Tomato Sauce
This quick and easy dinner oozes comfort and warmth.
Find this simple and delicious meal here.
Moroccan Meatballs with Almond Couscous
For a Moroccan inspired meal try these flavoursome meatballs.
You can find this recipe here.
Mexican Lamb Meatballs
Mix up your next Mexican night with these delicious lamb meatballs.
Pork & Fennel Meatballs with Casarecce & Catalan Salad
You won’t disappoint with this easy crowdpleaser.
Red Curry Pork Meatballs with Chilli Basil and Beans
Spice up your dinner bowl with this delicious southern-Asia-inspired red curry with hearty pork meatballs, chilli basil and beans.
Spiced Meatballs with Tahini & Yoghurt Sauce
This nourishing autumn dish is packed full of delicious flavours.
