12 Wildly Creative Meatball Recipes You’ve Never Tried (But Should!)
Think meatballs are just for spaghetti? Think again. These 12 wildly creative meatball recipes take the classic comfort food and flip it on its head—with bold flavors, unexpected ingredients, and fun twists that will totally surprise your taste buds. From globally inspired bites to cheesy-stuffed creations, there’s something here for every craving. If you’re ready to break out of your dinner routine, these next-level meatballs are a must-try.
Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)

These Greek Meatballs (aka Keftedes) are made with ground beef and lamb or pork mixed with fresh garlic, feta cheese, other herbs and spices, then cooked to tender, savory perfection. They go perfectly with tangy tzatziki sauce, sliced red onions, tomatoes, and soft, grilled pita bread to create a meatball gyro sandwich or mezze platter for an easy dinner or party appetizer that is ready in under 30 minutes!
Crock Pot Salisbury Steak Meatballs
These Crock Pot Salisbury steak meatballs are rich, savory, and ultra delicious. Frozen meatballs are cooked until soft and tender, teamed up with a hearty mushroom gravy, and served with some rice or creamy mashed potatoes. If you’ve been craving something wholesome and delicious, but affordable and low-effort, this easy recipe ticks all those boxes.
Danish Meatballs in a Creamy Gravy
This recipe for Frikadeller is my new favorite for a fall appetizer or main meal. These Danish meatballs come smothered in a creamy, sage gravy that will make you fall in love.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs
Sweet and savory Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs cook up frozen meatballs with chunks of pineapple and bell peppers, in a rich and flavor sauce. It’s so easy to make and this Asian-inspired dish is guaranteed to be one your whole family will love!
Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs
These Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect make-ahead appetizer but they also make a great main dish over rice with veggies on the side! With only 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time, they are easy enough for every day and delicious enough for a party! Sweet and tangy with just a hint of spice, they will elevate any event and have everyone asking for more.
Ranch Meatballs
Dry ranch seasoning, ground beef and breadcrumbs come together to form the best Ranch Meatballs! Perfectly tender, juicy, zesty and delicious!
Keto Turkey Meatballs
Tender, juicy, and savory, these oven-baked Keto Turkey Meatballs have a flavorful basil cream sauce that results in pure comfort food with only 4 grams of net carbs.
Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs
I promise, even though this Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe is made with homemade meatballs it’s so easy to make! The meatballs are tender and flavorful and I could literally eat the sauce with a spoon!
Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
These cheese stuffed meatballs use brie, your ground meat of choice and the air fryer to make a delicious cheesy meatball appetizer that is so good!
Glazed Asian Meatballs with Cilantro Slaw
These succulent Asian meatballs are made with white miso, ginger, and garlic and finished in a soy glaze. They’re perfect served with a crisp and spicy slaw.
Lamb Meatballs with a Creamy Dill Sauce
These lamb meatballs are a comfort food delight! When you need a little mood boost through the magic of food, few things are better than a plate of meatballs, and this recipe takes things further by pairing lamb with dill for a sensational flavor combination.
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Hey there, food lovers! If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal bursting with flavor and a breeze, these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are about to become your go-to.