17 Meatball Recipes from Around the World

Meatballs show up in almost every cuisine around the globe; from frikadeller to kofte, albondigas to Swedish kottbullar; the world is your meatball! And it’s no surprise to me- the delicious little wonder balls are super versatile and easy to prepare. 

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In most of these recipes, I tend to combine ground pork and ground beef for the juiciest, slightly sweet and deliciously savoury meatballs. However, feel free to choose one or the other if that’s your preference. Or use store-bought if time is tight- I’m not judging!

In case you need further evidence, here are some of the benefits to backing meatballs:

• Show me a meat-eater that doesn’t like meatballs! These crowd-pleasing morsels satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. And are an easy chew on sensitive teeth.
• Meatballs are budget friendly. Compared to cuts of everyday chicken, beef and pork, meatballs are much more economical.
• Homemade meatballs are an easy batch cook. Double up the recipe and freeze what you don’t need for future meals. 
• They are so versatile! Meatballs can be made from pork, chicken, sausage, lamb, beef, pork and beef… and they work with almost anything: pasta, rice, cream sauce, tomato sauce, mushrooms, peppers, pomegranate…the list goes on!
• Once you’ve mastered the simple meatball recipe, there are (almost) a million recipe variations to get your fork into.

Meatballs Stroganoff

5 from 1 vote

If beef is beyond the budget right now, make the same iconic dish with meatballs. The blend of sweet pork and savoury beef meatballs in this mushroom, mustard and sour cream sauce is even more delicious, imo.

Serve with: herb and garlic mashed potatoes.

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Swedish Meatballs in Cream Sauce

5 from 8 votes

Swedish meatballs are always a garlic-free recipe. And tempting though it is to sneak some in, I’ve stayed true to that. My pork and beef combo meatballs, sweet with milk-soaked breadcrumbs and lightly spiced, come in a rich creamy sauce. 

Serve with: mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.

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Teriyaki Meatballs

These beef meatballs are banging with Japanese aromatics: ginger, green onions, garlic, white pepper, chilli flakes and soy, this two-step teriyaki recipe is ready in just 35 minutes!

Then try: beef teriyaki.

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Chicken Meatball Soup with Tortellini

5 from 1 vote

More than just a soup, this is a full-on feast in a bowl; brimming with vegetables, store-bought chicken meatballs, AND filled pasta parcels all in a tomatoey broth. This is a low-prep meal with maximum pay off!

Then try: homemade chicken noodle soup.

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Sausage Meatball and Pumpkin Pasta

5 from 1 vote

Swap your standard tomato pasta sauce for homemade pumpkin purée in this silky and creamy (no-cream) recipe. I cut corners by using store-bought sausages rolled into bite-sized meatballs.

Then try: Butternut squash ravioli sauce.

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Russian Frikadeller Soup (Meatball Soup)

5 from 4 votes

Frika-what now? Danish-named homemade beef and pork meatballs in a clear broth. The classic Russian recipe is delicately flavoured with bay and bobbing with potatoes- a simple, nourishing, minimal ingredient soup.

Serve with: rye bread.

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Spanish Meatballs (Albondigas)

5 from 1 vote

Homemade pork and beef meatballs in a smoky paprika, sweet bell pepper, briny olive and tomato sauce. This authentic tapas recipe yields 15 meatballs- freeze what you don’t need! 

Then try: chicken in bravas sauce.

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Bucatini all’Amatriciana and Meatballs

5 from 3 votes

Long, thick and hollow bucatini is the perfect tomato sauce partner. But standard spaghetti is a fine substitute. These homemade beef meatballs bob in my version of an amatriciana sauce flavored with bacon, basil and chilli.

Serve with: small pasta and garlic bread.

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Indian Spiced Meatballs in Curry Sauce

4.58 from 33 votes

Go for traditional homemade lamb or pork meatballs, then flavour with all the spices for a classic curry twist. Step two is the sauce: rich with tomato and cream, warm with ginger and curry paste, fresh with coriander. 

Then try: chicken rogan josh.

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Baked Meatballs with Mozzarella and Arugula

5 from 4 votes

Irresistibly oozy cheese-topped meatballs in a basil and tomato bake. These homemade pork and beef balls are baked, not fried, meaning less oil and more hands-free cooking. Ready in under an hour!

Then try: easy stuffed shells.

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Meatballs with Marsala Cream Sauce

Succulent homemade beef and pork meatballs are seared to the edge of caramelization and then drenched in a sweet and strong marsala wine sauce with cream and golden mushrooms. 

Serve with: pasta and roasted parmesan broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes.

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Sweet and Sour Meatballs in Pomegranate Sauce

5 from 7 votes

This unusual recipe is Middle eastern in origin and showcases some signature flavours. The beef and pork meatballs are spiced with sumac and mint, while the rich and sticky sauce is punchy with pomegranate and chilli. 

Serve with: cous cous or saffron rice.

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Baked Penne alla Vodka with Meatballs

Bringing a beefy meatball punch to your usual pasta in silky vodka sauce, this is a cheesy and creamy, sophisticated pasta bake version. 

Then try: shrimp penne all vodka

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Porcupine Meatballs in Creamy Tomato Sauce (Tefteli)

4.89 from 9 votes

A nostalgic Russian recipe passed down from my mother. These dill-flavoured pork and beef meatballs are made with rice to resemble cute little porcupines! The sauce is a typically sour one, made with smetana (or sour cream) and tomatoes. 

Then try: Siberian dumplings pelmeni.

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One Pan Greek Baked Orzo with Meatballs

My Greek-style pork and beef meatballs are flavoured with oregano and mint and then baked on a bed of fragrant, tomatoey orzo pasta. Top with feta cheese for a salty finish. 

Serve with: lemon green beans.

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Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Meatballs, small pasta shapes and green leaves (spinach or kale) make a perfect union in this simple and delicate clear broth soup. Use store-bought sausages to make your meatballs and cut the prep time in half.

Then try: pasta e fagioli soup.

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Chicken Feta Meatballs

Chicken feta meatballs with tzatziki dip are a protein-rich, herb-fresh delight that can be ready in around 30 minutes.

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