Ah, meatballs. One of the most versatile and beloved foods out there.
With these 5 varieties of meatballs, it doesn’t matter if you’re looking for something comforting, easy to make, or simply delicious, I’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re a die-hard carnivore or vegetarian, love spice or prefer things mild, here’s a meatball recipe for you.
Beef meatballs are a classic, of course, but have you ever tried turkey or chicken meatballs? They’re just as tasty and more figure-friendly.
Vegetarian meatballs made with lentils or chickpeas pack a nutritious punch while still providing a rich and savory flavor.
And let’s not forget about the different cultural variations like Swedish, Italian, or Greek meatballs. So many options, so little time!
5 Varieties of Meatballs
- Italian
- Mexican
- Swedish
- Vegetarian
- Greek
Whether you’re looking for something comforting, easy to make or simply delicious, meatballs have got you covered! Today we’ll cover 5 varieties of meatball recipes, as well as tips on how to make perfect meatballs every time.
1. Classic Italian Meatballs
Starting with the classic Italian meatball, this recipe typically includes ground beef or pork combined with breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley and Parmesan cheese.
You can also add in other ingredients such as onion, eggs, oregano and red pepper flakes to give it a spicier kick.
Once all the ingredients are mixed together, you form them into balls and bake or fry them until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions:
Just about any type of pasta goes well with this dish.
Don’t forget about the infamous meatball sub!!
PASTA TIPS: The best way to prepare pasta to accompany meatballs is to cook it al dente. This means cooking the pasta until it is slightly under cooked so that it still has a slight bite when eaten. This helps keep the noodles from becoming soggy after absorbing some of the sauce they are served with.
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When cooking pasta for meatballs, don’t forget to reserve some of the cooking water. This will give the sauce a silky texture and help thicken it without adding in any additional ingredients.
2. Mexican-Style
For those who love spice, try making Mexican-style chorizo meatballs with a mix of ground beef or pork combined with chorizo sausage, cumin, chili powder and oregano.
Serving Suggestions:
- Warm tortillas and a spicy salsa and/or guacamole to really bring out the flavors.
- A great side dish is refried beans. Not only are they full of flavor and texture, but they’re also packed with protein and fiber.
TIP: You can make refried beans quickly by blending cooked pinto beans with garlic, cumin, chili powder, and a little bit of water or broth until smooth.
3. Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs are another popular option, which are usually smaller in size and made with a mixture of ground beef, pork, onion and breadcrumbs.
They also feature spices such as nutmeg and allspice as well as a creamy gravy to drizzle over the top.
The gravy is often made with a combination of butter, flour and beef broth. Once the gravy is prepared, it can be poured over the cooked meatballs for an extra flavorful kick.
For Swedish Meatballs, I also like to add golden-fried rings of onions (not “onion rings”) to dress the top of the dish!
The Gravy:
Sauté onions and garlic in butter until they’re soft and fragrant. Then add some flour and let it cook for a minute or two before slowly whisking in beef broth and heavy cream.
This will create a rich, creamy base for your gravy. Finally, add in some spices like nutmeg and allspice to give it that classic Swedish flair. With this recipe, you’ll have the perfect gravy to take your meatball game to new heights.
Serving Suggestions:
Mashed potatoes with the creamy gravy or mushroom sauce for an extra flavor boost and your favorite veggie. Asparagus goes well, or carrots, green beans, red cabbage… you name it!
4. Vegetarian Meatballs
For vegetarians, there are plenty of delicious options too. Try using lentils and quinoa combined with breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley and other herbs for a delicious meatless version.
You can also mix in black beans or chickpeas for an added protein boost.
How to make the lentil and quinoa meatballs:
To make the lentil and quinoa meatballs, start by combining
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper
In a bowl, mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Then, form the mixture into small balls and place them on a greased baking sheet.
Bake in an oven preheated to 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions:
- For vegetarians, pair your meatballs with roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots (etc) for a delicious meal.
- A simple salad made with mixed greens is also a great option.
- Can be served as an appetizer with a dip, or added to wraps or salads for a tasty meal.
5. Greek Meatballs
Greek meatballs, or keftedes, are made with ground lamb or beef mixed with herbs such as oregano and mint. You can also add in feta cheese for a richer flavor. They’re usually served as an appetizer or side dish with tzatziki sauce or a tomato-based sauce on the side.
Best way to cook ground lamb:
When cooking with ground lamb, it’s important to make sure you cook it thoroughly.
The best way to do this is to cook the meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat until they are cooked through and browned on all sides.
You can also bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Serving Suggestions:
- Top the meatballs with a tomato-based sauce and feta cheese for an extra flavor kick.
- Stuff them in a pita for a gyro type sandwich.
Bonus: Chicken or Turkey Meatballs
As you can see, when it comes to making meatballs, there are countless variations and flavor combinations to play with.
But the question remains:
Do you make chicken meatballs the same way as ground beef?
The short answer is no, not necessarily.
While many of the basic ingredients are similar – breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings – the type of meat you use can have a big impact on the final product.
Chicken meatballs may benefit from the addition of fresh herbs for brightness, or cream for richness in the absence of beef fat. It’s all about experimenting and finding what works for you and your taste buds.
What about ground turkey?
While some may assume that ground turkey and chicken meatballs are synonymous, there are a few key differences to consider.
When making turkey meatballs, it’s important to consider the lean nature of the meat. Incorporating additional ingredients such as breadcrumbs and eggs can help bind the mixture together and prevent it from becoming too dry.
On the other hand, chicken meatballs tend to be moister due to the higher fat content in the meat.
No matter which meat you choose, experimenting with seasonings and cooking methods can result in a delicious and versatile dish.
So next time you’re in the mood for meatballs, consider switching up the protein source and seeing what new flavors you can discover!
Tips for making perfect meatballs:
When it comes to making perfect meatballs every time, there are a few tips you can follow. Make sure you use the freshest ingredients available (this is especially important if using raw meats).
Also, be sure not to over mix the ingredients as this can result in tough, dry meatballs.
If you’re baking them in the oven, make sure that they are evenly spaced on the tray so that they cook through properly.
Finally, don’t forget to season them generously before cooking!
In addition:
1. Use a light touch when forming the balls – too much handling will make them tough.
2. If you’re baking, be sure to grease the baking sheet or use parchment paper for easy clean-up.
3. To ensure your meatballs are cooked through, insert a thermometer into one and make sure it reads 160°F.
4. If you’re frying, be sure to use enough oil so that the balls are completely submerged.
5 Varieties of Meatballs
Now you see how many ways you can make meatballs and are one of the most versatile dishes out there.
With so many types to choose from, including classic Italian, Swedish, Greek and vegetarian options, you can easily make a delicious meal that all your family and friends will love. Remember to use the freshest ingredients possible and season generously for the perfect meatball every time!
You can also use meatballs in soups, salads or sandwiches – the possibilities are endless!
You may also be interested in other “sides” and that’s covered, too, right here.
Meatballs offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a die-hard carnivore or vegetarian, love spice or prefer things mild, there’s a delicious recipe out there that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
So next time you’re looking for something comforting, easy to make or simply delicious – think meatballs! With so many different types to choose from, you’ll find something that suits your taste.