Forget boring, blah meatballs. It’s easy to craft irresistible, worldly meatball recipes bursting with global spices, herbs, cheeses and more using your favourite animal protein. Get inspired going beyond beef to pork, chicken, lamb or turkey bases. Blend meats for tantalising flavour fusions in every tasty bite.
With our clever cooking hacks, meatless options, and versatile serving suggestions, these recipes prove suitable for all dietary needs and occasions. Mix and match shapes like classic spheres, flattened patties, or elongated kofta. Simmer in tomato sauce, brothy curries, or gravies. Sprinkle over salad or sub into your favourite sandwich or wrap. However you enjoy them, flavorful meatballs make the ultimate versatile comfort food. Explore our Meatball Recipes to discover a world of culinary possibilities.
What are tips and tricks for perfect meatballs?
Here are some helpful tips and tricks for making perfect meatballs:
- Don’t overwork the meat mixture. Gently mix the ingredients without over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender. Overmixing can make them dense and tough.
- Chill the meat mixture before rolling. Allowing the mixed meat to chill for 30-60 minutes firms it up which makes shaping easier and helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- Use breadcrumbs or oats. Adding some breadcrumbs or oats to the meat mixture helps retain moisture and gives a nice, light texture. Start with 2-4 tablespoons per pound of meat.
- Use an egg and milk. Including an egg and 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream as binders makes the meat mixture easier to shape. The proteins in the egg hold it together.
- Shape evenly. Using a scoop or your hands, shape them into the same-sized balls for even cooking. Make an indentation with your thumb to keep around as they cook.
- Pan fry gently. Cook over medium to medium-low heat in an oiled skillet. High heat can make them tough on the outside before the inside cooks.
- Turn carefully. Use tongs or a thin spatula to gently turn the meatballs when browning. Harsh turning can make them misshapen.
Best meatball recipes by Gousto
1. Spiced Hoisin Beef Meatballs With Sesame Veg
Ingredients:
- 500g beef mince
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 3 chopped scallions
- 50g panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
For the Veggies:
- 250g baby bok choy, halved
- 2 carrots, sliced diagonally
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- Sesame oil
- Soy sauce
- Chopped peanuts to garnish
- Sliced green onions to garnish
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine beef mince, hoisin sauce, ginger, chilli flakes, scallions, panko and beaten egg. Mix well.
- Roll heaped teaspoons of the mixture into balls. Place on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, stir-fry the bok choy, carrots and red pepper in sesame oil for 4-5 minutes. Season with soy sauce.
- Serve meatballs over the vegetable stir fry.
- Serve with chopped peanuts and sliced green onions for garnish.
Enjoy this flavorful Asian-inspired meatball dish! The sweet and gently spiced meatballs pair deliciously with the fresh sesame vegetables.
2. Harissa Beef Meatballs With Roasted Pepper Couscous
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
- 500g beef mince
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Small bunch parsley, chopped
- 50g panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
For the couscous:
- 250g couscous
- 400ml hot vegetable stock
- 1 roasted red pepper from a jar, diced
Instructions:
- Combine beef, harissa, cumin, paprika, parsley, panko and beaten egg. Mix well and form into balls.
- Place on a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes until browned all over.
- Make the couscous with hot stock and set aside. Stir through the roasted red peppers.
- Gently heat the tomato and herb sauce in a saucepan. Add in meatballs to coat.
- Serve meatballs and sauce over the roasted pepper couscous. Garnish with parsley.
Enjoy Harissa Beef Meatballs in this satisfying couscous dish!
3. Pork, Sesame & Lemongrass Meatballs
Ingredients:
- Ground pork
- Lemongrass
- Sesame oil
- Soy sauce
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Scallions
- Cilantro
- Lime
- Egg
Method:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl
- Shape into evenly-sized meatballs
- Cook the meatballs by either baking or frying until cooked through
- Serve with rice, noodles, or in a sandwich or lettuce wrap and enjoy these Pork, Sesame & Lemongrass Meatballs.
4. Vietnamese Beef Meatball Salad
Ingredients:
- Lean ground beef
- Fish sauce
- Lemongrass
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Chile peppers
- Lime
- Cilantro
- Rice noodles
- Lettuce
- Cucumber
- Carrots
- Peanuts
Method:
- Combine beef, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, fish sauce and seasonings
- Form into small meatballs
- Fry meatballs until browned and cooked through
- Prepare rice noodles according to package directions
- Assemble salad with lettuce, cucumber, carrots, herbs
- Top with meatballs and peanuts
- Drizzle with lime dressing and your Vietnamese Beef Meatball Salad is ready to serve.
5. Thai Beef Meatballs With Rice Noodles
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Rice noodles
- Lemongrass
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Thai red curry paste
- Fish sauce
- Soy sauce
- Lime
- Cilantro
- Peanuts
Method:
- Combine beef with lemongrass, garlic, ginger, curry paste, fish sauce, lime zest
- Form into small meatballs
- Fry meatballs until cooked through
- Cook rice noodles according to package directions
- Make sauce with soy sauce, lime juice, sweet chilli sauce
- Toss noodles in sauce. Top with meatballs, peanuts, herbs and serve
Conclusion
Meatball Recipes – From Italian albondigas to Greek keftedes to Vietnamese pork balls, embrace culinary adventure with Gousto’s easy meatball and sauce recipes. Then serve over pasta, rice, zoodles, or mashed potatoes for satisfying weeknight dinners. You’ll forget frozen grocery store bags once you realise how easy crafting homemade meatballs can be! Explore our Meatball Recipes to add a flavorful twist to your dinner repertoire. For more information on Baked meatball options, visit Feedhour.