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There is something about meatballs that warm the heart and soul. A perfect comfort food we commonly associate with spaghetti. And maybe grandmothers. And Sunday dinners, and family too.
Sometimes we associate them with game days and sub sandwiches. Yum!
Simply put, meatballs are a food most of us love. While often we assign meatballs to an Italian origin, it’s a comfort food that actually transcends many cultures.
The Atlantic published an entertaining article in 2016 entitled, “Not Your Grandmother’s Meatball.” Melissa Landrigan, for The Atlantic, writes, “Perhaps pinpointing the exact origin of the meatball is less significant than acknowledging its global popularity. Nearly every major culture has its own version of the meatball: Spanishalbondigas,Dutchbitterballen, Chinese lion’s heads, South Africanskilpedjies. Kofte, too, is cooked everywhere from India to Morocco.”
If you’re hungry for meatballs, we’ve gathered some outstandingly delicious recipes to try. And yes, they do transcend Italy.
Chimichurri Meatballs
“These Chimichurri Meatballs are epic, so easy to make, yet super impressive and perfect for your holiday party! There’s nothing boring or bland about these meatballs, it’s the chimichurri sauce and feta cheese that take these meatballs to the next level of flavor.”
How to Make Meatballs: The Easiest Simplest Method
“When I get a craving for meatballs, I have a very specific meatball in mind: They’re completely tender all the way through without even a hint of toughness. They’re big enough to require a fork, but modest enough to justify several on the plate. Maybe some onions and fresh herbs mixed in. Nothing fancy. Totally old-school.”
Lamb and Feta Meatball Flatbreads
The Best Swedish Meatballs
“The Best Swedish Meatballsare smothered inthe most amazing rich and creamy gravy. The meatballs are packed with such delicious flavor. You will quickly agree these are the BEST you have ever had!”
Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs
“Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs are here and they are so savory, luscious, meatless, and scary-delicious.”
Easy Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Subs
“Theseslow cooker meatball subsare a hearty weeknight meal idea, made easy thanks to the crockpot! Uses frozen meatballs in a chunky homemade marinara sauce, topped off with ooey-gooey melted mozzarella cheese…”
Mediterranean Meatball Gyros Sandwich
“TheseMediterranean Meatball Gyros Sandwichesare full of flavor and very satisfying! Using simple flavors often found in Greek cuisine, this unique recipe puts a twist on a traditional gyros (Yee-ros) recipe. It is so flavorful you’ll feel the urge to smash plates and shout out OPA!”
Meatball Sandwich
“The art of the meatball sandwich is all about the construction…well, and the meatballs, of course.”
Thai Meatball Lettuce Wraps
“The meatballs are bursting with flavor from the garlic, ginger, scallions, fish sauce, lime, and sriracha that are mixed in with the meat, not to mention a spicy/sweet pop from the sweet chili sauce that lightly coats the outside of these scrumptious morsels. These flavor bomb Thai meatballs are resting on a coleslaw, basil, mint, cilantro, scallion base that is dressed with a creamy, tangy rice vinegar based dressing.”
Sweet and Spicy Korean Meatballs
“These Sweet and Spicy Korean Meatballs willchange your life. They’re made with lean beef, flavored with garlic and Sriracha sauce, baked without the hassle of frying and glazed with a spicy apricot glaze.”
Easy Meatball Sliders
“These cheesyMeatball Slidersare an easy game day appetizer recipe that the whole family will love!”
Easy Lean Skillet Meatballs
“Lean Skillet Meatballs, a healthier dish that’s become a new favorite. Made simpler with store-bought spaghetti sauce. A shared dish that brings friends and family to the table… or coffee table… easily.”
Get the recipe.
Meatball and Tortellini Soup
“Meatball and Tortellini Soup is a hearty soup full of Johnsonville Italian-style meatballs and cheese tortellini plus some fresh spinach in a tomato broth. Using frozen, pre-cooked meatballs is a great way to cut down on cooking time and get supper on the table in a hurry.”
Chinese Lion’s Head Pork Meatballs
“Chinese pork meatballs are also called lion’s head (狮子头, shi zi tou). They feature tender, moist, and light meatballs with a savory taste. This dish is a staple food for my family, because it’s quite easy to cook in big batches and is so comforting to enjoy anytime. Eating the savory meatballs with rice is as addictive as eating a burger. Juicy and flavorful meat and starch are the best combo in the world.”
