See how you can beat the clock, please a crowd and become a kitchen all-star when your meals include these super-comforting frozen meatball recipes.
40 Crazy-Good Dishes That Start with Frozen Meatballs
Chili and Jelly Meatballs
The secret ingredient in this sassy sauce is the grape jelly. It’s a sweet contrast with the chili sauce. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
1/40
2/40
Meatballs with Chimichurri Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 20 (2/3 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve some of this South American herb sauce featuring fresh cilantro and parsley on the side. You’ll want plenty for extra dipping. —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia
Not sure which brand of frozen meatballs to buy? Check out the brands our editors and the Taste Recipes Test Kitchen recommend.
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball with about 2 teaspoons sauce: 130 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 318mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
3/40
Christmas Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Cranberry sauce and brown sugar create a tangy glaze for moist meatballs that are good Christmas appetizers or Christmas dinner ideas. We love them so much, I prepare them year-round. —Joyce Bentley, Redlands, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 71 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
4/40
Bourbon Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Kick-start your meatballs with a splash of bourbon and vinegar for punchy sweet-and-sour flavor. These Kentucky Derby bourbon meatballs are perfect to snack on while you watch the race. —Kimla Carsten, Grand Junction, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 95 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
5/40
Barbecue Meatballs
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
Nutrition Facts:
8 each: 474 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 973mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
6/40
Orange-Glazed Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the sweet orange marmalade paired with the zip of a jalapeno in this sweet-sour glaze. —Bonnie Stallings, Martinsburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 125 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
7/40
Polpette
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you think of Italian food, spaghetti with meatballs is probably one of the first dishes that comes to mind. Every Italian mother and grandmother has their signature polpette (meatball) recipe, and their children will always boast that their meatballs are the best. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 453 calories, 27g fat (7g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 2352mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein.
8/40
Spaghetti & Meatball Skillet Supper
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this one-skillet spaghetti and meatball dish to cut down on cooking time on busy nights. The beans, artichokes and tomatoes bump up the nutrition factor, while the lemon and parsley make it pop with brightness. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 330 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 1051mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 20g protein.
9/40
White Bean Soup with Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It tastes like it's from scratch, but my Italian-inspired soup uses lots of shortcuts. For a meatball in every bite, chop them up—with an egg slicer! —Carole Lotito, Hillsdale, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 301 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 1050mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 19g protein.
10/40
Easy Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The already prepared meatballs make this a very easy and quick supper. You can use your own homemade meatballs or store-bought if you're in a pinch. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 330 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
11/40
Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband travels for work, I make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 541 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 1335mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein.
12/40
French Onion Soup with Meatballs
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got the idea for how to make this soup after I went to a brewhouse restaurant that put ale in their gravy. I make this every time the weather starts to cool down in the fall—it's comfort food for the soul. —Crystal Holsinger, Surprise, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 403 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 1760mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
13/40
Italian Meatball Buns
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These soft little rolls come with a pleasant surprise inside—savory Italian meatballs. The apps are wonderful dipped in marinara sauce, which makes them fun for my grandkids—and adults too. I love how easy they are to put together. —Trina Linder-Mobley, Clover, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 bun with 1 tablespoon sauce: 98 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
14/40
Easy Asian Glazed Meatballs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a writer and busy mom of three boys, I need tasty meals on the quick. We serve these glazed meatballs over a steaming bed of rice. —Amy Dong, Woodbury, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 376 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 1296mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
15/40
Meatball Submarine Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We were hosting a bunch of friends, and after a comedy of errors, I had to come up with a plan B for dinner. I realized that much-loved meatball subs are even better as a hearty casserole—so delicious! —Rick Friedman, Palm Springs, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 417 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1243mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
16/40
Meatball Pizza
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always keep meatballs and pizza crusts in the freezer to make this specialty on the spur of the moment. Add a tossed salad and you have a delicious dinner. —Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 320 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
17/40
Slow-Cooked Meatball Soup
Total Time
5 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings (about 3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
As a mother, I try to sneak as many veggies into my daughter's diet as I can. This savory soup with meatballs and pasta does the trick. Best of all, the whole family loves it! —Kymm Wills, Phoenix, AZ
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 288 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 1173mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
18/40
Easy Stuffed Shells
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I threw this recipe together one day when we had unexpected guests. It was an immediate hit and is now a family favorite. Get the kids involved when putting together this simple, savory dish. —Dolores Betchner, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 334 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 711mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
19/40
Honey Buffalo Meatball Sliders
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These little sliders deliver big Buffalo chicken flavor without the messiness of wings. The spicy-sweet meatballs are a hit on game day with kids and adults alike. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 261 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
20/40
Meatball Stroganoff
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe has fed not only my own family, but many neighborhood kids! They come running when I make this supper. It's one of those things you throw together after work on a busy day because you know it works. —Julie May, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 717 calories, 57g fat (30g saturated fat), 172mg cholesterol, 1291mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
21/40
Red Curry Carrot Soup
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
With its mix of delicious colors, textures and flavors, this soup is something special. —Dilnaz Heckman, Buckley, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 438 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 1059mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
22/40
Meatball Tortellini
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I combined some favorite staples from our freezer and pantry to come up with this easy dish. It has few ingredients and little preparation. —Tracie Bergeron, Chauvin, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 408 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 1592mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein.
23/40
Mama Mia Meatball Taquitos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love lasagna, but it takes too long on weeknights. My solution: meatball taquitos. My kids get the flavors they want, and I get a meal on the table in a hurry. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 taquitos: 617 calories, 28g fat (11g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1069mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
24/40
Spinach Tortellini Soup
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A simple tomato-enhanced broth is perfect for cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. Increase the garlic and add Italian seasoning to suit your taste. —Debbie Wilson, Burlington, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 164 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 799mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
25/40
Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a meal on busy days, I pop ready-made meatballs in the slow cooker to make this tantalizing Asian-style specialty. Nothing is more convenient than walking in the door to dinner. —Lisa Stepanski, Munnsville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
8 meatballs: 794 calories, 29g fat (10g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 94g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
26/40
Contest-Winning Bavarian Meatball Hoagies
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
12 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband is not manning the grill, I count on my slow cooker. These meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser when I serve them as a party appetizer or spooned over crusty rolls and topped with cheese for irresistible sandwiches. —Peggy Rios, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 643 calories, 36g fat (18g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1302mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
27/40
Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A fabulous sauce, green pepper and pineapple chunks transform premade meatballs into something special. Serving them over rice makes for a satisfying main dish. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
5 meatballs: 389 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
28/40
Swedish Meatballs Alfredo
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a big fan of this potluck-perfect dish. It takes much less time than many other slow-cooker recipes. Plus, it's easy. I'm all for the easy! —Carole Bess White, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without noodles): 766 calories, 67g fat (38g saturated fat), 238mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
29/40
Veggie Meatball Soup
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's a snap to put together this hearty soup before I leave for work. I just add cooked pasta when I get home, and I have a few minutes to relax before supper is ready. —Charla Tinney, Tyrone, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 125 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 574mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
30/40
Hawaiian Meatballs
Total Time
6 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Talk about one easy dish that creates an amazing sweet and sour sauce! You can serve over rice for more of a dinner-like option, but I also like to offer them as an appetizer simply served with toothpicks. —Julie Schiefer, Nappanee, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 520 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 837mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
31/40
Creamy Cranberry Meatballs
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Extras from tonight’s rich and juicy appetizers can become tomorrow’s entree. Simply serve them over a bed of fluffy noodles or rice—if there’s any left. —Amy Warren, Maineville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 55 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
32/40
Sweet BBQ Meatballs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These sauced-up meatballs have big Asian flair. If your family likes sweet-and-sour chicken, this beefy version hits the spot. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 512 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 1507mg sodium, 85g carbohydrate (61g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
33/40
Whole Grain Chow Mein
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids are picky eaters, but teriyaki and hoisin sauces work wonders with them. They love the meatballs, and I swap the noodles for whole grain pasta. —Kelly Shippey, Orange, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 305 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 758mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
34/40
Veggie Soup with Meatballs
Total Time
5 hours 50 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Loaded with veggies, meatballs and spices, this meal-in-one soup is hearty enough to warm up any cold winter day. It’s a recipe you’ll make again and again! —Penny Fagan, Mobile, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 335 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 1295mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 19g protein.
35/40
Slow-Cooker Meatball Sandwiches
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our approach to meatball sandwiches is a simple one: Cook the meatballs low and slow, load them into hoagie buns, and top them with provolone and pepperoncini. —Stacie Nicholls, Spring Creek, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 526 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 1674mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
36/40
Spaghetti Tacos
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My son watches a show where the kids eat spaghetti tacos. As a joke, I made him his own, and now these tacos are here to stay. —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 522 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 939mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 26g protein.
37/40
Vegetable Meatball Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a delicious soup recipe that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and is a great way to use up leftover meatballs. The broth is so light and flavorful, everyone wants the recipe! —Susan Westerfield, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without cheese): 241 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 1333mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
38/40
Traditional Italian Wedding Soup
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
You don’t have to be Italian to love this easy-to-make soup with tiny round pasta! Homemade meatballs pair beautifully with ready-made stock and rotisserie chicken. —Mary Sheetz, Carmel, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 253 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
39/40
Slow-Cooked Meatball Stew
Total Time
9 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this hearty meal-in-one as another way to use frozen meatballs. It's quick to put together in the morning and ready when my husband gets home in the evening. —Iris Schultz, Miamisburg, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 291 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 1400mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein.
40/40
Meatball Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup is just like a meal in a bowl ... or for heartier appetites, serve it with a sandwich. It's great for chilly days. —Sue Miller, Walworth, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 248 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 778mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 20g protein.
