Discover 20 Unique and Inspiring Meatball Recipes to Elevate Your Cooking

Unlock endless possibilities by mixing five types of minced meat with four distinct cooking techniques to craft meatballs exactly how you like them.

Mastering the Art of Meatball Making

Meatballs can be made from either meat or fish mince. They become exceptionally delicious when blending two or three kinds of meat, seasoned with finely chopped onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Most recipes also include eggs and breadcrumbs for binding.

Adding vegetables and grains to meatballs can enhance their flavor profile and add a nutritious twist.

1. Classic Meat Meatballs

Ingredients

• 300 grams of pork mince or 150 grams each of pork and beef mince;
• Half a medium onion;
• 1 small bunch of fresh herbs;
• 1 chicken egg;
• Salt and pepper to taste;
• 1 tablespoon of powdered milk or cream.

Preparation

Peel and finely chop the onion.

Place the mince in a bowl and add the chopped onion.

Chop the herbs and add them to the mince.

Crack the egg into the mixture, then season with salt and pepper.

Mix thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and tender.

To make the meatballs even more tender and creamy, add 1 tablespoon of powdered milk or cream to the mince.

You can substitute powdered milk with a combination of softened butter and soaked white bread. Soak 150 grams of bread crumbs in 100 ml of water or milk for 10 minutes. Drain excess liquid and add the bread to the mince along with 30 grams of butter.

With damp hands, shape the mixture into meatballs. Choose your preferred size, but the ideal diameter is about 2–3 cm.

2. Flavorful Fish Meatballs

Ingredients

• 300 grams boneless white fish fillet;
• 1 egg;
• 2 tablespoons flour;
• Salt and pepper to taste;
• 50 grams butter;
• A small bunch of green onions.

Preparation

Pat the fish fillet dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then finely mince using a grinder or blender. Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper and mix until smooth. Grate the butter and finely chop the green onions, then fold them into the mixture. Shape into meatballs.

3. Juicy Chicken Meatballs

Ingredients

• 250 grams chicken fillet;
• 1 onion;
• A small bunch of cilantro;
• 100 grams white bread;
• 75 ml water or milk;
• 1 chicken egg;
• Half a teaspoon salt;
• Pepper to taste.

Preparation

Rinse the chicken fillet, trim off any tendons and excess fat, and cut into small pieces. Peel and quarter the onion. Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse on medium speed for 2–3 minutes.

Wash and finely chop the cilantro or other herbs. Soak the bread in water or milk for 5–7 minutes, then squeeze out excess liquid. Add the egg, softened bread, herbs, salt, and pepper to the mince. Blend on medium speed for another 3–4 minutes.

Wet your hands and form meatballs about 4 cm in diameter.

4. Vegetable-Infused Meatballs

Ingredients

• 250 grams minced meat;
• 150 grams cauliflower;
• 1 egg;
• 20 grams fresh ginger;
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce;
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs;
• Salt to taste.

Preparation

Grind the meat (preferably chicken) using a meat grinder or blender. Rinse the cauliflower, separate into florets, and boil for 5–7 minutes. Cool slightly, then blend the cauliflower and add it to the mince. Add the egg, grated ginger, soy sauce, and breadcrumbs. Mix well and shape into small balls.

5. Meatballs Inspired by IKEA

Ingredients

• 1 medium potato;
• 1 onion;
• 1 tablespoon olive oil;
• 40 grams breadcrumbs;
• 250 grams pork mince;
• 250 grams beef mince;
• 1 egg;
• 50 ml milk;
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Preparation

Boil the potato, cool, peel, and mash with a fork. Chop the onion and sauté in olive oil until translucent. Combine the mashed potato, breadcrumbs, sautéed onion, both types of mince, egg, and milk. Season with salt and pepper and mix thoroughly by hand, beating the mixture several times for a uniform texture. Shape into meatballs.

Creative Ways to Serve Meatballs

Meatballs are versatile and can be served as a main dish or incorporated into other recipes. They can be boiled, fried, stewed, or baked.

1. Hearty Meatball Soup

Ingredients

• Half a bell pepper;
• 1 carrot;
• 2–3 potatoes;
• Half a medium onion;
• 2.5 liters of water;
• Meatballs made from 300 grams of mince;
• Salt and pepper to taste;
• Fresh herbs and sour cream for serving.

Preparation

Wash the vegetables. Deseed and dice the bell pepper. Chop the carrot similarly.

Peel and slice the potatoes. Chop the onion.

Bring the water to a boil in a pot. Lower the heat and add the onion. Once bubbles reappear, add the carrot and bell pepper.

Bring the broth back to a boil and add the potatoes.

After 10–12 minutes of cooking (about the time it takes for the potatoes to boil), add the meatballs to the soup.

If white foam forms on the surface from the meat, skim it off. For a clear broth, cook the meatballs briefly (2–3 minutes) in boiling water, drain, and then proceed with the soup recipe.

Simmer the soup with meatballs for 10–12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat, cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve hot with fresh herbs, sour cream, and dark bread.

This soup serves as a great base, allowing you to add vermicelli, barley, or rice for variety.

2. Oven-Baked Meatballs

Grease a baking tray with vegetable oil. Arrange the meatballs and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C). Chicken and fish meatballs take 20–25 minutes, while meat-based ones require 30–35 minutes.

3. Meatballs Simmered in Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil;
• 2 tablespoons butter;
• 2–3 garlic cloves;
• 1 medium onion;
• 5–6 medium tomatoes;
• 1 cup water;
• 1.5 tablespoons sugar;
• Salt and pepper to taste;
• Half a teaspoon turmeric;
• Meatballs made from 700 grams of mince.

Preparation

Heat vegetable oil over medium heat, add butter, and sauté garlic. Remove garlic after a couple of minutes, then add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes. Blend tomatoes into a puree and add to the pan along with water, sugar, salt, pepper, and turmeric. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.

Add the meatballs so their tops are visible above the sauce. Turn them gently and spoon sauce over. Simmer covered for 15 minutes for chicken meatballs, or 20–25 minutes for fish or meat meatballs. Serve hot with the tomato sauce.

4. Pan-Fried Meatballs

This method is used for the famous Swedish IKEA meatballs.

Ingredients for frying:

• Meatballs made from 500 grams of mince;
• All-purpose flour;
• 1 tablespoon olive oil;
• 2 tablespoons butter.

Ingredients for berry sauce:

• 50 ml water;
• 30 grams sugar;
• A pinch of cinnamon;
• Dried ginger;
• 100 grams lingonberries or cranberries.

Ingredients for creamy sauce:

• 200 ml meat broth;
• 100 ml milk;
• 1 tablespoon flour;
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch;
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce;
• Salt and black pepper to taste.

Preparation

Coat the meatballs in flour. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan and fry the meatballs for 10–12 minutes, turning regularly until cooked. Remove from heat and cover to rest.

Prepare the berry sauce by boiling water with sugar, cinnamon, and ginger. Add berries, mash them, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In another pot, heat meat broth and milk to a boil. Mix cornstarch and flour with a tablespoon of water and add to the sauce. Stir in soy sauce, season with salt and pepper, and cook until thickened over low heat.

Serve the meatballs with boiled potatoes topped with creamy sauce and the berry sauce on the side.

Also explore:

• How to Make Delicious Homemade Dumplings →
• 10 Easy and Tasty Minced Meat Dishes Anyone Can Make →
• 7 Unique Stuffed Pepper Recipes →

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