I love a good meatball, and I bet you do too! These simple meatball recipes are perfect for your next dinner plans or a casual gathering. I’m sharing two of my favorite ways to make flavorful meatballs that are sure to be a hit.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic comfort or bright, zesty notes, I’ve got you covered. Get ready to add some delicious new recipes to your cooking routine with these easy meatball ideas.
Jump to Recipe:
Easy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs for Dinner
Imagine all the great taste of chicken parmesan in an easy-to-eat meatball. These are perfect as a main meal or for parties.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Ground Chicken: Using lean ground chicken keeps these meatballs lighter, but still packed with flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan makes a big difference in taste. Don’t skip it!
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and keep them moist. Use plain or Italian seasoned ones.
What You Need
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- Fresh mozzarella, shredded (for topping, optional)
⏱️ Time: Prep: 15 min, Cook: 25 min🍽️ Yields: 4 servings (approx. 18-20 meatballs)
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, gently mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Step 2: Form and Bake Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Simmer in Marinara Sauce
Pour your favorite marinara sauce into a large skillet or pot. Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the meatballs to soak up all that delicious flavor. If you like, top with shredded fresh mozzarella and cover until melted.
📝 Final Note
Serve these chicken parmesan meatballs hot with pasta, on a sub roll, or with a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Bright and Flavorful Chimichurri Meatballs Recipe
Get ready for bright and fresh flavors with these chimichurri meatballs. They are fantastic as an appetizer or a flavorful dinner.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley and cilantro are essential for a vibrant chimichurri. Use fresh leaves for the best taste.
- Red Wine Vinegar: This gives the chimichurri its signature tang. Adjust the amount to your liking.
- Ground Beef: I prefer 80/20 ground beef for these, as the fat keeps them juicy and flavorful.
What You Need
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- **For the Chimichurri:**
- 1 cup fresh parsley, packed
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, packed
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: Prep: 20 min, Cook: 20 min🍽️ Yields: 4 servings (approx. 18-20 meatballs)
How to Make It
Step 1: Make the Chimichurri Sauce
In a food processor, combine the fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic cloves, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Blend until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Set aside half of the chimichurri for serving later.
Step 2: Mix and Form Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, plain breadcrumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, and the remaining half of the prepared chimichurri sauce. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs.
Step 3: Cook Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil. Place the meatballs in the hot skillet and brown them on all sides. Once browned, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked all the way through.
📝 Final Note
Serve these chimichurri meatballs warm, drizzled with the fresh chimichurri sauce you set aside. They are great with rice, roasted vegetables, or as a tasty appetizer.
