42 Crazy-Good Dishes Starring Frozen Meatballs (2024)

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42 Crazy-Good Dishes Starring Frozen Meatballs (1)

ByMark Hagen

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated: Jan. 09, 2023

    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.

    1/42

    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

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    2/42

    Meatballs with Chimichurri Sauce

    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 of Home Test Kitchen recommend.

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    3/42

    Taste of Home

    Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

    Cranberry sauce isn’t just for turkey anymore! Combined with a few other ingredients, the Thanksgiving staple makes a perfect meatball topper. —Tammy Neubauer, Ida Grove, Iowa

    (If you have time for homemade meatballs, try these meatball recipes from around the world!)

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    4/42

    Taste of Home

    Quick and Easy Swedish Meatballs

    Rich and creamy, this classic meatball sauce is a must in your recipe box. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    5/42

    Taste of Home

    Bourbon Meatballs

    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

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    6/42

    Taste of Home

    Barbecue and Beer Meatballs

    This simple meatball recipe relies on timesaving ingredients like frozen meatballs and barbecue sauce. It's the perfect last-minute appetizer! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    Don’t forget to check out our collection of the best meatball appetizers.

    7/42

    Orange-Glazed Meatballs

    I love the sweet orange marmalade paired with the zip of a jalapeno in this sweet-sour glaze. —Bonnie Stallings, Martinsburg, West Virginia

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    8/42

    Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

    Pack on the flavor with just a few ingredients! These meatballs hit the spot. —Mary Poninski, Whittington, Illinois

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    9/42

    Taste of Home

    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

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    10/42

    Taste of Home

    White Bean Soup with Meatballs

    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

    11/42

    Easy Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

    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

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    12/42

    Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli

    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 meatball magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

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    13/42

    French Onion Soup with Meatballs

    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

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    14/42

    Italian Meatball Buns

    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

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    15/42

    Easy Asian Glazed Meatballs

    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

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    16/42

    Meatball Submarine Casserole

    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

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    17/42

    Meatball Pizza Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Meatball Pizza

    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

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    18/42

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooked Meatball Soup

    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

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    19/42

    Taste of Home

    Easy Stuffed Shells

    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

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    20/42

    Honey Buffalo Meatball Sliders

    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

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    21/42

    Easy Meatball Stroganoff

    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

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    22/42

    Simple Swedish Meatballs

    When my husband packs these saucy slow-cooked meatballs in his lunch, all his work buddies wish they had their own! It's comfort food at its easiest. — Christina Logan, Gun Barrel City, Texas

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    23/42

    Red Curry Carrot Soup

    With its mix of delicious colors, textures and flavors, this easy soup is something special. The meatballs make it hearty enough to serve as a light entree. —Dilnaz Heckman, Buckley, Washington

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    24/42

    Meatball Tortellini

    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

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    25/42

    Mama Mia Meatball Taquitos

    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

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    26/42

    Easy Tortellini Spinach Soup

    This is the easiest soup you will ever make—believe me! I always keep the ingredients on hand, so if I'm feeling under the weather or just plain busy I can throw together this comforting soup in a flash. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

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    27/42

    Taste of Home

    Dressed-Up Meatballs

    Frozen meatballs and a jar of sweet-and-sour sauce make this microwave meal a last-minute lifesaver when racing against the clock. The flavorful sauce is dressed up with a hint of garlic and nicely coats the colorful mixture of meatballs, carrots, green pepper and onion. —Ivy Eresmas, Dade City, Florida

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    28/42

    Contest-Winning Bavarian Meatball Hoagies

    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

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    29/42

    Tangy Glazed Meatballs

    The slightly sweet sauce on these meatballs has such a great zing to it. Use a little more or less hot sauce depending on what you're in the mood for. —John Slivon, Milton, Florida

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    30/42

    Taste of Home

    Swedish Meatballs Alfredo

    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

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    31/42

    TMB studio

    Veggie Meatball Soup

    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

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    32/42

    Hawaiian Meatballs

    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

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    33/42

    Taste of Home

    Creamy Cranberry Meatballs

    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

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    34/42

    Taste of Home

    Sweet BBQ Meatballs

    These sauced-up meatballs have big Asian flair. If your family likes sweet-and-sour chicken, this beefy version hits the spot. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    35/42

    Whole Grain Chow Mein

    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

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    36/42

    Veggie Soup with Meatballs

    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

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    37/42

    Slow-Cooker Meatball Sandwiches

    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

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    38/42

    Spaghetti Tacos

    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

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    39/42

    Vegetable Meatball Soup

    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

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    40/42

    Italian Wedding Soup Supper

    In a classic Italian Wedding Soup, the meat marries the vegetables in a broth. Which type of meat and which vegetables are subject to change, according to your arrangements. Chicken goes well with the savory trio of onion, carrot and celery, with meatballs and spinach in supporting roles. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania

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    41/42

    All-Day Meatball Stew

    Frozen meatballs and other convenient ingredients simplify this homey stew. Each bite boasts lots of fresh veggie flavor and comforting, rich gravy. It cooks all day and smells so good, it’s hard to resist! —Anita Hoffman, Holland, Pennsylvania

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    42/42

    Veggie Meatball Soup for 3

    This hearty soup is a snap to put together before I leave for work. I just add uncooked pasta when I get home, and then I have a few minutes to relax before supper is ready. —Charla Tinney, Tyrone, Oklahoma

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    Originally Published: August 16, 2018

    Author

    Mark Hagen

    The former owner of his own catering business, Mark’s been part of the Taste of Home team for the past 20 years. His work has also appeared in Quick Cooking, Light & Tasty and Country Woman magazines as well as in various Pillsbury and Betty Crocker cookbooks. When he’s not spending time in the kitchen with his Westie, Rocco, he’s working...

    Read More

    42 Crazy-Good Dishes Starring Frozen Meatballs (43)

    42 Crazy-Good Dishes Starring Frozen Meatballs (2024)

    FAQs

    How do you make store bought frozen meatballs taste better? ›

    One option is to simmer them in a flavorful sauce such as marinara or barbecue sauce. You can also spice them up by adding herbs, spices, or grated cheese to the meatball mixture before cooking. Another alternative is to brown them in a skillet with some garlic or onions for extra savory goodness.

    How many frozen meatballs for 100 guests? ›

    The number of meatballs needed for 100 people depends upon their size and the manner in which they are served. A standard main course serving size is 6 ounces of meat per guest, or approximately 600 1-ounce meatballs, 400 1 1/2-ounce meatballs, 300 2-ounce meatballs and 200 3-ounce meatballs.

    Are frozen meatballs healthy? ›

    They're not just tasty—packed with protein, iron, and Vitamin B12, frozen meatballs are also a convenient option for busy weeknight dinners. However, like many foods you find in the freezer aisle, frozen meatballs can be high in sodium due to salt acting as a preservative and flavor enhancer.

    Why are my frozen meatballs rubbery? ›

    If the meatballs are packed together too tightly, they will cook up rubbery, chewy, and tough.

    What is the best way to cook frozen meatballs? ›

    How to cook frozen meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the frozen meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, you can cook the meatballs in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

    Can you thaw frozen meatballs before you cook them? ›

    It usually takes about 10 minutes to thaw one pound of meat, so adjust your timer according to the number of meatballs you're defrosting. Every few minutes, stop the appliance and move the meatballs around the container to ensure they're evenly exposed to heat. Once defrosted, you must cook the meatballs immediately.

    Is it better to bake meatballs at 350 or 400? ›

    For 1-2 inches of beef, pork, or turkey meatballs without any pre-cooking, use these guidelines for your wall oven:
    • 350°F wall oven:
    • 8–14 minutes for 1-inch meatballs.
    • 14–18 minutes for 2-inch meatballs.
    • 400°F wall oven:
    • 6–10 minutes for 1-inch meatballs.
    • 10–14 minutes for 2-inch meatballs.
    • 425°F wall oven:
    Aug 16, 2023

    How many pounds of meat do I need for meatballs for 50 people? ›

    Meat: to make meatballs for 50 people you need 10 pounds of ground beef and 10 pounds of ground pork. If you want to make all beef meatballs you will need 20 pounds of ground beef. Remember that each lb of ground meat should be enough for about 3 people.

    How many people does 1lb of meatballs feed? ›

    A good, generic rule is half a pound of meat per person (before cooking) for a large meal. Not sure what you mean by “reduce weight in pounds” - if you're trying to save money, mix some breadcrumbs and eggs into the meatballs - it's delicious and adds bulk (reducing the amount of meat you have to buy).

    Is it OK to fry frozen meatballs? ›

    If you're shallow-frying them in a pan, that's fine. Just brown the outside and let it cook the rest of the way inside the tomato sauce (or bake them in the oven if you're not having them with tomato sauce). If you mean deep frying, DO NOT put frozen meatballs (or frozen anything) into a deep fryer.

    Are Kirkland meatballs good? ›

    When it comes to taste, value, and convenience, you would be hard-pressed to find a better deal than the Kirkland brand cooked Italian Style Beef Meatballs. They are moist, even if you use the microwave to defrost them (which our family often did in a pinch).

    Is it better to use milk or water in meatballs? ›

    Milk: We will mix a bit of milk with the breadcrumbs to form a panade, which will help to keep our meatballs nice and moist. Ground beef and pork: I like to use a 50/50 mix of the two to make meatballs, but you can also make all-beef or all-pork meatballs if you prefer.

    How do you doctor up frozen meatballs? ›

    10 Ways to Turn Frozen Meatballs into an Easy Weeknight Dinner
    1. Turn them into hearty subs. ...
    2. Toss them in the slow cooker. ...
    3. Make a pizza out of them. ...
    4. Grill them on skewers. ...
    5. Skip IKEA and make your own Köttbullar. ...
    6. Get bowled over. ...
    7. Add a little touch of Catalonia. ...
    8. Bake them into a casserole.
    Sep 12, 2019

    Why do Swedish meatballs taste different? ›

    While both varieties include ingredients such as grated onion and panade (milk-soaked bread) or bread crumbs, plus the usual salt and pepper, Swedish meatballs traditionally use spices like allspice, nutmeg, white pepper, and sometimes ground ginger as flavoring.

    Are store bought frozen meatballs fully cooked? ›

    Most frozen meatballs you buy in the store are already cooked. But even if you made your own and froze them without cooking them, they can still be gently cooked in a pot of sauce. However, they may fall apart, so cooking them in one layer is preferred, and the texture might be a bit soft.

    Why do my meatballs have no flavor? ›

    Without any seasoning (as well as the correct amount), the meatballs will turn out bland and flavorless, and that's something that the best pasta sauce can't even save via Kitchn.

    How to heat premade meatballs? ›

    Editor: Personally, I'd warm the meatballs at 300°F on a baking sheet or casserole dish until warmed through. To keep them warm, your best bet is probably leaving them in a slow-cooker on the “warm” setting.

    How do you make meatballs stick better? ›

    Here's how to make the perfect meatballs that won't fall apart when you cook them:
    1. Massage your meat. True story. ...
    2. Add breadcrumbs. ...
    3. Add egg. ...
    4. Don't add much apart from meat. ...
    5. Roll your meatballs in flour. ...
    6. Give your meatballs space. ...
    7. Shake your meatballs. ...
    8. Brown your meatballs first.
    Mar 3, 2022

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