We’re giving Grandma’s secret family recipe a run for its money with these 20 modern meatball recipes. This collection of rounders has everything. We’re talking chicken, beef, pork and shrimp — and even a few meatless and special diet options — meaning everyone can enjoy this comfort food fave. Have fun creating your own blends, and if you really want to shake things up, consider throwing ’em on the grill this summer for some REALLY great balls of fire.
1. Buffalo Balls: No Rocky Mountain oysters here. Instead, ground chicken is mixed with a variety of cheeses and chopped celery then tossed in Buffalo sauce for a playful twist on wings. (via I Breathe… I’m Hungry…)
2. Meatballs Emilia Romagna With Pasta Sheets: Totally homemade, totally worth the effort, these meatballs are all-beef and are light, tender and Nonna-approved due to the choice of cut. (via Food52)
3. Baked Kofte With Tahini Sauce: Give these Middle Eastern meatballs drizzled with a nutty tahini sauce a try the next time you want to mix things up a bit. (via Tartine and Apron Strings)
4. Italian Wedding Soup: A perfect soup for year-round enjoyment, no wedding required! Meatballs, pasta and veggies make this a classic comfort food. (via Tracey’s Culinary Adventures)
5. Hawaiin Luau Meatballs: Since these meatballs are cooked in a slow cooker, you’ll have plenty of time to practice your hula. (via Chew Out Loud)
6. Sun Dried Tomato Raw Vegan Truffles: Stuff these vegan meatless balls into a beetroot wrap for a fresh twist on the meatball sandwich. (via Tales of a Kitchen)
7. Greek Meatballs With Mint and Dried Apricots: An awesome sweet and savory thing is happening with these apricot- and mint-dotted lamb meatballs. Serve with a garlicky yogurt sauce for extra points. (via Running to the Kitchen)
8. Chicken Cakes (Spicy or Not) With Sweet Chili Drizzle: A handful of aromatics and sauces jazz up otherwise lackluster ground chicken to create meatballs meatcakes ideal for serving atop spinach or arugula. (via Once Upon a Plate)
9. 30-Minute Clean Paleo Thai Turkey Zucchini Meatballs: A 30-minute meal that’s this gorgeous and healthy? Count us in! (via I Food Real)
10. 3 Easy and Delicious Ways to Make Meatballs: Kick up store bought meatballs in a jiffy with these three super easy and ever-so-saucy recipes. (via Brit + Co.)
11. Duck Meatballs and Tagliatelle in Broth: Wow. Can we get a big bowlful of this soup right now? (via Circa Happy)
12. Gluten-Free Baked Chicken Meatball Sandwiches: Store bought gluten-free bread and pancetta are two of the tricks to making these quick and easy meatballs tender and tasty. (via A Sage Amalgam)
13. Cranberry Cheddar Sausage Bites: Use your favorite Italian sausage as the base for these sweet-savory bites. (via Running to the Kitchen)
14. Albondigas Soup: Next time you feel like cooking up a big batch of chili, consider making this Mexican meatball soup instead. (via Simple Comfort Food)
15. Swedish Meatballs: Big fans of Ikea here, but they’ve got nothing on this Swedish meatball recipe. (via Damn Delicious)
16. Banh Mi Bowls: Skip the roll and serve all the usual banh mi fixin’s atop steamed rice instead. (via Budget Bytes)
17. Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs With Eggy Noodles: Surprise! There’s a piece of molten mozzarella tucked inside each of these meatballs. (via On the Woodside)
18. Vegan, Gluten-Free Lentil Meatballs With Indian Fenugreek Sauce: Looking for another meatless meatball option? Consider these lentil-based beauties. Packed with protein, they’re sure to be satisfying. (via Feasting at Home)
19. Turkey Meatballs With Apple, Spinach and Provolone: With flavors reminiscent of chicken-apple sausage, we bet these meatballs would be just as big a star at breakfast as at dinnertime. (via Jehan Can Cook)
20. Pork and Prawn Balls in Aromatic Sauce: Despite the streamlined list of ingredients, this dish is sure to pack in tons of flavor with every bite. (via Ang Sarap)
What are your secrets for making the perfect meatball? Share in the comments!