11 Easy Meatball Recipes for Cozy Dinners and Appetizers

Looking for simple and tasty ways to use meatballs? I’ve got 11 recipes here that make great dinners, appetizers, or snacks. Each one uses frozen meatballs and basic ingredients, so you can make a warm, filling meal without a lot of work.

From soups and casseroles to subs and sliders, there’s something for everyone. These recipes are easy to follow and perfect for busy days when you need something quick and satisfying. Let’s get started with these cozy and easy meatball recipes!

1. Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs

These Italian-style meatball subs are easy to make in the crockpot. Frozen meatballs cook in marinara sauce all day, making them tender and tasty. Top with melted mozzarella and serve on sub rolls for a cozy meal.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb frozen Italian meatballs
    • 2 cups marinara sauce
    • 4 sub rolls
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • Instructions:
    1. Place frozen meatballs and marinara in the crockpot.
    2. Cook on low for 4 hours.
    3. Spoon meatballs into rolls, add mozzarella, and broil until cheese melts.

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2. Meatball Dinner Ideas with Mashed Potatoes

This meal is simple and filling. Tender meatballs are served over creamy mashed potatoes and topped with beef gravy. It’s a cozy dinner idea that’s ready in minutes.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb frozen meatballs
    • 2 cups beef gravy
    • 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
  • Instructions:
    1. Heat meatballs and gravy in a skillet over medium heat until warm.
    2. Serve meatballs and gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes.

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3. Easy Crockpot Meatballs in Grape Jelly Sauce

These meatballs are sweet and tangy, perfect for parties or get-togethers. Made with grape jelly and chili sauce, this crockpot recipe is easy to put together and a favorite with guests.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb frozen meatballs
    • 1 cup grape jelly
    • 1 cup chili sauce
  • Instructions:
    1. Place meatballs, grape jelly, and chili sauce in the crockpot.
    2. Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.

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4. Italian Meatball Soup

This warm soup combines Italian meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a rich broth. It’s quick to make and fills you up, especially on a cold day.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb frozen Italian meatballs
    • 4 cups chicken broth
    • 1 can diced tomatoes
    • 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
    • 1 cup spinach
  • Instructions:
    1. Bring broth and tomatoes to a boil in a pot.
    2. Add meatballs and pasta, cooking until pasta is tender.
    3. Stir in spinach until wilted and serve.

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5. Meatballs and Gravy Over Rice

These meatballs are cooked in savory gravy and served over rice for a quick, filling meal. It’s comforting and simple, ready in minutes.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb frozen meatballs
    • 2 cups beef gravy
    • 2 cups cooked rice
  • Instructions:
    1. Heat meatballs in a skillet with gravy until warm.
    2. Serve over cooked rice for an easy meal.

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6. BBQ Meatball Sliders

These BBQ sliders are easy to make and perfect for snacks, casual dinners, or game days. The barbecue sauce adds sweetness and smoky flavor to each slider.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb frozen meatballs
    • 1 cup barbecue sauce
    • 12 slider buns
  • Instructions:
    1. Heat meatballs with barbecue sauce in a skillet until warmed.
    2. Place each meatball in a slider bun and serve.

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7. Appetizer Meatballs with Honey BBQ Sauce

These meatballs make a great appetizer. Coated in honey and barbecue sauce, they’re sticky and flavorful, perfect for family gatherings or parties.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb frozen meatballs
    • 1 cup barbecue sauce
    • 1/4 cup honey
  • Instructions:
    1. Combine meatballs, barbecue sauce, and honey in a pot.
    2. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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8. Cheesy Meatball Casserole

This baked casserole is layered with meatballs, marinara, and cheese. It’s easy to make, shareable, and a great option for family meals or gatherings.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb frozen meatballs
    • 2 cups marinara sauce
    • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
    2. Layer meatballs and marinara in a baking dish, top with cheese.
    3. Bake for 25 minutes until cheese is melted.

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9. Baked Meatballs with Marinara and Cheese

This baked recipe combines meatballs, marinara, and cheese for a warm and filling meal. Perfect for nights when you need something easy.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb frozen meatballs
    • 2 cups marinara sauce
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
    2. Arrange meatballs in a baking dish, cover with marinara and cheese.
    3. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese melts.

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10. Crockpot Barbecue Meatballs

These barbecue meatballs are easy to make in the crockpot and are great as a main dish or snack. They cook in a thick barbecue sauce, ready to serve over rice or noodles for a full meal.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb frozen meatballs
    • 2 cups barbecue sauce
  • Instructions:
    1. Place meatballs and barbecue sauce in the crockpot.
    2. Cook on low for 4 hours.

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11. Easy Italian Meatballs with Parmesan Pasta

These Italian-style meatballs served with pasta and parmesan make a quick, cozy meal. It’s ideal for busy nights when you need something simple but filling.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb frozen Italian meatballs
    • 1 lb spaghetti
    • 2 cups marinara sauce
    • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • Instructions:
    1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
    2. Heat meatballs in marinara until warmed through.
    3. Serve meatballs over spaghetti, topped with parmesan.

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Each of these recipes offers a different way to enjoy meatballs, from soups and casseroles to easy sliders and subs. They’re quick to make, filling, and perfect for family meals or parties. Enjoy!

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