Meatball dinners are the ultimate comfort food—juicy, flavorful meatballs paired with sauce, pasta, or bread for hearty, crowd-pleasing meals. These four recipes feature classic Italian-inspired dishes: cheesy baked spaghetti with meatballs, gooey cheese-stuffed meatballs, a simple meatball casserole, and loaded meatball subs. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
Each recipe serves 6–8, uses simple ingredients, and highlights homemade meatballs for maximum flavor. Prep times range from 15–30 minutes, with baking or simmering for tender results.
1. Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
This baked spaghetti and meatballs combines al dente pasta, rich marinara, and cheesy meatballs for a one-pan wonder.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ lb ground Italian sausage
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 16 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Mix beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, eggs, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 20–24).
- Bake meatballs on a sheet pan 15–18 minutes until browned.
- In the baking dish, toss cooked spaghetti with half the marinara. Top with meatballs, remaining sauce, and mozzarella.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley.
Tips: Use jarred marinara for speed; add red pepper flakes for heat.
2. Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs
These cheese-stuffed meatballs ooze mozzarella when cut—irresistible in sauce over pasta or alone.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 12 small mozzarella cheese cubes (or pearls)
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, seasoning, pepper, onion powder, and salt.
- Flatten 2 tbsp meat mixture, place a mozzarella cube in center, and enclose completely. Form 12–15 balls.
- Bake 18–22 minutes until cooked through (165°F internal).
- Simmer in warmed marinara 5–10 minutes. Serve with pasta or as appetizers.
Tips: Freeze uncooked stuffed meatballs for quick meals later.
3. Meatball Casserole
A dump-and-bake meatball casserole with penne, sauce, and melted cheese—minimal prep for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 16 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
- 32 oz marinara or tomato sauce
- 18–20 frozen or pre-cooked meatballs (or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Optional: ½ cup water if needed for pasta
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 dish.
- Mix uncooked penne, sauce, garlic, seasoning, and parsley in dish. Add meatballs (and water if using dry pasta).
- Cover with foil; bake 45–55 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Uncover, top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake 10–15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips: Use frozen meatballs to save time—adjust bake time slightly.
4. Meatball Subs
Classic Italian meatball subs with saucy meatballs, melted cheese, and toasted rolls—perfect for game days or dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ lb Italian sausage
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 6 sub rolls
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form 18 meatballs.
- Bake 15–18 minutes. Simmer in marinara 10 minutes.
- Slice rolls, add 3 meatballs per roll with sauce. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake 5–8 minutes until cheese melts and rolls toast.
Tips: Broil briefly for bubbly cheese. Use hoagie rolls for best texture.
General Tips for Perfect Meatball Dinners
- Mix meats gently—overworking makes tough meatballs.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
- Bake instead of fry for healthier results.
- Make meatballs ahead; freeze cooked or raw.
- Pair with garlic bread, salad, or veggies.
These meatball recipes bring Italian comfort to your table easily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use all beef instead of beef + sausage?
Yes—sausage adds flavor and moisture, but all beef works fine.
How do I keep meatballs moist?
Don’t skip egg/breadcrumbs; avoid overbaking.
Can these be made ahead?
Yes—prep meatballs up to 2 days ahead or freeze. Casseroles and baked spaghetti reheat well.
What’s the best sauce for meatballs?
Homemade marinara or quality jarred—add garlic and herbs for extra taste.
Are these recipes freezer-friendly?
Absolutely—freeze cooked meatballs in sauce up to 3 months.
How do I make cheese-stuffed meatballs gooey?
Use fresh mozzarella cubes; don’t overbake.
Conclusion
These four meatball dinner recipes—from cheesy baked spaghetti and oozy stuffed meatballs to easy casserole and classic subs—prove meatballs are endlessly versatile and delicious. Simple ingredients, big Italian flavors, and family-friendly appeal make them staples for busy nights or special meals.
Try one this week and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade goodness. Which recipe will you make first? Drop a comment below!