A Guide to Crafting Perfect Meatballs Every Time

Keep reading for expert tips on creating savory meatballs that are sure to impress at parties or make for a comforting family dinner.

Here’s why every cook needs to master the art of making meatballs:

• Meatballs are easy to make. Making meatballs doesn't require complicated kitchen skills —you just mix together and cook. Also, you can double up a recipe and freeze half to bank for speedy meals later. (See Freezing Meatballs below.)
• Meatballs are versatile. Just about every global cuisine includes some kind of meatball. That's a world of flavor to explore.
• Meatballs are economical. You don't have to spend big bucks on prime cuts of meat to make meatballs. (You can even make meatless meatballs.) And with all the add-ins and binders that go into the making of a proper meatball, you can make a little meat go a long way.

The Three Key Elements of Great Meatballs

What goes into making meatballs? While the possibilities are endless, these three foundational ingredients are essential to any successful recipe:

1. Protein Ground or finely chopped meats like beef, pork, veal, chicken, turkey, bison, sausage, seafood, or plant-based alternatives. Many chefs recommend mixing different meats to create meatballs with a richer flavor profile.
2. Seasonings and Optional Add-ins Salt, pepper, and a mix of fresh or dried herbs and spices to enhance the dish. Optional extras include finely chopped onions, garlic, or vegetables, and grated cheese for added richness.
3. Binder The key ingredient that holds the meat, seasonings, and additions together while preventing the meatballs from falling apart during cooking. Depending on the recipe, options include soaked bread, breadcrumbs, panko, crushed crackers, rice, or eggs.

VIDEO: How to Prepare Hawaiian Meatballs

Expert Tips for Perfect Meatballs

Follow these essential tips to ensure your meatballs come out perfectly every time.

• The leaner the meat, the less tender the meatball, so if you're using lean meat, add a little olive oil.
• Do not overwork the meat mixture or your meatballs might toughed up when they cook.
• Use a spoon or scoop to make evenly sized meatballs, and roll lightly into smooth balls.
• Dampen your hands to make rolling easier. Use a light touch to avoid pressing and compacting the meatballs.
• Make small meatballs for appetizers or soups; make large for spaghetti and meatballs or meatball sandwiches.

Seven Methods for Cooking Meatballs

There are several methods to cook meatballs, perfect for serving with pasta, in sandwiches, soups, stews, appetizers, and more:

1. Baking Meatballs in the Oven: Arrange the meatballs on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 350° F for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on their size, or until fully cooked. Flip halfway through if you like. Try our recipe for oven-baked Meatball Nirvana (pictured above).

2. Broiling Meatballs: Set the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and broil for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on their size, or until done. Flip halfway through if desired. Check out our recipe for World's Fastest Meatballs.

3. Pan-Frying Meatballs in a Skillet: Cook the meatballs in a little vegetable oil over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until they are browned on the outside and cooked through. Try our recipe for The Best Meatballs You'll Ever Have.

4. Air Frying Meatballs: Place the meatball mixture in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between them. Cook for about 8 minutes, shake the basket, and cook for 2 more minutes. Repeat with the rest of the meatballs. Try our recipe for Air Fryer Meatballs.

5. Cooking Meatballs in Sauces or Soups: Bring your sauce or soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Gently drop in the meatballs, cover the pot, and let them simmer for 20 to 30 minutes or until fully cooked. Try our recipe for Mama's Old-Fashioned Albondigas (Meatball Soup).

6. Cooking Meatballs in a Slow Cooker: Prepare your meatball mixture as usual, then add it along with the sauce to the slow cooker. Cook on the Low setting for up to 8 hours for tender, flavorful meatballs. Try our recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs.

7. Grilling Meatballs: For grilled meatballs, form medium-sized meatballs and thread them onto metal skewers. The key is to choose balls that are neither too large (to avoid falling apart) nor too small (to prevent splitting when skewering). Try our recipe for Lemongrass Ground Beef Skewers.

Exploring Different Types of Meatballs

How to Prepare Classic Italian Meatballs

Here’s the secret to making meatballs for spaghetti — and don’t even think about skipping the garlic! Watch the video to learn how to prepare Italian meatballs using a blend of ground pork and beef. In the video, you'll discover how to avoid over-mixing the meat and keep your mixture tender. Bake the meatballs until golden brown, then simmer them in your favorite tomato sauce. You’ll also get a glimpse of Chef John's officially approved meatball size. Don’t miss our collection of Italian meatball recipes.

How to Make Meatless Meatballs

Believe it or not, you don’t need meat to make meatballs. These meatless wonders are packed with flavor thanks to the magic of mushrooms. The key is finely chopping the mushrooms and browning them well to bring out their meaty taste. "What really impresses me is how closely these vegetarian meatballs resemble the texture of real meatballs," says Chef John. They’re officially approved for spaghetti!

How to Make Meatballs without Breadcrumbs

Here’s how to create gluten-free meatballs. The key is to use gluten-free breadcrumbs as a binder. For a lighter, gluten-free option, try Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs. If you want to make meatballs without eggs or breadcrumbs, check out our Paleo Sausage Meatballs.

How to Prepare Swedish Meatballs

These meatballs are just like the ones you crave from that famous Scandinavian store — you know the one. They’re made with a blend of ground beef and pork, flavored with nutmeg and allspice, and cooked in butter instead of oil. Once browned, they’re baked in a dish with a splash of chicken broth and served in a rich brown gravy, finished with a dollop of sour cream. Don’t miss our collection of Swedish meatball recipes.

How to Make Cocktail Meatballs

Cocktail meatballs are the perfect party snack—tangy, sweet, and spicy, and incredibly easy to make. After briefly baking them, simply mix them with a few key ingredients in a skillet or slow cooker, and let them simmer. When it’s time for the party, use the slow cooker to keep them warm. Don’t miss our collection of appetizer meatball recipes.

How to Freeze Meatballs

Cooked and frozen meatballs are a game changer for quick meals. Here's how to easily freeze and thaw them, so you’re ready to go when time is tight on busy nights.

1. Prepare and cook meatballs using your preferred method.
2. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a baking tray.
3. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
4. Label with the date. Meatballs can be stored in the freezer for up to 4 months.

How to Thaw and Reheat Frozen Meatballs

When you're ready to thaw your meatballs, here are the best methods to ensure they heat up perfectly:

• Let the meatballs thaw overnight in the fridge, then use them in your recipe.
• Place on a baking sheet in a single layer, cover with foil, and bake at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Simmer in sauce or soup for at least 20 minutes.
• Place in a microwave-safe dish in a single layer with a spoonful of water. Cover loosely and heat on HIGH for 1 minute at a time until heated through.

Browse our collection of Meatball Recipes for more tasty ideas.