See how you can beat the clock, please a crowd and become a kitchen all-star with these super-comforting recipes using frozen meatballs. Our best recipes include everything from saucy bakes to slow-cooker classics.
1/31
Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
The secret ingredient in this sassy sauce is the grape jelly. It's a sweet contrast with the chili sauce. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 106 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
2/31
Swedish Meatballs Alfredo
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without noodles): 766 calories, 67g fat (38g saturated fat), 238mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
3/31
Meatball Submarine Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 417 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1243mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
4/31
Meatballs with Chimichurri Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
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.
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball with about 2 teaspoons sauce: 130 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 318mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
5/31
Easy Stuffed Shells
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 334 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 711mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
6/31
Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
A fabulous sauce, green pepper and pineapple chunks transform premade meatballs into something special. Serving them over rice makes for a satisfying main dish. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
5 meatballs: 389 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
7/31
Honey Buffalo Meatball Sliders
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 261 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
8/31
Bourbon Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 95 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
9/31
Sweet BBQ Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 512 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 1507mg sodium, 85g carbohydrate (61g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
10/31
Slow-Cooker Meatball Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 526 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 1674mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
11/31
Orange Marmalade Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the sweet orange marmalade paired with the zip of a jalapeno in this sweet-sour glaze. —Bonnie Stallings, Martinsburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 125 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
12/31
Spaghetti & Meatball Skillet Supper
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 330 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 1051mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 20g protein.
13/31
White Bean Soup with Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 301 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 1050mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 19g protein.
14/31
Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli
From the Recipe Creator:
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 magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 541 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 1335mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein.
15/31
French Onion Soup with Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 403 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 1760mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
16/31
Italian Meatball Buns
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 bun with 1 tablespoon sauce: 98 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
17/31
Easy Asian Glazed Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 376 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 1296mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
18/31
Meatball Pizza
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 320 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
19/31
Slow-Cooker Meatball Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 288 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 1173mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
20/31
Meatball Stroganoff
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 717 calories, 57g fat (30g saturated fat), 172mg cholesterol, 1291mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
21/31
Red Curry Carrot Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
With its mix of delicious colors, textures and flavors, this soup is something special. —Dilnaz Heckman, Buckley, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 438 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 1059mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
22/31
Tortellini and Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 408 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 1592mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein.
23/31
Mama Mia Meatball Taquitos
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 taquitos: 617 calories, 28g fat (11g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1069mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
24/31
Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
For a meal on busy days, I pop ready-made meatballs in the slow cooker to make this tantalizing Asian-style specialty. Nothing is more convenient than walking in the door to dinner. —Lisa Stepanski, Munnsville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
8 meatballs: 794 calories, 29g fat (10g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 94g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
25/31
Contest-Winning Bavarian Meatball Hoagies
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 643 calories, 36g fat (18g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1302mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
26/31
Hawaiian Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 520 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 837mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
27/31
Creamy Cranberry Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 55 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
28/31
Whole Grain Chow Mein
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 305 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 758mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
29/31
Veggie Soup with Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 335 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 1295mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 19g protein.
30/31
Spaghetti Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 522 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 939mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 26g protein.
31/31
Vegetable Meatball Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without cheese): 241 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 1333mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
Frozen Meatball Recipes FAQ
Do I have to defrost frozen meatballs before cooking?
The best frozen meatballs are fully cooked and can go straight from the freezer to your pan without defrosting, especially if you’re baking or simmering meatballs in sauce. Cooking them from frozen helps to hold their shape and soak up sauce gradually without becoming mushy. Just allow for a few extra minutes of cook time and make sure they heat to an internal temperature of 165°F.
What easy frozen meatball recipes can I make for dinner tonight?
Our favorite easy frozen meatballs recipes include saucy pasta bakes, quick skillet meals or creamy slow-cooked gravies that highlight how well meatballs soak up flavor. They reheat evenly and portion easily, too, whether you’re cooking for two or stretching a single bag to feed a group. One-pan meatball recipes and baked casserole recipes are especially helpful when you want dinner on autopilot. They use pantry staples and have minimal cleanup.
What are the best frozen meatball appetizers for a potluck?
Frozen meatball appetizers include slow-cooker glazed meatballs, baked bites or skewered options that travel easily and stay sturdy at room temperature. One-bite appetizer recipes hold their shape and stay warm without drying out. For a buffet table, recipes that simmer in sauce or are set up on toothpicks offer low-fuss serving and fewer utensils. Pair them with other make-ahead potluck recipes, especially mains or sides that travel well.
