When it comes to utilizing leftover ingredients, meatballs are an excellent solution. By repurposing them into various dishes, you can transform plain ground meat into something more exciting. Not only do they make great use of leftovers from other recipes, but you can also make them from scratch and freeze them for later. Meatballs have become a staple in many households due to their simplicity and versatility.
They pair well with different sauces and side dishes, making them a popular dinner option. However, when it comes to leftover meatballs, people often struggle with what to do with them. This is where our list of favorite leftover meatball ideas comes in. From creative takes like Meatball Sub Cupcakes, Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs, and Meatball Grilled Cheese, to other innovative ways to repurpose your leftovers, we’ve got you covered. If you don’t have any leftover meatballs, fear not!
Our list also includes some tasty dishes that can be made using fresh ingredients. Whether you’re looking for new ideas or simply want to get creative with your leftovers, we’ve compiled a list of 13 meatball recipes that are sure to inspire. So go ahead, get cooking, and turn those leftover meatballs into something truly special!
Meatball Bombs
Imagine a harmonious union of flavors and textures: tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, melted cheese, and a hint of garlic butter, all wrapped up in a crispy bread pocket. It’s a match made in heaven! These Meatball Bombs are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple steps. Start by flattening canned biscuit dough and adding your favorite meatballs, marinara sauce, and shredded cheese.
Seal the edges by pressing gently, then bake until golden brown on a silicone mat – this prevents any stray sauce from causing chaos. The result is an irresistible snack that will bring joy to even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, they’re a genius way to repurpose leftover meatballs, making them a satisfying solution for any meal or gathering.
Meatball Sub Cupcakes
Indulge in these delectable Meatball Sub Cupcakes that are perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a quick lunch, an effortless dinner, or a casual gathering with friends. The combination of soft crescent rolls filled with cream cheese, frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese is nothing short of brilliant! And the best part? You can enjoy them in under 30 minutes. Plus, any leftovers can be easily frozen and reheated for a future meal.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. To get started, simply divide the crescent roll dough into 12 equal pieces and press each piece into a muffin tin. Next, spread a layer of cream cheese and Italian seasoning on the bottom of each cup. Then, add your favorite meatballs, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Pop these savory cupcakes in the oven and let them bake to perfection.
With their gooey centers and crispy exteriors, you’ll be hard-pressed to stop at just one. So go ahead, grab a cupcake (or two), and savor the delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs
Imagine a meal that brings everyone together – Spaghetti and leftover meatballs fit the bill perfectly! This comfort food classic gets an upgrade with Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs. By combining everything in one baking dish, topped with a rich layer of melted cheese, you’ll create a dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. This elevated take on regular spaghetti and meatballs is ideal for busy afternoons when life gets hectic.
Simply prep the meal in the morning, pop it in the oven when you get home, and let the aroma of warm, gooey cheese fill your kitchen. In no time at all, you’ll have a satisfying supper that’s sure to hit the spot and leave everyone feeling full and content.
Meatball Sub Casserole
This Meatball Sub Casserole has been a regular feature on our dinner table for quite some time now. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, requiring minimal ingredients and effort to prepare. In fact, I’m convinced that once you try it, it’ll become your go-to meatball sub recipe. Moreover, this casserole is not only satisfying as a meal but also makes an excellent choice for gathering around the TV to watch football with friends and family.
Meatball Stroganoff
Meatball Stroganoff is a creative spin on the classic beef stroganoff dish, boasting a rich and satisfying flavor profile. This recipe’s versatility allows it to be prepared quickly using store-bought frozen meatballs, homemade creations, or even leftover meatballs from a previous meal. The combination of tender meatballs and sautéed mushrooms in a hearty sauce, topped with a dollop of sour cream, is the epitome of comfort food.
A perfect blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to warm hearts and fill bellies.
Spaghetti & Meatball Pie
With just five ingredients, this Spaghetti Pie stands out as an impressively straightforward leftover meatball recipe. Cooking simple spaghetti is certainly a breeze, but let’s be real – this pie takes it to a whole new level of flavor and satisfaction. And the best part? It’s easily scalable to feed a crowd, making it perfect for gatherings of all sizes.
The Best Meatball Subs
Savory Meatball Subs are a delightful combination of Italian meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. To prepare this mouthwatering treat, you have the flexibility to utilize existing meatballs or cook new ones specifically for the subs. For added convenience, consider preparing the meatballs and sauce in advance, allowing you to effortlessly assemble the subs whenever the craving strikes.
When dealing with leftovers from a spaghetti and meatball dinner, transforming them into Meatball Subs is an efficient way to repurpose any remaining ingredients. With proper storage in airtight containers, meatballs and sauce can be safely refrigerated for three to five days or frozen simultaneously. This flexibility enables you to enjoy quick and easy meatball subs at any time, utilizing leftovers from previous meals.
Meatball Sub Bubble Up Cake
The Meatball Sub Bubble Up Cake is a must-have dinner recipe for any arsenal. Its straightforward simplicity makes it an accessible treat that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. There’s no pretension here – this dish is exactly as intended, and that’s just fine.
What makes this comfort food so special is its effortless preparation. It only requires a mere four ingredients and a brief moment of your time before popping it in the oven.
And don’t worry about advanced prep; simply thaw some meatballs from the freezer and grab a can of biscuits – that’s all you need.
This dinner checks all the boxes: filling, warm, speedy, simple, and a crowd-pleaser. It’s the ultimate no-fuss recipe for a satisfying meal.
Meatloaf Hash
Transforming leftover bacon-wrapped meatloaf into a mouthwatering brunch masterpiece is as easy as it gets with this Meatloaf Hash recipe. By combining the rich flavors of crispy bacon, tender meatloaf, and a medley of sautéed vegetables – including potatoes, bell peppers, garlic, onions, and eggs – you’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s as effortless to prepare as it is satisfying to devour.
Cranberry Meatballs
Indulge in the delightful Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs, a straightforward and scrumptious way to prepare this popular dish. Simply combine all ingredients into the crockpot and allow it to work its magic. The result is an explosion of flavors, with each ingredient distinctly noticeable while still capturing the quintessential essence of Thanksgiving.
Additionally, these meatballs boast a unique sweet and tangy profile, subtly accented by a hint of spice – a perfect blend for those who appreciate a harmonious balance of tastes.
Leftover Meatballs Lasagna Cups
What sets these bite-sized treats apart is their simplicity in preparation. Not only can they be whipped up quickly, but they’re also easily prepared ahead of time and reheated as needed, making them a convenient option for a speedy meal. Whether you’re in the market for a satisfying lunch or a cozy dinner solution, these little guys are an excellent choice.
Meatball Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game by repurposing leftover meatballs into a savory sandwich. The combination of sautéed peppers and onions, melted cheese, and meatballs creates a delightful flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
One of the best ways to use up leftovers is to turn them into a quick and easy grilled cheese sandwich. Simply sauté some onions and peppers until they’re tender, then add sliced cheese and your leftover meatballs.
Assemble everything between two slices of bread and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity. You can use up any leftover ingredients you have on hand, from vegetables to meats, and still end up with a tasty meal that’s sure to please.
Korean BBQ Meatballs
Indulge in the harmonious fusion of sweet and savory flavors in these scrumptious Korean BBQ Meatballs. As a delightful dinner option, they’re elevated to new heights when served atop a bed of fluffy rice. What’s more, their reheating capabilities make them an excellent choice for a speedy weekday meal crafted from leftovers. They also shine as a standalone appetizer, perfect for whetting your appetite.
When baked, the Korean barbecue sauce infuses these meatballs with a tantalizing sweet and salty flavor profile that transforms into delectable caramel, leaving you craving more.
The bottom line
While it’s natural to view leftover meatballs as an inconvenience, they can actually be a culinary goldmine. With a little creativity, you can transform them into a delicious new meal or snack.
