What to Make with Leftover Meatballs – 17 Tasty Ideas
Wondering what to make with leftover meatballs from last night’s dinner? There are a lot of creative and easy ways to transform those tasty morsels into new, exciting dishes that will leave your family members asking for seconds.
Whether you are using traditional homemade meatballs or our favorite cheese-stuffed meatballs, here are 15 different leftover meatball recipes for an easy meal to breathe new life into your surplus of meatballs.
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1. Meatball Sub
Slice your leftover meatballs and stuff them into a sub roll. Slather with marinara sauce, sprinkle mozzarella cheese, and toast until golden brown for a drool-worthy meatball sub that’s an easy, satisfying main course.
2. Meatball Bombs
Wrap meatballs in biscuit dough filled with shredded mozzarella, bake until golden brown, and voila—meatball bombs! Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun appetizer for a large group of people.
3. Meatball Pizza
Roll out store-bought pizza dough, spread marinara sauce, and scatter meatballs. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and bake for an easy and delicious meatball pizza.
4. Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole
Combine leftover spaghetti with meatballs in a casserole dish. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden.
5. Meatball Quesadillas
Mix things up by stuffing tortillas with sliced meatballs, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Cook until golden for a delicious fusion of flavors.
6. Italian Meatball Soup
Simmer meatballs in a broth with fresh veggies, pasta, and Italian seasonings. A warm and comforting option, perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.
7. Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Glaze your meatballs with a homemade sweet and sour sauce. Serve over rice for an irresistible blend of flavors.
8. Meatball Lettuce Wraps
Replace the bun with crisp lettuce for a lighter option. Drizzle with flavorful tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella.
9. Wonton Meatball Cups
Press wonton wrappers into a muffin tin, add a meatball (use half for smaller muffin pans), and bake until golden brown. A delightful appetizer or a unique addition to a party spread.
10. Meatball Breakfast
Pair meatballs with scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast. It’s a filling way to start your day!
11. Spaghetti and Meatballs
Add your leftover meatballs to your favorite spaghetti sauce and pour over spaghetti noodles. Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
12. BBQ Meatballs
Glaze your meatballs with BBQ sauce and bake until caramelized. Perfect for a big Sunday dinner or a backyard gathering. Apple jelly meatballs are a similar dish great for entertaining.
13. Meatball Wraps with Fresh Veggies
Tuck meatballs into wraps with fresh veggies and a drizzle of olive oil. A healthy and satisfying meal for the whole family.
14. Meatball Pasta Bake
Layer cooked meatballs, marinara sauce, and al dente pasta in a baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and bake for a gooey, cheesy, easy weeknight dinner.
15. Meatball Sliders
Create adorable meatball sliders by placing your homemade meatballs on dinner rolls. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for the perfect bite-sized treat.
16. Swedish Meatballs
Substitute your leftover meatballs in a Swedish meatballs recipe and enjoy over egg noodles with that creamy sauce!
17. Slow Cooker Ravioli and Meatballs
Slow cook meatballs with ravioli and your favorite marinara sauce for an easy weeknight dinner.
With these bunches of creative ideas, you’ll never look at leftover meatballs the same way again! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a big family gathering, these recipes are sure to be a hit and keep your meals exciting. So, the next time you find yourself with a surplus of meatballs, get creative and turn them into something extraordinary!
