17 unbeatable meatloaf and meatball recipes for the coziest dinners ever

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Meatloaf and meatballs are the backbone of comforting meals, the kind of dishes that don’t need a spotlight to prove their worth. They bring hearty, dependable satisfaction to the table, especially when the weather starts turning. This collection takes those familiar classics and cranks them up a notch, adding bold flavors and creative spins that still keep things simple and approachable.

Two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bomb Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate cut into slices with fresh parsley garnish.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Packed with bold flavor and smothered in a sweet and tangy glaze, this meatloaf is as comforting as it gets. It’s tender, juicy, and easy to whip up for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Cheddar stuffed turkey meatballs served with zoodles.
Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These meatballs pack a surprise: gooey cheddar cheese inside. Simmered in marinara sauce, they’re a great stovetop dinner that feels both hearty and fun.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Black bean meatballs in tomato sauce with a spoon.
Italian Black Bean Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Who needs meat when you’ve got these? Packed with Italian herbs, black beans, and marinara sauce, they’re perfect over pasta or veggie noodles for a cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Venison Meatballs

Venison meatballs in tomato sauce on a plate with pasta.
Venison Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Forget what you think about venison—these baked meatballs are tender and flavorful without any gamey vibes. Perfect for pasta or just dunking in sauce.
Get the Recipe: Venison Meatballs

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Meatloaf wrapped in bacon and glazed with ketchup on a white platter.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Think cheeseburger meets meatloaf. Bacon, crispy onions, pickles, and all the flavors you crave, baked into a loaf that takes dinner to another level.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Thai Turkey Meatballs

Thai turkey meatballs on a platter with red curry dipping sauce.
Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Baked and coated in a bold red curry sauce, these turkey meatballs are an easy win. Serve them as a fun appetizer or with rice and veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Thai Turkey Meatballs

Best Wagyu Meatloaf

A half-sliced meatloaf in a copper baking dish with a bowl of Brussels sprouts alongside.
Best Wagyu Meatloaf. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This is the meatloaf to beat all meatloaves. Made with Wagyu beef, it’s rich, tender, and perfect straight out of the oven or sliced cold in a sandwich the next day.
Get the Recipe: Best Wagyu Meatloaf

Chicken Marsala Meatballs

Chicken Marsala Meatballs in a black dish.
Chicken Marsala Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

All the flavors of chicken Marsala, now in meatball form. These little bites are perfect for pasta night or served with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala Meatballs

Jalapeño Popper Meatballs

Meatballs on a plate with jalapenos.
Jalapeño Popper Meatballs. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

If you love jalapeño poppers, these meatballs will be your new favorite. Packed with bacon, cheese, and a little kick, they’re perfect for spicing up dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Meatballs

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Your favorite roadside classic, now at home. This seasoned meatloaf is as great as it gets for anyone craving comfort food without the road trip.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Greek Meatballs

Greek Meatballs on a plate with tomatoes.
Greek Meatballs. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Packed with feta, spinach, and Mediterranean vibes, these Greek meatballs are perfect with tzatziki or wrapped up in a pita for a dinner that feels fresh and fun.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatballs

Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Meatballs with cheese on a plate.
Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

These meatballs come with a cheesy surprise. Mozzarella oozes from the center, making them a perfect showstopper for any pasta dish or appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Mini Meatloaf in the Air Fryer

Mini Meatloaves line up on a platter with a glaze on top.
Mini Meatloaf in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Bite-sized and packed with flavor, these mini meatloaves cook fast in the air fryer. They’re perfect for quick dinners that don’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf in the Air Fryer

Enchilada Meatballs

Cheesy mexican meatballs in a skillet.
Enchilada Meatballs. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

These are meatballs with a Tex-Mex edge. Smothered in enchilada sauce and baked to perfection, they’re great over rice or stuffed in tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs

Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf

A casserole dish with meatloaf and parsley on a cutting board.
Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This meatloaf swaps beef for ground chicken and tops it with a garlicky parmesan sauce. It’s a lighter but still great take on a classic dinner favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf

Italian Sausage Meatballs

Meatballs in a white bowl with sauce and parsley.
Italian Sausage Meatballs. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Classic Italian sausage gets meatball treatment here. Bursting with herbs and spices, these are great for topping pasta or serving as a stand-alone dish.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Meatballs

Meatloaf Casserole

Meatloaf Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

All the flavors of meatloaf wrapped into a layered casserole. It’s easy to make and perfect for when you need something hearty that feeds the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf Casserole

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