The 30 BEST Meatball Sauce Recipes (2024)

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You can never go wrong with meatballs… Those bite sized little morsels may be the ultimate comfort food. And they’re even better slathered in sauce!

That’s why we’ve compiled this collection of amazing Meatball Sauce Recipes.

You’ll find such a variety of flavors here. Whether you’re looking for tomato based or creamy, buttery or umami, spicy or sweet, it’s all here.

Cook your way through all of these great meatball sauce recipes, you’re sure to find some new family favorites!

The 30 BEST Meatball Sauce Recipes (1)

Meatball Sauce Recipes:

1. Homemade Marinara Sauce for Meatballs

Marinara Sauce has the ultimate ability to make your favorite food heavenly, like meatballs, spaghetti, lasagna, and more. If that is homemade then you can’t beat it with anything else.

This flavorful Homemade Marinara Sauce recipe is such a breeze to make in big batches, and it’s freezer friendly too. This Italian delight is definitely a keeper…

Get the Recipe

2. Sweet and Sour Meatball Sauce

Ok, now this homemade Sweet and Sour Meatball Sauce will surely satisfy your taste buds, and it goes great with meatballs.

This classy sauce is so delicious, it feels like you are relishing it from your favorite Chinese restaurant. A must-try homemade Asian-style meatball sauce.

Get the Recipe

3. Spanish Meatballs

Want to make restaurant-quality meatballs at home? Then, we have found the best Spanish Meatball recipe for you!

These melt-in-your-mouth meatballs are all about the flavors that are just irresistible, and it’s made using simple pantry ingredients.

Get the Recipe

4. Greek Meatball Sauce

Guys, craving some Greek flavors? If so, try this Greek Meatball Sauce recipe, and treat your family and friends to a fantastic meal.

This perfectly spiced and aromatic tomato sauce will take your simple meatballs to next level of deliciousness. This will become one of your top comfort foods.

Get the Recipe

5. Vodka Meatball Sauce

Vodka sauce? Yes, you heard it right, this homemade Vodka Sauce is the most elegant and the best sauce you can make easily at home!

Make gourmet-style dishes using this simple sauce, and create the best weeknight meal for your loved ones. You will totally get amazed by this awesome sauce.

Get the Recipe

6. Swedish Meatball Sauce

Do you like the famous IKEA’s Swedish meatballs? Then simply replicate it in your kitchen with this remarkable Swedish Meatball Sauce recipe.

This rich, buttery savory gravy is the star of this dish, and the juicy meatballs with it are just a perfectly delicious match. So do try this magical dish.

Get the Recipe

7. General Tso Sauce for Meatballs

Have you made General Tso Sauce at home? If not, this impressive recipe will show you exactly how to make it, just like your favorite Chinese restaurant.

You are going to love the sweet, sticky, umami, and spicy flavors that will coat your meatballs deliciously. Super simple, and super flavorful.

Get the Recipe

8. Creamy Parmesan Meatball Sauce

Creamy Parmesan Meatball Sauce will be your new go-to white sauce recipe for sure, as it’s the most flavorful and decadently rich and cheesy sauce.

This hassle-free recipe makes anything just too good. So all cheese lovers, get ready for this blissful sauce. It will be one of your favorite meatball sauce recipes.

Get the Recipe

9. Honey Garlic Sauce for Meatballs

Give your meatballs some extra delicious Asian flavors with this Honey Garlic Sauce recipe!

It’s an easy and quick way to make your busy weekday meal more special. The sweet, sticky, and savory sauce is made simply with honey, garlic, ketchup, and soy sauce. Easy peasy…

Get the Recipe @ dinnerthendessert

10. Grape Jelly Sauce for Meatballs

Surprise everyone at your future get-togethers with this insanely Grape Meatball Sauce.

Made with only 3 flavorful ingredients (grape jelly, bbq sauce, and chili garlic sauce), it makes the ultimate party appetizer. You can easily impress a large crowd with this easy recipe.

Get the Recipe @ natashaskitchen

11. Italian Sunday Sauce (Sunday Gravy)

Give this classic Italian Sunday Sauce a sure try and experience true deliciousness.

This slow and low-simmer gravy takes time to make, but it will pay off with outstanding flavors that are just out of this world delicious.

Get the Recipe @ oursaltykitchen

12. Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Jazz up your meatballs with an extraordinarily delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce, and get addicted to this lovely dish!

This recipe is amazingly easy to make with zesty, lemony, herby, and buttery flavors, that will become your new favorite sauce for meatballs. Simply enjoy…

Get the Recipe @ eatwell101

13. Korean BBQ Sauce for Meatballs

Make the quickest and easiest Korean BBQ sauce for Meatballs at home with this remarkable recipe!

The sauce is perfectly balanced with sweet, umami, and savory flavors, and can uplift any meat or vegetable to top-notch. So get ready for this Korean treat.

Get the Recipe @ savorynothings

14. Honey BBQ Meatball Sauce

This Honey BBQ Meatball Sauce made in a crockpot is mind-blowingly delicious.

The easy recipe creates the best party appetizer snacks, that are just loaded with fabulous flavors that are super hard to resist. It’s a great meatball sauce recipe to feed the crowd.

Get the Recipe @ tornadoughalli

15. Cream Meatball Sauce

Here’s another smashing recipe for a creamy meatball sauce for meatballs that will be a super hit with kids and adults alike.

This epic cream sauce is so tasty. You will love this flavorful and easy sauce recipe…

Get the Recipe @ natashaskitchen

16. Teriyaki Meatball Sauce

Make your dinner interesting with this fancy Teriyaki Meatball Sauce recipe!

The well-balanced flavors and ingredients make an absolute finger-licking delicious sauce that makes your simple meatballs the winner.

Get the Recipe @ carlsbadcravings

17. Buffalo Meatball Sauce

Everyone’s favorite Buffalo Sauce is simply divine, and makes meatballs completely irresistibly delicious.

This easy recipe shows how to make it perfectly spicy, zingy, and tasty every time. It’s too yummy…

Get the Recipe @ therecipecritic

18. Cajun Meatball Sauce

Cajun Meatball Sauce will be your most favorite sauce recipe ever!

The roasted tomatoes, smoky flavors, and Cajun seasoning with garlic and other herbs are an amazing combination, which totally compliments meatballs. A must-try meatball sauce recipe…

Get the Recipe @ jocooks

19. Cranberry Meatball Sauce

This holiday season, make this Cranberry Meatball sauce, and serve the most delicious appetizer to your guests.

This mouth-watering sauce is a combination of cranberry sauce, chilli sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar. It’s a perfect holiday recipe for you to try.

Get the Recipe @ dinneratthezoo

20. Philly Cheese Steak Meatball Sauce

You are definitely going to be a big fan of this Philly Cheese Steak Meatball Sauce, it’s just brimming with incredible cheesy flavors.

This creamy and phenomenal sauce can make simple meatballs super delicious. Just too good!

Get the Recipe @ thefoodcafe

21. Thai Red Curry Meatball Sauce

This Thai Red Curry Meatball Sauce will take you straight to the far east, and is packed with lots of bold flavors and ingredients.

Try this excellent curry sauce for your busy weekday dinner, it just takes 15 minutes to make.

Get the Recipe @ jocooks

22. Moroccan Meatball Sauce

Give your family an exotic treat with this Moroccan Meatball Sauce, and make the most delectable dinner ever.

The recipe is all about a stunning tomato sauce that is well-balanced with spices and superb flavors. Satisfy your taste buds with this restaurant-worthy recipe.

Get the Recipe @ simplywhisked

23. Tomato Parmesan Sauce

This cozy and hearty Tomato Parmesan Sauce recipe couldn’t get any easier, as it’s made in the slow cooker.

Jam-packed with a lots of amazing flavors, it’s one of our favorite meatball sauce recipes..

Get the Recipe @ eatwell101

24. Hawaiian Meatball Sauce

Surprise your guests is a tropical tropical treat with Hawaiian Meatball Sauce. The sweet and tangy-flavored sauce will win everyone’s heart and soul, and it will make your meatballs extremely delicious.

This recipe will show you how to perfect your sauce in a slow cooker, or on the stovetop.

Get the Recipe @ tastesbetterfromscratch

25. Butter Chicken Meatball Sauce

Give your meatballs some traditional Indian flavors with this Butter Chicken Meatball Sauce recipe!

This yummy, rich, and creamy sauce will completely get you hooked. So whenever you crave some Indian flavors, give this easy recipe a certain try.

Get the Recipe @ damndelicious

26. Creamy Paprika Meatball Sauce

Make this Creamy Paprika Meatball Sauce at home, it tastes purely out of this world delicious.

This buttery sour cream sauce will be a sure hit with your family. Try it to believe it…

Get the Recipe @ saltandlavender

27. Meatballs with Mushroom Sauce

Mushroom sauce and meatballs are a match made in heaven combination!

Everyone will love this super comforting meal, and you will surely keep this recipe in your back pocket.

Get the Recipe @ jocooks

28. Harissa Meatball Sauce

Harrisa Meatball Sauce is dedicated to all chili pepper lovers.

The perfectly smoked paprika and harissa make the sauce just amazingly flavorful. You are going to elevate your beloved meatballs to the next level.

Get the Recipe @ skinnytaste

29. Honey Bourbon Meatball Sauce

Folks, are you planning a future get-together at home and want a delicious appetizer for the night? Then slather your meatballs in this Honey Bourbon sauce, and wow everyone!

This recipe is so easy to make, and the bourbon gives it a great twist. It a guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser appetizer.

Get the Recipe @ asouthernsoul

30. Indian Meatball Curry Sauce

Let’s wrap up this spectacular list of meatball sauce recipes with the finest Indian Meatball Curry Sauce recipe.

Bold flavors with superb spices and ingredients will make the best meatball curry ever!

Get the Recipe @ vikalinka

So many great meatball sauce recipes to try, where to start?

Save or pin this collection of great recipes so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new easy recipes for you!

Check out these other recipe collections!
Meatball Recipes
Meatball Appetizers
Pasta Sauce Recipes
Ground Beef Recipes
Ground Pork Recipes
Ground Turkey Recipes
Ground Chicken Recipes
Ground Lamb Recipes

The 30 BEST Meatball Sauce Recipes (2)

30 BEST Meatball Sauce Recipes

This collection of easy and delicious Meatball Sauce Recipes will give you plenty of flavor options when the meatball craving hits. You can't go wrong with this classic marinara:

Ingredients

  • 2 28 oz cans of whole tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 finely chopped onions
  • 4 finely chopped garlic cloves
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • fresh basil
  • fresh oregano
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Salt, to taste
  • Sugar, to taste

Instructions

  1. In large, heavy bottomed pan, add olive oil, onion, garlic and half of the herbs. Slowly bring up heat and cook until softened.
  2. While other ingredients are heating up, pour tomatoes into a large bowl and crush them by hand into large chunks.
  3. Add tomatoes, black pepper and red pepper to pan, simmer for 45 minutes, partially covered.
  4. Remove from heat. Taste and adjust for seasonings.
  5. Serve with your favorite meatballs.

Did you make this recipe?

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The 30 BEST Meatball Sauce Recipes (3)

Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.

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    The 30 BEST Meatball Sauce Recipes (2024)

    FAQs

    Do meatballs get more tender the longer they cook in sauce? ›

    You want the oil to be about half a fingernail deep in the pan. Usually, I'm making meatballs with Sunday sauce. I simmer them in the sauce for 2-3 hours. The longer you simmer them, the softer they will be.

    How to make meatballs that don't fall apart in sauce? ›

    You can do a few things while preparing the meatballs to ensure they don't fall apart once they go into the tomato sauce.
    1. Don't add too much moisture: ...
    2. Keep the meat as cold as possible: ...
    3. Don't overwork the meat: ...
    4. Add meatballs to a simmering sauce, and don't over-stir:
    Mar 15, 2019

    What causes meatballs to fall apart in sauce? ›

    But too much bread crumbs make them too loose, and not enough bread crumbs won't help them hold together either. Similar issues can be caused by eggs: Too many eggs, and the meatballs will be too soggy.

    Is it better to bake meatballs or cook them in sauce? ›

    The best meatballs are tender, baked and browned in a hot oven to seal in all the juices. Simmered in robust sauce for a couple of minutes ensures they soak up all of those saucy flavours, this is an easy dinner recipe that will be a hit with your family!

    How long should I simmer meatballs in sauce? ›

    Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat back down to a light simmer. Add the meatballs and toss them with the sauce. Cover the pot and simmer for 45 minutes.

    What not to do when making meatballs? ›

    5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Meatballs
    1. Not seasoning the meat.
    2. Not adding any moisture to the meat.
    3. Over-mixing the meat.
    4. Not shaping the meatballs correctly.
    5. Not forming evenly-sized meatballs.
    May 1, 2019

    Is it better to bake meatballs at 350 or 400? ›

    After all of the Italian meatballs I've been making lately, I consider myself a meatball expert. A good rule of thumb is to bake meatballs for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees fahrenheit.

    Is it better to pan fry or oven bake meatballs? ›

    Baking will result in meatballs with a crunchy exterior, though the caramelisation achieved from frying will be superior. Baked meatballs take the least amount of effort, as you'll only need to turn them once or twice throughout the cook and you can make a larger batch at once.

    What is the secret of a tender meatball? ›

    Milk: Adds moisture and tenderizes the meat, making our meatballs juicy and tender once cooked. Egg: Adds more moisture and helps the mixture firm up once cooked. Parmesan: My secret ingredient for the best meatballs! Parmigiano-Reggiano adds flavor and salt to our mixture.

    Can meatballs be overcooked in sauce? ›

    Don't overcook your meatballs! Most recipes instruct us to bake the meatballs until they are completely cooked. Next, we are to let them simmer away in some kind of sauce for hours. It should be no surprise that your meatball is going to be completely overcooked and dry by the time you eat it.

    Can I cook raw meatballs in sauce? ›

    Yes, you can cook raw meatballs directly in the sauce. This method infuses the meatballs with the flavors of the sauce as they cook, resulting in a delicious and savory dish.

    Why add milk when making meatballs? ›

    When it comes to adding liquid to meatball mixtures, milk is often used for its versatility, depth of flavor, and richness. Without the use of milk, you may be faced with a plate of dry meatballs. Milk adds a certain level of moisture that helps produce perfectly tender meatballs.

    What happens if you put too much breadcrumbs in meatballs? ›

    Bread crumbs help give meatballs their unique texture and bulk. But too many bread crumbs and you're left with what taste like meaty matzoh balls. Don't overdo it.

    Should I put egg in my meatballs? ›

    You only need a small amount of egg – it's there only to help the cooked meatball retain its shape, and shouldn't detract from the meat's flavour or texture. Filler ingredients like breadcrumbs or flour are important too because they stop the meatballs becoming dry.

    Will meatballs soften in sauce? ›

    Letting your meatballs cook on the stove in a simmering sauce is the way to go. You'll end up with the most tender meatballs because as they simmer they soak up so much of that tomato sauce.

    Are meatballs better the longer you cook them? ›

    Just like a sausage, a hamburger, or a steak, the hotter you get them and the longer you cook them, the more moisture they lose. On the other hand, it was undeniable that the sauce got better and better as it cooked, both by reducing and by picking up flavor from the meatballs as they simmered.

    Can meatballs overcook in sauce? ›

    Don't overcook your meatballs! Most recipes instruct us to bake the meatballs until they are completely cooked. Next, we are to let them simmer away in some kind of sauce for hours. It should be no surprise that your meatball is going to be completely overcooked and dry by the time you eat it.

    Does simmering meatballs make them tender? ›

    It's an extra step that adds hands-on cook time, but it pays off in flavor dividends. Simmering meatballs in sauce also helps keeps them tender while they cook, while imbuing the sauce with additional flavor.

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