13 Delicious Leftover Meatball Recipes

Posted on September 14, 2025

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13 Delicious Leftover Meatball Recipes

Struggling to find creative ways to reuse last night’s dinner? Repurposing leftovers can be a game-changer, and we’re here to help you turn your meatballs into something truly special! Meatballs are incredibly versatile, and their uses extend far beyond the classic spaghetti dish. Whether served as a standalone snack, transformed into a mouth-watering sub, or added to a hearty stew, there’s no shortage of meal ideas that showcase the humble meatball’s versatility.

The one thing that unites all these recipes is an unbeatable combination of flavors and textures. And who can resist the allure of a perfectly cooked meatball? In fact, their popularity has earned them a dedicated national day – mark your calendars for March 9th to celebrate National Meatballs Day! Within this guide, you’ll discover a diverse range of recipes that take inspiration from traditional meatball meals and push the boundaries with more unconventional creations.

Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade meatballs, rest assured that each dish will deliver mouth-watering results. With this in mind, we’ve curated 13 innovative leftover meatball recipes that will breathe new life into your last night’s dinner. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and explore the world of delicious meatball creations together!

Meatball Bombs

Meatball Bombs

Sometimes you just crave something comforting and familiar, like a homemade meatball dish wrapped up in a warm, flaky pastry. These Meatball Bombs deliver on both fronts, combining juicy meatballs with creamy cheese and rich marinara sauce in a deliciously seasoned garlic butter crust that will leave you wanting more.

With their ease of preparation and abundance of flavor, it’s no wonder these treats are sure to become a staple in your kitchen – perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. And the best part? You don’t need to be a skilled baker to make them, as they require minimal effort and expertise. Simply roll out your biscuit dough, place the filling in the center, fold, and pop into the oven – it’s really that simple!

The combination of cheese, marinara sauce, and meatballs is a match made in heaven, and when you add the convenience factor to the mix, you have a winner on your hands. Go To Recipe

Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole

Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole

Zeroing in on convenience, we’ve got you covered with a simple meal solution that’s quick, easy, and mouth-watering. With just five ingredients and 55 minutes to spare, you can have a delicious dinner ready in no time, perfect for those busy weeknights when the clock is ticking. This family-friendly recipe delivers maximum flavor without requiring any extensive cooking techniques – yes, even boiling pasta is a thing of the past!

Weekday dinners don’t get much better than this promise of effortless yet satisfying results. Simply toss all the ingredients together in one large baking dish, including the dry pasta, and then add water to kick-start the magic process. Let your oven do its thing while you attend to other pressing matters – it’s that easy! All you need to do is top it off with a generous helping of mozzarella cheese for a gooey, cheesy finish.

The transformed spaghetti and meatballs casserole is sure to win over even the pickiest of eaters, boasting rich, meaty, and cheesy flavors that are impossible to resist. With this recipe, you can have it all – convenience, taste, and satisfaction – without breaking a sweat!

Meatball Sub

Meatball Sub

Undoubtedly, one of the most satisfying combinations of flavors is found in a submarine-style sandwich, perfectly balancing cheesy, meaty, and saucy elements. Useful for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a game party or just need a hearty lunch, these meatball subs are an excellent choice! Understandably, everyone will love them.

The key to creating this delightful dish lies in the preparation of garlic submarine buns, which are lightly toasted before being filled with either homemade or store-bought meatballs smothered in a rich marinara or tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Unquestionably, the result is nothing short of mouthwatering!

Meatball Pizza

Meatball Pizza

Mediterranean Meatball Gyros Sandwich

Mediterranean Meatball Gyros Sandwich

Savoring the flavors of Greece has never been easier than with these Mediterranean Meatball Gyros Sandwiches. The combination of rich flavors and satisfying texture makes for an incredibly enjoyable eating experience. By incorporating traditional Greek cuisine-inspired flavors, the addition of meatballs gives this classic recipe a unique twist that’s sure to impress. While the recipe may appear complicated at first glance due to its many components, it’s actually surprisingly simple to prepare.

In just about 30 minutes, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious and filling lunch that will keep you satisfied until dinner time.

Mexican Meatball Salad

Mexican Meatball Salad

Spruce up your salad game by incorporating a new twist – adding meatballs to the mix. This Mexican salad stands out from the ordinary, boasting rich, creamy flavors that are quintessentially authentic. At its foundation lies a bed of crisp lettuce, smothered in a light and refreshing dressing.

The subsequent layers reveal an array of textures and tastes: scallions add a pungency, shredded pepper jack contributes a tangy kick, while cheese, sour cream, and cilantro bring contrasting creamy elements. Avocado slices provide luscious smoothness, marinara sauce adds a burst of savory flavor, queso fresco brings a crumbly richness, and the star of the show – meatballs – tie everything together in perfect harmony.

Meatball Smash Grilled Cheese

Meatball Smash Grilled Cheese

Surprisingly, elevating a classic grilled cheese sandwich with leftover meatballs can create an unforgettable dining experience. The harmonious combination of melted cheese and savory meatballs is sure to delight your taste buds. By incorporating this twist, you’ll not only repurpose leftovers but also add depth to a familiar favorite. What’s more, the result will be a satisfying meal that leaves no room for crumbs or waste.

Baked Spaghetti And Meatballs

Baked Spaghetti And Meatballs

Unlock a world of flavors by elevating traditional spaghetti and meatballs to new heights with this recipe! If you’re someone who finds regular spaghetti underwhelming and unappealing, then why not shake things up with this simple yet exciting twist? Undergoing the process of baking your meatballs on a bed of spaghetti, topped with homemade marinara sauce and an abundance of melted cheese, will completely transform your perception of traditional spaghetti.

Plus, it only requires 15 minutes of your time to prepare, after which the rest is left in the oven to do its magic. Once cooked, you’ll be rewarded with a crispy golden crust on top and a bed of stringy goodness waiting for you underneath, a perfect combination that’s sure to delight even the pickiest eaters.

Baked Spaghetti And Meatball Cups

Baked Spaghetti And Meatball Cups

Often we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, especially on busy Monday mornings when it’s easy to skip breakfast altogether. However, a delicious and portable meal can be just what you need to fuel your day ahead. One of the most appealing aspects of this baked spaghetti and meatball cup recipe is that it fits all the best criteria for a perfect breakfast food: compact, convenient, and packed with nutrients.

French Onion Soup With Meatballs

French Onion Soup With Meatballs

Often, French Onion Soup is thought of as a simple, yet delicious dish, but this recipe takes it to the next level by incorporating meatballs, elevating its richness and flavor profile. The combination of caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and tender meatballs creates a heartier and more satisfying soup that’s sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting or just need a twist on a classic, this French Onion Soup with Meatballs is an absolute must-try!

Meatball Sliders

Meatball Sliders

Keeping the essence of burgers alive, sliders can also feature meatballs as a creative twist. Key to elevating these mini meals is adding melty mozzarella, ensuring each bite is extra saucy with marinara sauce, and sprinkling parmesan cheese for an authentic flavor boost – you’ll be enjoying the perfect burger in no time!

Philly Cheese Steak Meatballs

Philly Cheese Steak Meatballs

Vying for attention in the world of party snacks and appetizers, these Philly cheese steak meatballs are a game-changer. By combining the classic flavors of a cheesesteak sandwich into bite-sized balls, they offer an exciting twist on a familiar favorite. Whether you’re serving them as a starter or as the main event, the rich cheese sauce brings all the components together perfectly.

Serve them on their own or pair with some warm sourdough bread to soak up every last morsel of that delicious, gooey goodness.

Meatball Soup

Cozy up with a warm, comforting bowl of meatballs and soup that will transport you back to your childhood memories. This delectable dish is a perfect solution for those chilly winter days when nothing else seems to satisfy. In this recipe, the rich, vegetable-packed broth serves as the perfect accompaniment to the deliciously meaty meatballs, making it an absolute treat for the taste buds.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or just something to warm your insides, this meatball soup is sure to hit the spot.

Can I Use Leftover Meatballs in any of the 33 Mind-Blowing Recipes To Make With Spam?

Juxtaposing leftover meatballs with popular Spam recipes is an innovative approach that can add a thrilling twist to your cooking. In fact, it’s not uncommon for people to combine these two ingredients in various dishes, yielding surprisingly tasty results. If you’re looking to venture beyond the ordinary and explore new flavors, this collection of 33 mind-blowing Spam recipes is sure to inspire your culinary imagination and provide a fresh perspective on traditional meatball-based meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Very often, we’re left wondering how long our cooked meatballs can last safely in the fridge or freezer. When stored correctly in an airtight container within your refrigerator, cooked meatballs typically have a shelf life of 3 to 4 days. However, if you want to extend their storage period, consider placing them in the freezer instead. Properly frozen, they should remain at their best quality for approximately 3 to 4 months.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts

Looking at the versatility of meatballs in various recipes is quite impressive. One of the benefits of making meatballs is that they can be easily stored in the refrigerator if not consumed immediately, which opens up a wide range of possibilities for using leftover meatballs.

Whether you’re in the mood for meatball sliders and subs, meatball pizza or calzones, or even creative dishes like meatball soup and meatball-stuffed bread rolls, this guide has hopefully provided you with some exciting ideas to repurpose your leftover meatballs.

Directions

Jumpstart your culinary adventure by selecting one of our featured recipes. Click on the recipe title to be redirected to its original source, where you can explore more detailed instructions and expert tips. Next, gather all the necessary ingredients, taking note of any specific requirements or substitutions that may be suggested. Finally, get cooking!

As you enjoy the fruits of your labor, don’t forget to leave a review, providing feedback that will help us improve our content for future readers.

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