We’ve grown to love traditional spaghetti and meatballs, but there are so many other meatball sauces to explore. Meatballs are amazing because they’re loved by people of all ages. These meatball sauces allow you to explore some recipes from other countries, too. It’s great to add some versatility to your recipe rotation.
Every meatball sauce recipe on this list gives you a unique flavor that keeps this simple concept tasting fantastic and different.
You’ll even find dipping sauce for meatballs if you’d like a little snack before the big meal.
Meatballs have long been a staple in many cuisines, often served with a variety of sauces to suit diverse palates. As the perfect addition to pasta, rice, or nestled in a hearty sandwich, the combination of meatballs with a delicious sauce is hard to resist. In exploring the endless possibilities of flavors, there is always a meatball-sauce pairing waiting to become a new favorite.
Each sauce, whether it is tomato-based, creamy, or with a hint of spice, can transform an ordinary dish of meatballs into something extraordinary. The rich, tangy, and savory flavors can elevate the taste of meatballs, turning them into a delectable meal appreciated by both adults and children. Moreover, vegetarian and vegan alternatives for meatballs have become increasingly popular, allowing a wider audience to enjoy these dishes.
The meatball sauce ideas below won’t take you much time either so it’s a great way to keep your recipe new and exciting without having to stay in the kitchen all day.
So when you need a good sauce to go with meatballs, make sure to check this list because you’ll never run out of ideas.
Once you get a taste of this sage brown butter sauce, you won’t stop finding recipes to add it to.
It’s a really versatile sauce that goes over just about anything and brings something special to them all.
Having this one on meatballs will give you a flavor you might not want to live without so go ahead and stick the leftovers in the fridge to use for later.
This one is a real treat if you’ve never had the combination of flavors before.
The honey minced garlic sauce mixes sweet and savory flavors with the delicious taste of garlic to give you what might be one of your new favorite meatball sauces.
This also goes great on pork chops or chicken so make sure to keep this recipe nearby when you want it! You can even throw in some red pepper flakes to add some spice.
Then there’s no reason not to enjoy this fantastic sauce whenever possible so coat your meatballs and never look back.
When Asian food is calling your name you might want to turn to this sweet and sour recipe for a sauce that is going to taste absolutely fantastic.
The sauce itself comes together in under twenty minutes so as long as you have the ingredients on hand you can whip it up quickly and put it on something delicious.
So when you want a meatball sauce that isn’t exactly what you’d expect, give this one a try because it brings out a mix of flavors you’re probably not used to having with meatballs but you won’t be able to get away.
You’ve probably never heard of guajillo before but it’s a pretty common pepper found in Mexican dishes.
It’s super easy to make this chili sauce by just adding chipotle, guajillo, and Arbol peppers with some other spices.
The flavor is smoky and rich so you can use it on meats like steak, pork chops, chicken, or fish even though having it on some meatballs is extra delicious.
This one might sound a little odd because you’ve probably never used grape jelly on anything more complicated than peanut butter sandwiches.
But that’s where you’re wrong because this sauce can be used with any kind of cooked meatballs and it gives them a nice, subtle sweetness without being overbearing.
The grape jelly gives this one more of a sweet flavor so if you want something tangy or sour, this might not be your go-to choice.
Simple and easy to make, this garlic butter sauce is extremely versatile when it comes to what you can put it on.
It has a rich flavor that you’re going to enjoy each time you have the chance to work it in somewhere so keep this recipe in your back pocket for when you want something really tasty.
This is one of the most popular frozen meatball sauce ideas because it appeals to almost anyone with the flavors that are packed into it.
So don’t be afraid to use this one when you want something different but still crave your meatballs.
Very few can deny the delicious flavors of a good vodka sauce and this one doesn’t disappoint.
It’s not too often that you’ll see a meatball sauce with such a flavorful name but it definitely isn’t deceptive in terms of what it tastes like.
The vodka gives the sauce an extra kick that is unlike anything else you’ve had before and it will be an immediate hit at the table the next time you serve it.
It’s another one that goes well on a ton of different protein so you can always make a jar or two and keep it for later.
When you want the authentic Italian flavor, you have to try this simple tomato basil sauce because it’s the perfect combination of all your favorite flavors.
It’s a slightly different flavor from the marinara sauce but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good!
You can add in any other spices or herbs you want to give the sauce a little more depth and put it over pasta, chicken, fish, or beef.
It’s a great way to make a simple dish seem complex and it will be something people request you cook time and time again!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
