Hello to all the meatball lovers in the house!
You know that a naked meatball is fine but a saucy meatball is the reason we are all here.
I have pulled together 19 incredible sauces that range from classic tomato to creamy sage brown butter for your dinner tonight.
1. Sage Brown Butter Sauce
This is absolutely one of my favorites on the entire list.
It comes together in less than 10 minutes with just sage leaves and butter plus some minced garlic. The flavor reminds me of a mix between a buttery croissant and Thanksgiving dinner.
2. Sweet and Sour Meatball Sauce
You only need ketchup and grape jelly to make this happen.
It sounds too simple to be true but the flavor is real. I know it seems impossible that two ingredients can taste this good together.
3. Sunday Sauce
The name is short but the ingredient list is long and lovely.
You get so much complexity from things like pork neck bones and Italian sausage plus red wine and herbs. It has garlic and onions and plenty of tomato goodness in every bite.
4. Garlic Butter Sauce
This creamy sauce is essentially a love letter to garlic.
You use four ingredients including flour and chicken broth to get that perfect consistency. It smothers your meatballs in rich butter and big umami flavor.
5. Greek Lemon Sauce
This sauce is seriously tart and made with just three simple ingredients.
You just need fresh lemon juice plus eggs and a dash of salt. It is a total hit if you love things on the sour side.
6. Marinara Sauce
You could buy a jar at the store but homemade is just so much more flavorful.
It only takes 5 minutes to prep this mix of whole peeled tomatoes and yellow onions. Let it simmer for 45 minutes with the garlic and oregano for a perfect result.
7. Mushroom Gravy
This is the right choice if you want that down home southern comfort vibe.
It is straightforward to cook and great for beginners. I love it on meatballs but it is also great on steak or rolls.
8. Yogurt Sauce
This is so much more than just a dollop of Greek yogurt.
You mix in fresh dill and cucumbers plus lemon juice for major zestiness. It is unique and tangy and brings a freshness unlike any other sauce here.
9. Bolognese
Most people know this classic sauce but not everyone knows how to make it from scratch.
It takes a little effort with ingredients like bacon and carrots plus celery and garlic. The phenomenal taste makes it the absolute star of the show.
10. Sour Cream Sauce
This sauce is buttery and tangy with a huge amount of herbs.
You get a little woodsy nuttiness from the nutmeg which adds great umami flavor. It is a wonderful addition to Swedish meatballs that takes just a bit of effort.
11. Tomato Basil Sauce
This is for anyone who wants something tangy and herby with fresh ingredients.
The heavy whipping cream makes the texture thick and velvety smooth. You get extra tanginess from sour cream plus big flavor from garlic and basil.
12. Guajillo Sauce
This sauce is flavored with tomato and garlic and brings a little bit of heat.
It gives your meatballs a delicious Mexican flavor profile. It is the one for you if you want something spicy.
13. Swedish Meatball Sauce
It takes less time to make than marinara but uses a few more ingredients.
The result is thick and creamy with a kick from Dijon mustard and soy sauce. I love serving this buttery rich sauce over mashed potatoes.
14. Creamy Tomato Sauce
This is the obvious choice if you prefer a tomato base with a little richness.
It uses heavy cream to get that luscious texture. Scatter some parmesan cheese on top for an authentic Italian treat.
15. Mustard Dill Sauce
This tangy sauce features a strong dill flavor with just a hint of mustard underneath.
You get a little bit of garlic flavor coming through as well. It is a very herby sauce option.
16. Vodka Cream Sauce
You heat up olive oil and cook the onions and garlic until fragrant.
Pour in the vodka and stir in beef broth for a thick and creamy result. It is a tomatoey sauce that tastes great on meatballs or pasta.
17. Honey Garlic Meatball Sauce
The combination of a cup of honey and four cloves of garlic is just flawless.
It has an Asian flair with a spicy kick from Chinese 5 spice powder. I like to sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for a little crunch.
18. Grape Jelly Sauce
This version uses chili sauce instead of ketchup for a thicker result.
It is rich and has just a bit of heat to back it up. The spice level really depends on the type of chili sauce you use.
19. Tomato Sauce
Sometimes you just want something simple that is full of fresh garden flavor.
You only need whole plum tomatoes plus garlic and olive oil. It is simple but scrumptious with a little spice from red pepper flakes.