Meatballs are one of the easiest, most versatile dishes we can think of. Read on for the recipe for our favourite saucy meatballs and the many ways you can use them.

Meatballs are the best for busy weeknights when you need to feed kids quickly. They're easy to make ahead of time, can be tossed in all kinds of different sauces and piled on everything from rice and pasta to sandwiches and pizza, and you can pretty much guarantee they'll be devoured by kids and grown-ups alike. Keep reading for our favourite basic meatball recipe, but feel free to change up the seasonings, or consider stuffing them with cheese for a melty new take on an old favourite.

TIP: To spice up the meatballs themselves, swap Italian or chorizo sausage meat for the ground pork. Also, baking them helps them keep their shape and keeps them from spattering the stovetop.

Ingredients for Saucy Meatballs

1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup fresh or dry breadcrumbs
1 small onion, coarsely grated
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper

Instructions for Saucy Meatballs

1. Preheat the oven to 375F.

2. In a large bowl, combine meatball ingredients and mix gently by hand, without overworking the mixture (which could make the meatballs tough).

3. Shape meatball mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a rimmed, parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Bake for 20 min, until meatballs are just cooked through. (They will be springy to the touch.)

The serving options for meatballs are endless: Toss with marinara and pasta or pile into soft sub buns and melt a little cheese on top. Serve alongside roasted veggies and mashed potatoes. Cut in half and use as a pizza topping. The list goes on!

Sauce Options for Meatballs

You can also try one of these new sauce options (these are major crowd-pleasers when you're entertaining, too!).

Sweet and Sour

1 14 oz (398 ml) can crushed pineapple, with its juice
1 cup (250 ml) packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (125 ml) water
1/4 cup (60 ml) vinegar
3 tbsp (45 ml) all-purpose flour

Tangy

1 cup (250 ml) ketchup
1 small onion, coarsely grated
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/4 cup (60 ml) packed brown sugar
1/4 cup (60 ml) balsamic or red wine vinegar
2 tsp (10 ml) Worcestershire sauce

Orange Barbecue

1/2 cup (125 ml) orange marmalade
3/4 cup (185 ml) bottled barbecue sauce

Cocktail

1 cup (250 ml) grape jelly
1 cup (250 ml) chili sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice

Directions for Meatball Sauces

While meatballs are cooking, combine the ingredients for your choice of sauce to a simmer in a medium saucepan, whisking often until bubbly and thickened. Add the cooked meatballs and toss to coat. Serve warm.

Makes about 2 dozen meatballs.