Meatballs are always a tasty treat whether they sit on top of spaghetti or hang out in a slow cooker. The sauce is what really makes them shine.
Most people stick to marinara or gravy but you have so many other delicious options. I have pulled together 19 amazing sauces ranging from honey garlic to vodka cream.
You will definitely find a new favorite on this list.
1. Mushroom Gravy
This gravy brings big southern comfort energy to the table. It tastes incredible on everything from steaks to soft buttery rolls.
The cooking process is super straightforward and perfect for beginners.
2. Tomato Basil Sauce
Fresh herbs make this tangy option sing. Heavy whipping cream creates a thick and velvety texture alongside garlic and parmesan.
Sour cream adds a perfect little zing that cannot be beat.
3. Honey Garlic Meatball Sauce
This Asian-inspired option balances sweet and savory notes beautifully. Honey joins forces with soy sauce and plenty of garlic for big flavor.
Chinese 5-spice powder brings the heat while sesame seeds add a nice crunch.
4. Marinara Sauce
Homemade is always better than the jarred stuff you buy at the store. You only need five minutes of prep before letting it simmer to perfection.
Whole peeled tomatoes mix with oregano and red pepper flakes for big flavor.
5. Sage Brown Butter Sauce
This might be my absolute favorite sauce on the entire list. It comes together in under ten minutes with just sage and butter and garlic.
The flavor reminds me of a cozy Thanksgiving feast.
6. Yogurt Sauce
It looks simple but this sauce packs a massive punch of freshness. Greek yogurt gets mixed with crisp cucumbers and bright lemon juice.
Fresh dill makes it zingy and totally unique.
7. Bolognese
A classic bolognese definitely requires a little extra effort. You need quite a few ingredients like bacon and carrots to get it right.
The result is a phenomenal star of the dinner table.
8. Sweet and Sour Meatball Sauce
You only need ketchup and grape jelly for this one. It sounds too simple to be true.
Trust me when I say the taste is incredible.
9. Mustard Dill Sauce
Tangy dill is the main event here. Mustard provides a subtle background note.
Garlic rounds out the flavors perfectly.
10. Greek Lemon Sauce
Three ingredients are all that stand between you and this tart delight. Eggs mix with fresh lemon juice and salt.
It is a dream for anyone who loves sour flavors.
11. Tomato Sauce
Fresh garden flavors shine in this simple recipe. Whole plum tomatoes simmer with a bay leaf and garlic.
It is rustic and totally scrumptious.
12. Swedish Meatball Sauce
This thick and creamy wonder comes together quickly. Worcestershire and Dijon mustard provide a nice little kick.
Mashed potatoes are the perfect partner for this rich sauce.
13. Vodka Cream Sauce
Soft onions and garlic start this creamy tomato masterpiece. Vodka gets stirred in with beef broth for richness.
It tastes amazing on just about anything.
14. Grape Jelly Sauce
Grape jelly teams up with chili sauce here. The result is thick and rich with a nice little spicy kick.
Your choice of chili sauce controls the heat level.
15. Guajillo Sauce
Tomato and garlic team up for a spicy treat. This is the one you want for Mexican-inspired flavors.
It brings just the right amount of heat.
16. Sour Cream Sauce
Buttery and tangy notes define this herby creation. Nutmeg adds a lovely bit of woodsy nuttiness.
It pairs beautifully with classic Swedish meatballs.
17. Creamy Tomato Sauce
Heavy cream makes this tomato base incredibly luscious. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese takes it over the top.
It feels like an authentic Italian treat.
18. Sunday Sauce
The ingredient list is long but totally worth it. Pork neck bones and Italian sausage build incredible depth alongside red wine.
Every bite is packed with complex savory goodness.
19. Garlic Butter Sauce
Garlic lovers need to try this four-ingredient wonder. Butter and garlic create a creamy and herby experience.
It smothers everything in savory umami flavor.