5 Best Breakfast Meatballs You Need to Try This Week!

Have you ever wondered why we limit meatballs to dinner when they could revolutionize your morning routine? Most people never consider these savory, protein-packed delights as a breakfast option, but they’re missing out on a game-changing morning meal!

These Breakfast Meatballs are the perfect solution for busy mornings when you need something substantial that can be prepared ahead of time. From classic Italian-inspired to maple-infused varieties, these morning meatballs will transform how you start your day.

Enjoy all the cozy flavor of cinnamon rolls in a healthy twist, this Baked Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal with Banana is your new go-to breakfast

Why Breakfast Meatballs Are Your New Morning Hero

Mornings can be chaotic, which is why Breakfast Meatballs are ideal. They’re protein-rich, customizable, and can be made in large batches for easy meal prep. Unlike traditional breakfast options, these savory spheres keep you satisfied longer and help avoid mid-morning energy crashes.

Let’s explore five delicious varieties that will revolutionize your breakfast routine and provide the perfect balance of protein, flavor, and convenience.

1. Classic Breakfast Sausage Meatballs

Ingredients List

1. 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (sage or maple flavored works wonderfully)
2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko creates a lighter texture)
3. 1 large egg, beaten
4. 1/4 cup finely diced onion
5. 1/4 cup finely diced bell pepper (red adds a nice pop of color)
6. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
7. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8. 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
9. 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking

For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed rice cereal or certified gluten-free oats. Turkey sausage can replace pork for a leaner alternative without sacrificing the comforting breakfast flavors we all crave.

Timing

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes (25% faster than traditional breakfast casseroles, making them perfect for busy mornings)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, diced onion, bell pepper, garlic powder, and black pepper. If using maple syrup, add it now for a subtle sweetness that enhances the savory flavors. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

With slightly damp hands (to prevent sticking), roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. This recipe should yield approximately 20-24 meatballs. For consistent cooking, try to make them all roughly the same size. A small cookie scoop can help ensure uniformity.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

2. Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Breakfast Meatballs

Ingredients List

• 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking

These Mediterranean-inspired Breakfast Meatballs bring bright, fresh flavors to your morning. The combination of spinach and feta creates a delightful, tangy contrast that pairs perfectly with the lean protein base.

Timing

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create Your Flavor Base

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey or chicken with chopped spinach, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. The key is distributing these flavorful ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 2: Bind the Mixture

Add the beaten egg and breadcrumbs to the bowl, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently until just combined. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb moisture, making the meatballs easier to form.

Step 3: Form and Cook

Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and cook in olive oil over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). These can also be baked at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes for a healthier option.

4. Southwest Chorizo and Egg Breakfast Meatballs

Ingredients List

• 1/2 pound ground chorizo
• 1/2 pound ground turkey
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup diced green chilies
• 1/4 cup corn kernels
• 1/4 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking

Timing

• Preparation time: 30 minutes (includes boiling eggs)
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine Proteins and Vegetables

In a large bowl, mix chorizo, ground turkey, chopped hard-boiled eggs, green chilies, corn, black beans, and bell pepper. The combination creates a colorful, Tex-Mex-inspired breakfast meatball with varied textures and flavors in every bite.

Step 2: Season and Bind

Add breadcrumbs, beaten egg, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until just combined. The spices infuse the meatballs with authentic Southwest flavors that wake up your taste buds.

Step 3: Form and Cook

Shape into 1.5-inch meatballs and cook in olive oil over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Serve with salsa, avocado slices, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

5. Quinoa and Veggie Breakfast Meatballs (Vegetarian)

Ingredients List

• 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed, drained, and mashed
• 1/2 cup grated zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out
• 1/4 cup grated carrot
• 1/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast or grated Parmesan
• 2 eggs, beaten (or flax eggs for a vegan option)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil for cooking

Timing

• Preparation time: 25 minutes (plus 15 minutes if cooking quinoa)
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 50-65 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create the Base

In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa and mashed black beans. Add grated zucchini (make sure to squeeze out excess moisture), carrots, chopped mushrooms, red onion, and garlic. This creates a nutrient-dense base packed with protein and fiber.

Step 2: Add Binding Ingredients

Mix in nutritional yeast or parmesan, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture holds together when pressed. If too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of olive oil.

Step 3: Form and Cook with Care

Form into 1.5-inch balls, handling gently as vegetarian meatballs are more delicate. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and firm. Alternatively, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes for a hands-off approach.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional profile varies across these Breakfast Meatballs recipes, but on average, a serving of three meatballs provides approximately:

Classic Breakfast Sausage Meatballs (3 meatballs): 250 calories, 18g protein, 15g fat, 8g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 2g sugar, 580mg sodium

Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Meatballs (3 meatballs): 210 calories, 22g protein, 12g fat,