Although a lot has changed since then, meatball mania has only gotten better and better.

They’ve made their way out of spaghetti bowls and onto kabobs and into soups.

And meatballs consistently hold their own against other apps at the party table.

spaghetti and meatballs

Shutterstock

And for more, don’t miss these35+ Healthy Pasta Recipes for Weight Loss.

And if anything, go heavy on the meatballs and light on the pasta.

Get our recipe forSpaghetti and Turkey Meatballs.

healthy spaghetti meatballs

Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Get our recipe forAsian Chicken Meatballs.

This dish is Whole30-approved and gluten-free.

Get our recipe forSpicy Turkey Meatballs with Sweet Potato Fries.

Paleo asian chicken meatballs

Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Get our recipe forMeatballs With Polenta.

Also perfect for meal planning as it will keep great frozen in the fridge.

Double the recipe, and you’ll be set for the week!

Whole30 Spicy Meatballs with sweet potato fries

Posie Brien/Eat This, Not That!

Get our recipe forItalian Meatball Soup.

The easy way to make healthier comfort foods.

Get our recipe forCrock-Pot Italian Meatballs.

Healthy meatballs polenta

Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

You’ll save on calories, but you’ll gain considerably on taste!

Get our recipe forTurkey Swedish Meatballs.

Classic Italian Meatballs

Ever want to learn how to make authentic Italian meatballs?

Paleo meatball soup

Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Get our recipe forClassic Italian Meatballs.

Feta Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Pasta

No noodles?

We love that this recipe utilizes two cheesesfeta and parmesanto keep you coming back for more.

Crock pot Italian meatballs with spaghetti

Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Get the recipe fromInspiralized.

Get the recipe fromCupcakes and Kale Chips.

Complete the meal by serving this delicious curry dish over warm rice, quinoa, or rice noodles.

Paleo swedish meatballs

Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Get the recipe fromFit Foodie Finds.

This vitamin-rich meal takes just 45 minutes to make!

Get the recipe fromHeartbeet Kitchen.

close up of Italian meatballs plate

Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Sweet and Sour Meatball Skewers

Meatballs on a skewer?

This recipe comes to life by using frozen meatballs, fresh-cut red and green peppers, and apricot jam.

It takes under half an hour to make, so you will have this meal ready in no time.

vegan eggplant meatballs

Courtesy of The First Mess

Get the recipe fromTaste and Tell.

One of its best parts?

Get the recipe fromRecipe Runner.

zucchini pasta with turkey meatballs

Courtesy of Inspiralized

Get the recipe fromHow Sweet Eats.

Get the recipe fromI Breathe, I’m Hungry.

This recipe also has hot sauce, meaning it’ll rev up yourmetabolism, too.

bowl of bbq turkey meatballs

Courtesy of Cupcakes and Kale Chips

Get the recipe fromThe Almond Eater.

In fact, beans contain a special kind of fiber that resists digestion, keeping you fuller longer.

Get the recipe fromThe Cozy Apron.

sweet potato chicken meatballs in pan

Courtesy of Fit Foodie Finds

Get the recipe fromLittle Spice Jar.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

You won’t even miss the nutrient-void bun with these bacon cheeseburger meatballs.

Just verify to opt for grass-fed beef, which is naturally higher in protein.

greek meatball bowl

Courtesy of Inspiralized

Get the recipe fromAn Affair from the Heart.

Chicken Nugget Meatballs

Apparently,chicken nuggetmeatballs are a thingand we’re into it.

Get the recipe fromWill Cook for Smiles.

lemon cardamom meatballs in a pan

Courtesy of Heartbeet Kitchen

Zucchini Meatballs

From zoodles to zoats, zucchinis are one of the most versatile veggies around.

Get the recipe fromSkinny Taste.

Creamy Swedish Meatballs

Skip Ikea and whip up this homemade Scandinavian favorite.

sweet and sour meatball skewers

Courtesy of Taste and Tell

Sounds like a no-brainer to us.

Get the recipe fromDamn Delicious.

Get the recipe fromJust a Taste.

pan of lemon rosemary turkey meatballs with halved lemon

Courtesy of Recipe Runner

To lower the saturated fat content, opt for part-skim cheese.

Get the recipe fromBaker by Nature.

This meatless recipe is made with cauliflower, quinoa, egg, almond flour, garlic, and spices.

chicken meatball pita with hummus and lemon wedge

Courtesy of How Sweet Eats

you’ve got the option to use a similar recipe to create meatlessburgers!

Get the recipe fromPinch of Yum.

To increase its weight-shrinking effects, let the rice cool after it’s cooked.

meatballs parmigiana

Courtesy of I Breathe Im Hungry

This changes the starches into resistant starches through a process called retrogradation.

Get the recipe fromThe Recipe Critic.

It’s tough being on aweight-lossdiet when you’re an Italian foodie.

buffalo cauliflower quinoa meatballs

Courtesy of The Almond Eater

But with a little portion control, it’s possible for you to still enjoy this classic dish.

Get the recipe fromButter with a Side of Bread.

Get the recipe fromFoodie Crush.

italian meatball

Courtesy of The Cozy Apron

Drizzled with a tasty yogurt sauce, this one livens up even the most boring menu.

To boost the protein count, opt forGreek yogurtover plain.

Get the recipe fromSweet Peas and Saffron.

hawaiian bbq chicken meatballs

Courtesy of The Little Spice Jar

Get the recipe fromThe Melrose Family.

Thai Chicken Meatballs with Peanut Sauce

Ah, peanut butter.

The foodie fave contains a plant sterol called beta-sitosterol, which helps manage stress.

bacon cheeseburger meatballs

Courtesy of An Affair from the Heart

But if you’re consuming peanut butter on a daily basis, check outThe 20 Top Peanut ButtersRanked!

Get the recipe fromJo Cooks.

chicken meatball

Courtesy of I Breathe I’m Hungry

roasted garlic rosemary meatballs

Courtesy of Will Cook For Smiles

zucchini meatballs

Courtesy of Skinny Taste

swedish meatballs

Courtesy of Damn Delicious

asian chicken meatball

Courtesy of Just a Taste

mozzarella stuffed meatballs

Courtesy of Baker By Nature

cauliflower meatballs

Courtesy of Pinch of Yum

porcupine meatballs

Courtesy of The Recipe Critic

cheesy meatball bites

Courtesy of Butter with a Side of Bread

kale turkey meatballs

Courtesy of Foodie Crush

feta stuffed greek turkey meatballs

Courtesy of Sweet Peas and Saffron

hibachi steakhouse meatballs

Courtesy of I Breathe I’m Hungry

mini meatball spaghetti pie

Courtesy of The Melrose Family

chicken meatballs peanut sauce

Courtesy of Jo Cooks