A little reason to celebrate
National Meatball Day
Food ยท March 9
A food day for meatballs: seasoned rounds of ground meat, simmered in sauce, baked, or fried, and served in kitchens around the world.
National Meatball Day falls on Tuesday, March 9, 2027. That is 133 days away.
A meatball is ground meat, seasoned, rolled into a ball and cooked. That is the whole idea, and cooks in many countries have arrived at it on their own.
Most recipes add something to keep the meat tender, often breadcrumbs soaked in milk, plus an egg to hold it together. Garlic, onion, herbs and cheese show up often. Beef and pork are common, but lamb, chicken, turkey and fish all work, and plenty of cooks mix two meats.
In the United States the familiar version sits on spaghetti under tomato sauce, or gets tucked into a long roll with melted cheese. Swedish meatballs come small, with a creamy gravy and often a spoonful of lingonberry jam. Greek keftedes are flavored with mint. Albondigas, found across Spanish speaking kitchens, are often cooked in soup.
There are two main schools of cooking them. Some people brown meatballs in a pan first for a crust, then finish them in sauce. Others drop them raw into simmering sauce so they stay soft. Baking on a sheet pan is the quiet third option for anyone making a big batch.
The day is mostly marked at the stove or the table. A pot of meatballs freezes well, so a batch made now tends to turn into a second dinner later.
Ways to celebrate
- Roll a batch of meatballs at home using a family recipe.
- Try a meatball style from another country, like Swedish or Greek.
- Make a meatball sub with leftover sauce and cheese.
- Share a favorite meatball recipe with a friend or neighbor.
- Freeze extra meatballs for an easy future dinner.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday, March 9 |
| 2027 | Tuesday, March 9 |
| 2028 | Thursday, March 9 |
| 2029 | Friday, March 9 |
| 2030 | Saturday, March 9 |
Also on March 9
Categories: Food days