Gluten-Free Meatballs

So good you’ll never think they’re gluten-free.

Table of Contents

Folks who can’t eat gluten tend to miss out on some great foods. However, meatballs don’t have to be one of those foods. With one or two minor changes from a traditional meatball recipe like using gluten-free breadcrumbs, it’s possible to make a batch of meatballs that’s gluten-free. It’s actually not that difficult. Just like any other meatball recipe, all you have to do is mix the ingredients in a bowl together without overworking them, roll them into balls, and let the oven do the rest.

The best part is that you would never guess, based on their taste, that these meatballs are gluten-free. Just like any good meatballs, there is still a mixture of garlic, onion, and oregano in them, so there is plenty of flavor. These gluten-free meatballs also come out tender and juicy and won’t fall apart on you. If any occasion calls for meatballs that can’t have gluten, then this is the recipe to use.

Are Gluten-Free Meatballs Healthy?

Naturally, these gluten-free meatballs are great for someone who is allergic to gluten. Also, while the recipe calls for beef, leaner meats like turkey or chicken can be used to make these meatballs even healthier. Either way, this recipe should provide plenty of protein without a lot of carbs or calories. The cholesterol and sodium in these meatballs might be a little high for some people, although these meatballs should be healthy enough for most diets.

Go Easy When Mixing…

When mixing the meat and other ingredients together, it’s always best to be gentle. If you overwork the meat, it will become tough. Instead, only work the ingredients enough to mix everything together, so that the meatballs come out juicy and flavorful. Speaking of flavor, feel free to play around with the seasonings as you like. You may omit some spices if you don’t like them and substitute them with others. For instance, paprika and chili flakes are preferred by those who like spicy meatballs, although there is nothing wrong with relying on garlic, onion, and oregano.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat

Prepare oven and baking sheet.

Mix

Combine ingredients to form meatball mixture.

Form

Shape mixture into meatballs and arrange on baking sheet.

Bake

Cook meatballs until done.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Leftover gluten-free meatballs can be kept in an airtight container and stored in the fridge for 2 or 3 days. They can also be flash-frozen and stored in freezer bags for up to 2 months.

How do I keep these meatballs from falling apart?

Just like in this recipe, the best way to keep meatballs together is to use a lightly beaten egg. One egg is usually enough to bind all of the ingredients together.

Serving Suggestions

Obviously, meatballs go best with pasta. But if you’re making gluten-free meatballs, you probably need a gluten-free main course as well. Luckily, there are a few options available. One of my favorites is Gluten-Free Pasta with Cheesy Pumpkin Sauce. Another dish worth trying is Cauliflower Alfredo Baked Penne Carbonara, which is also gluten-free. Finally, I would also suggest having these meatballs alongside Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese with Zucchini Noodles.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of other great meatball recipes available. One of my favorites is Sweet and Sour Paleo Meatballs. I would also recommend trying Paleo Italian Meatballs in the Instant Pot and Chicken Meatballs. Finally, if you need meatballs that have no meat or dairy in them, check out this recipe for Vegan Meatballs.