The Best Gluten-Free Meatballs (Easy Recipe)

These gluten-free meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make with gluten-free breadcrumbs, sugar-free ketchup, and spices. Perfect for a healthy, hearty meal!

Alright, friends, if you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and completely gluten-free, then get ready to meet your new favorite dinner: Gluten-Free Meatballs! 

These little flavor bombs are juicy, perfectly spiced, and loaded with all the right stuff—without a speck of gluten in sight. 

Whether you’re gluten-free by necessity or by choice, these meatballs are here to make you forget all about boring meals.

These beautiies are guaranteed to steal the show no matter if you’re serving them with a side of gluten-free pasta, tucking them into a delicious meatball sub, or simmering them in your favorite tomato sauce. 

Plus, they’re easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and even freezer-friendly! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to making the best gluten-free meatballs your taste buds have ever experienced.

If you love easy dinner recipes you may also enjoy my Medium Rare Air Fryer Burgers or my Easy Buffalo Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS GLUTEN FREE MEATBALLS RECIPE

You’ll love this Gluten-Free Meatballs recipe because it’s the perfect combination of juicy, flavorful, and guilt-free! 

Made with gluten-free breadcrumbs, sugar-free ketchup, and a blend of spices, these meatballs are packed with taste while keeping things light and healthy. 

Whether you’re gluten-free or just looking for a delicious dinner option, these meatballs are super versatile and easy to whip up for any occasion.

Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, making them your new go-to for busy nights!

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE HOMEMADE GLUTEN-FREE MEATBALLS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the tender meatballs (the detailed instructions, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

• Gluten-free bread crumbs – can also use gluten-free crackers or regular breadcrumbs.
• Minced fresh garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Onion powder – you know the drill—flavor town, population: you
• Paprika
• Red chili flakes
• Unsweetened almond milk
• Lean ground beef – can also use ground chicken, ground turkey, ground pork, or ground meat of choice.
• Sugar-free ketchup – we’re keeping it tangy and healthy
• Mustard -for that zesty, bold flavor kick
• Large eggs – to hold it all together like a pro
• Sea salt and black pepper
• Optional – garlic powder, olive oil, fresh onion, fresh parsley, or other fresh herbs of choice.

HOW TO MAKE THE HOMEMADE MEATBALLS

1. Soak Those Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, soak your gluten-free breadcrumbs and spices in unsweetened almond milk for about 5-10 minutes. This step is the secret sauce for keeping your meatballs extra moist and soft. The breadcrumbs will soak up the milk, making your meatballs seriously tender.
2. Mix It All Together: In a large bowl, combine the soaked breadcrumbs, ground beef, sugar-free ketchup, and mustard. Crack in the eggs and mix everything until well combined.
3. Roll ‘Em Up: Get in there with your hands and roll the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Can also use a cookie scoop to make them even sized raw meatballs.
4. Cook ‘Em Your Way:
   1. Pan-Fry: Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
   2. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the meatballs in a single layer for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
5. Serve & Enjoy: Serve your tender, juicy meatballs with gluten-free spaghetti, zoodles, spaghetti squash or on a salad for a low-carb option. Serve with marinara sauce, parmesan cheese and caesar salad for a flavorful meal.

STORING LEFTOVER MEATBALLS

To store your leftover gluten-free meatballs, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. 

If you want to save them for longer, freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months! 

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the microwave, oven, or skillet until warmed through. Perfect for quick and easy meals on busy days!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Soak the Breadcrumbs: Soaking your gluten-free breadcrumbs in unsweetened almond milk for 5-10 minutes will make your meatballs extra tender and juicy. This is the key to avoiding dry, crumbly meatballs!
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make tough meatballs instead of juicy.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform meatballs, use a cookie scoop to portion the mixture. This ensures they cook evenly and look picture-perfect.
• Chill Before Cooking: For firmer meatballs that hold their shape, let them chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before cooking. It helps them stay together while cooking.
• Fry or Bake: You can either pan-fry the meatballs for a crispy outer layer or bake them for a hands-off cooking approach. Both methods work, so choose your favorite!
• Test for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of your meatballs reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked meat.
• Freeze for Later: Make a big batch and freeze the extras. Meatballs freeze beautifully, and you’ll thank yourself later for having a quick meal option ready to go.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to get creative with the spices! Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat or swap in your favorite herbs like parsley or oregano for extra flavor.

FAQS

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO MIX THE MEAT MIXTURE FOR THIS GLUTEN-FREE MEATBALL RECIPE?

In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground meat, seasonings, and gluten-free breadcrumbs (or almond flour). Using your hands is the favorite way to mix, but don’t overmix the meat mixture—just enough to combine for tender meatballs!

HOW SHOULD I COOK THESE FOR THE BEST GLUTEN-FREE MEATBALLS?

For the best flavor, bake the meatballs on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper in the oven, or fry them in a large skillet for a crispy outside. You can also simmer them in tomato sauce on the stove top or cook them in a slow cooker for extra tenderness.

CAN I MAKE MEATBALL SUBS FOR THIS RECIPE?

Oh yes! These gluten-free meatballs are perfect for meatball subs. Just stuff them in a gluten-free sub roll, add cheese, and smother with marinara sauce for that Italian restaurant feel right at home!

HOW DO I FREEZE THIS MEATBALL MIXTURE FOR LATER?

Freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a sheet pan. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for easy storage. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months!

CAN I FREEZE UNCOOKED MEATBALLS?

Yes! Place the meatball mixture onto a parchment paper lined tray, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw and cook as normal.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO SERVE GLUTEN-FREE MEATBALLS?

Serve your gf meatballs over gluten-free pasta, in a meatball sub, or simply as a delicious appetizer with dipping sauces. You’ve got endless options for serving!

Other Healthy Dinner Ideas You May Want To Try!

• Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
• Keto Greek Salad Recipe
• Low Carb Big Mac Salad Bowl
• Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Recipe With Meat Sauce
• Spicy Salmon Sushi Bowl Recipe
• Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls With Easy Peanut Sauce
• Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers (Quick And Juicy)
• Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Bites
• Easy Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe

IF YOU TRIED THESE EASY GLUTEN-FREE MEATBALLS PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS FLAVORFUL MEATBALL RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails