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    Home » Dinner

    Gluten-Free Meatballs

    Published: Mar 3, 2019 · by Audrey

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    gluten-free meatballs Pinterest pin 1

    An easy recipe for gluten-free meatballs. These gluten-free meatballs are perfectly spiced with Italian seasonings and baked so they are juicy and tender. gluten-free meatballs over spaghetti in cast iron pan

    Gluten-Free Meatballs

    Gluten-free meatballs are one of my family’s favorite meals. It’s an easy gluten-free meal that I can make for my family in just 30 minutes!

    Making Italian style gluten-free meatballs only need a few simple ingredients. The are super easy to make and does not require a lot of prep time.

    There are several ways to make gluten-free meatballs.  For example, you can use gluten-free oatmeal, potato flakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs as the binder. My favorite way to make meatballs is with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

    For this recipe I partnered with Schär and used the Schär gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the meatballs. Their breadcrumbs are finely ground and also work perfectly in meatballs, meatloaf, and breaded chicken recipes.

    Gluten-Free Baked Meatballs

    My favorite way to cook gluten-free meatballs is baking them. I can bake them all at one time and it’s an easy clean-up. Unlike pan frying, you don’t have to cook them in batches. I also find that baking the gluten-free meatballs helps them to be less greasy, but they are just as juicy as pan-fried meatballs.

    How To Make Gluten-Free Meatballs

    • Preheat oven to 375°F. Line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil and spray with gluten-free cooking spray.
    • In a small bowl, stir together the gluten-free breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, nutmeg, and minced garlic. Stir in the milk and let sit for 2-3 minutes. (photo 1 & 2)
    • In a large bowl, mix together the beef and the eggs. Add the gluten-free bread crumb mixture and mix together to fully combine. Do not overmix the meat or the meatballs will be tough. (photo 3)
    • Use a large greased cookie scoop to scoop out the meat and roll into 2″ balls. Place on the lined baking sheet and repeat. (photo 4)
    • Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and reach 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Please watch your oven because all ovens are different. (photo 5)
    • Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
    • The meatballs can also be made ahead, frozen and reheated in the oven, microwave or on the stove top.

    gluten-free meatballs recipe steps photo collage

    How to Freeze Gluten-Free Meatballs

    Gluten-free meatballs can be easily frozen and reheated. Ready-to-eat, cooked frozen gluten-free meatballs are the perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights.

    Once the gluten-free meatballs are completely cooled, the meatballs will need to be flash frozen first. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Transfer the frozen, cooked meatballs to freezer bags or freezer-safe containers and place them in your freezer.

    The meatballs easily heated up in the oven, microwave or in a pot of spaghetti sauce. You can also defrosted the meatballs overnight in the refrigerator.

    How to Make Meatballs Ahead of Time

    It is easy to make the meatballs ahead of time and then bake them later. Cover the raw meatballs with plastic wrap or an air-tight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

    Dairy-Free Meatballs

    If you also need dairy-free meatballs you can substitute unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free breadcrumbs in the recipe.  The Schär gluten-free bread crumbs are also lactose-free.

    Tips For The Best Gluten-Free Meatballs

    • Using a large greased cookie scoop to scoop to make the meatballs really helps with evenly baking them.
    • You will know that the meatballs are done when they are 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
    • This recipe can also be used with ground turkey. Using the 93/7% fat ground turkey will make a softer meatball when shaping them, but they will bake beautifully.
    • These meatballs can also be made using a 50/50 mix of ground beef and ground pork. That’s how my mom always made her meatballs. Just make sure to use 90% lean ground beef if you are going to us the ground pork.

    gluten-free meatballs on top of spaghetti and tomato sauce in cast iron pan

    Easy Gluten-Free Meatballs

    Gluten-Free meatballs are an easy gluten-free dinner that can be made in just 30 minutes. I love having a big bowl of gluten-free pasta covered in sauce with my meatballs and serve it with my Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread. My oldest son actually like to likes to eat the meatballs plain.

    That’s what is so great about making gluten-free meatballs, they are so versatile, and everyone loves them! Even my pickiest eater will eat a plate of my gluten-free meatballs.

    Mama Knows Gluten Free e-book photo collage

    More Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes To Try!

    • Gluten-Free Meatloaf {Dairy-Free Option}
    • Gluten-Free Orange Chicken {Dairy-Free}
    • Easy Beef Stew {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free}

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    ★Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below in the comments!★

    Print Pin
    5 from 24 votes

    Gluten-Free Meatballs

    An easy recipe for gluten-free meatballs. These gluten-free meatballs are perfectly spiced with Italian seasonings and baked so they are juicy and tender. The recipe also has a dairy-free option.
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Keyword gluten-free dairy-free meatballs, gluten-free meatballs
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes
    Total Time 29 minutes
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 373kcal
    Author Audrey from Mama Knows Gluten Free

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup gluten-free bread crumbs I like Schär gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free use dairy-free bread crumbs.
    • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
    • 1 tablespoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
    • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
    • ¾ cup milk Dairy-free use unsweetened almond milk
    • 2 pounds ground beef
    • 2 large eggs, whisked
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 375°F. Line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil and spray with gluten-free cooking spray.
    • In a small bowl stir together the gluten-free breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, nutmeg, and minced garlic. Stir in the milk and let sit for 2-3 minutes. 
    • In a large bowl mix together the beef and the eggs. Add the gluten-free bread crumb mixture and mix together to fully combine. Do not overmix the meat or the meatballs will be tough.
    • Use a large greased cookie scoop to scoop out the meat and roll into 2" balls. Place on the lined baking sheet and repeat. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and reach 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Please watch your oven because all ovens are different. 
    • Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Meatballs can also be frozen and reheated and reheated in the oven, microwave or on the stove top.

    Notes

    • For dairy-free option: use unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free bread crumbs.
    • Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
    • To freeze: Once the gluten-free meatballs are completely cooled, the meatballs will need to be flash frozen first. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Transfer the frozen, cooked meatballs to freezer bags or freezer-safe containers and place them in your freezer.
    • To reheat: The meatballs easily heated up in the oven, microwave or in a pot of spaghetti sauce. You can also defrosted the meatballs overnight in the refrigerator.
    • To make ahead: Cover the raw meatballs as instructed with plastic wrap or an air-tight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
    • Mama says, "Always check your labels!"

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 373kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 397mg | Potassium: 388mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 135IU | Vitamin C: 0.8mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 3mg
    Pin Recipe
    Did you enjoy this recipe? Please give it a star rating below in the comments. Thank you!
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    © MAMA KNOWS GLUTEN FREE. All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please link back to this post for the recipe.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kimberly says

      January 09, 2023 at 11:16 am

      I made these for a New Year’s Eve party and had several requests for the recipe. They were a favorite! Thank you for publishing so many great gluten-free and dairy-free recipes in your cookbook and on your website.

      Reply
    2. Genise in WI says

      January 09, 2023 at 9:31 am

      These were a hit! We are a new Gluten-free family, with only one being gluten-free. Generally, it is just my husband and I so new recipes are not a problem. However, finding this out right before the Christmas Holiday is another story. I used this recipe for my appetizer but did not tell anyone. The only comments I received were about how delicious they were! Everyone wanted the recipe. Thank you for saving my holiday dinner!

      Reply
    3. christine wilson says

      February 19, 2022 at 5:22 pm

      These are so flavorful! I used only 1/2 cup oat milk for them. Cutting back gluten was advised for me, which actually has proven to be beneficial, taste and health wise. Thanks for this recipe!

      Reply
    4. Terri says

      September 24, 2021 at 7:30 am

      I have made these with 4C gluten free bread crumbs which contains pecorino romano cheese (made from sheep milk) and fresh onion minced, and/or chopped mushrooms. I also reduce the amount of tomato to avoid inflammation for those like me who have arthritis. I enjoy with roasted vegetables dressed with olive oil and Italian seasonings and sprinkle with grated pecorino romano to taste. I am single so I freeze single servings and reheat in microwave on my dinner break at work.

      Reply
    5. Doug says

      September 23, 2021 at 1:19 pm

      These are awesome. Probably my favorite.

      Reply
    6. Pam Nelson says

      August 15, 2021 at 8:05 pm

      served thus today for 12 persons. I made 60 meatballs and came home w 5. they were wonderful, moist, tastey received many compliments!

      Reply
    7. Christina says

      July 27, 2021 at 4:06 pm

      I made them with the Impossible “meat” and they turned out AMAZING!!! My son, who is super picky and hates we are a red meat free home, didn’t even notice the difference!! 🙂 It was pretty great! Thanks for such a great recipe.

      Reply
    8. Brittnie says

      June 15, 2021 at 9:14 pm

      My husband makes these with oats instead of bread crumbs and they are a dream come true!!!!!!! Literally one of the best things I have ever tasted!!! Ahhhhh sooo gooooood!!!!

      Reply
      • Ruth Jones says

        January 26, 2023 at 1:13 pm

        Is it an equal substitute to use oats for bread crumbs?

        Reply
        • Audrey says

          January 27, 2023 at 1:57 pm

          Hi Ruth! I have not tested the recipe using gluten-free oats, so I do not know how well they will turn out. If you try using gluten-free oats in place of gluten-free bread crumbs, please let me know how it turns out.

          Reply
    9. Laura says

      March 07, 2021 at 9:25 am

      Made these last night, they came out great.

      Reply
    10. Sandy T says

      February 07, 2021 at 6:02 pm

      These came out delicious! The seasoning and texture were perfect! Thanks for a new go to recipe when I need a quick meal.

      Reply
    11. Melissa Thomas says

      January 29, 2021 at 7:55 pm

      I have made these several times for my family of four. They are so simple but so delicious! It turns out a big batch, I am always surprised I have no leftovers. Thank you 😊

      Reply
    12. Deb Stoller says

      January 15, 2021 at 12:03 pm

      Hi! Im looking forward to trying these. I’m wanting to make bbq meatballs for a football game. Would you suggest skipping any of the seasonings to make them more palatable with bbq sauce or do you think it would work as is? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Audrey says

        January 18, 2021 at 12:50 pm

        Hi Deb! I would skip the Italian seasoning and nutmeg if you are going to make BBQ meatballs. I hope you enjoy the meatballs!

        Reply
    13. Julie says

      July 31, 2020 at 9:34 am

      I am so new to this gluten-free lifestyle, but I need to do all I can for my daughter-in-law. These meatballs were so delicious and I also want to give a shout out for quick answers when emailing for advice. I was shocked in a really good way. Thank you so much for making it a little easier to go with the plan. I shared in my email yesterday that I could do fat-free, sugar-free, low-fat, but I literally stood in the aisle at the grocery store and said “how in the world do I do gluten-free.” Thank you! This was my first recipe and look forward to many, many more!!

      Reply
    14. Brenna Hammel says

      May 29, 2020 at 6:44 pm

      These were delicious! I’m 7 months pregnant and with my pregnancy brain I completely forgot to add the milk. I was nervous that I ruined them, but they still tasted great! Thank you so much for this delicious recipe.

      Reply
    15. Lisa D says

      May 27, 2020 at 12:19 pm

      I have made this recipe a few times for my son (13 and recently diagnosed with a condition requiring no wheat and no dairy). He loves these meatballs! Thank you so much to amazing ‘Mama Knows Gluten Free’. This Mama does not yet know it but I am learning, and your recipes are making the transition so much better. With sincere thanks – LD

      Reply
    16. Maya says

      May 04, 2020 at 8:28 pm

      So glad I stumbled on this recipe. It was awesome! I used half oat and half chickpea flour. My family loved it. Thank you!

      Reply
    17. Catherine says

      April 07, 2020 at 6:40 pm

      These were SO GOOD!!!! Thanks for the recipe! I didn’t have Italian seasoning and made my own blend of whatever was on hand at home. tossed toasted GF bread in the food processor to make bread crumbs and used almond milk. seriously can’t believe I can make gluten and dairy free meatballs now with a major food sensitivity.. My parents couldn’t even tell the difference between these and regular meatballs. THANK YOU!!

      Reply
      • Audrey says

        April 10, 2020 at 11:04 am

        Thank you so much Catherine for the awesome 5-star recipe review, it really made my day! I am so happy that you and your family enjoyed the meatballs and they couldn’t tell the difference. You are so welcome, I love sharing the recipes that I make for my family. Thanks again!

        Reply
    18. Bridgett says

      January 29, 2020 at 11:17 am

      I tried these last night and they came out great. thanks for sharing, I used Oat milk because im dairy free and I used Ian’s GF bread crumbs.

      Reply
      • Audrey says

        January 29, 2020 at 11:30 am

        Thank you Bridgett for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the meatballs. Thank you for sharing that you used oat milk and Ian’s gluten-free bread crumbs, as I know it will help others. Thanks again!

        Reply
    19. Theresa Greiner says

      December 21, 2019 at 11:24 am

      I was looking for a gluten free party appetizer. These were wonderful- the spices and garlic are in perfect balance.

      Reply
      • Audrey says

        December 21, 2019 at 11:19 pm

        Thank you so much Theresa for the awesome 5-star reci[pe review! I am so happy that the meatballs are wonderful and perfectly seasoned. Thank you again!

        Reply
    20. Kate says

      December 18, 2019 at 1:29 pm

      Could you make the meatballs ahead of time and reheat with sauce in a slow cooker? Thinking about making these for a holiday party to serve with marinara as cocktail meatballs. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Audrey says

        December 21, 2019 at 10:33 am

        Hi Kate! I think that is a wonderful idea! I am definitely going to try that as well. I hope everyone enjoys the meatballs. Merry Christmas!

        Reply
    21. Heather says

      December 09, 2019 at 2:48 pm

      Delicious. For the liquid are used red wine, I also chopped up onions and garlic, and sautéed them slightly. But even with the minor variations these were delicious. I do not use tomato products so I will be eating mine either smothered in cheese or with the brown gluten-free gravy. This was a wonderful recipe.

      Reply
      • Audrey says

        December 09, 2019 at 8:47 pm

        Thank you so much Heather for the wonderful 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the meatballs. Thank you for sharing what modifications you used, as I know it will help others. Thank you again!

        Reply
    22. Lori Katzman says

      November 11, 2019 at 8:40 pm

      I loved making this gluten-free meatball recipe – I actually made one batch with ground beef and a second batch with ground turkey – my husband and I sampled one from each batch and thought they were great! We froze the rest to be used later this month for a family dinner! Have a feeling we will be using this easy to follow recipe a whole bunch more. We are kosher, so the dairy free option worked out really well for us too! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Audrey says

        November 12, 2019 at 9:58 am

        Thank you so much Lori for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you and your family enjoyed the meatballs. Thank you so much for sharing that you tried the recipe with ground turkey as well, as I know it will help others. You are so welcome, I love sharing what I make for my family. Thanks again!

        Reply
    23. Sarah says

      October 11, 2019 at 9:06 am

      We have a 9 year old with celiacs who lives off of chicken nuggets, pizza and tacos. He doesn’t like trying new things at all. I made these not expecting him to try them but he did and LOVED them! I will be making more and freezing them to have on hand for an easy meal!

      Reply
      • Audrey says

        October 12, 2019 at 8:18 pm

        Thank you so much Sarah for the awesome 5-star recipe review, it really made my day! I am so happy that your son LOVED the meatballs. I totally understand as I have a son that has a hard time trying new foods too. This really made my heart happy to hear that this is a new food he enjoys. Thanks again!

        Reply
    24. Alix says

      September 28, 2019 at 1:12 pm

      Can oats be used as a 1 to 1 replacement? Please and thank you – this looks great!

      Reply
      • Audrey says

        September 28, 2019 at 4:52 pm

        Hi Alix! I have never tired oats as a replacement for the gluten-free breadcrumbs. I have used almond flour before when making meatballs, but not oats. If you try it, will you please let me know how it turns out? Thank you so much, I hope you enjoy the meatballs!

        Reply
        • Chrs says

          November 16, 2019 at 9:18 pm

          I used oats 1 for 1.came out great! So tender!

          Reply
          • Audrey says

            November 18, 2019 at 9:36 am

            Thank you so much Chrs for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the meatballs. Thank you for sharing that you used oats, as I know it will help others. Thanks again!

            Reply
    25. Trina (@GlutenFreeMadison) says

      September 27, 2019 at 5:51 pm

      This is such an easy and delicious recipe for gluten-free meatballs! They remind me of my Italian grandfather’s gluten recipe before I was diagnosed with celiac disease. I’ll be making these again in the future 🙂

      Reply
      • Audrey says

        September 28, 2019 at 9:22 am

        Thank you so much Trina for the awesome 5-star recipe review, this totally made my day! I am so happy that you enjoyed the meatballs, especially that they reminded you of your Italian grandfather’s recipe. That really made my heart smile, thank you again!

        Reply
    26. Zulema says

      September 09, 2019 at 12:56 am

      This was delicious

      Reply
      • Audrey says

        September 09, 2019 at 8:56 am

        Thank you so much Zulema for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the meatballs. Thanks again!

        Reply

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    Audrey Roberts in a white kitchen for a profile photo

    I'm Audrey Roberts, a busy mama of four and I love sharing the recipes that I make for my family. I make gluten-free family-friendly recipes that are simple and delicious that you can too! I use easy to find ingredients that won't break your budget. You will also find dairy-free options and Paleo recipes. I am also the author of  The Everything Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Cookbook, which is an Amazon Best Selling Cookbook in the US and Internationally. Living gluten-free since 2010. I hope by me sharing my journey it may help you with yours.  Read More…

     

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