Easy Gluten-Free Meatballs

We don’t have them often, but when we’re craving meatballs this is the recipe we reach for because it delivers the authentic meatball taste and texture without too much hard work.

We love to serve this gluten-free meatball recipe with gluten-free spaghetti or spaghetti squash. Juicy meatballs with spaghetti sauce are the ultimate comfort food and this recipe couldn’t be easier, so you can have classic Italian comfort any night of the week.

If you’re looking for more meatballs, try air fryer meatballs, firecracker meatballs, or greek chicken meatballs.

And if you’re in the mood to pull out the crock pot, these slow cooker buffalo chicken meatballs and slow cooker cranberry meatballs are both delicious.

Reasons We Love Gluten-Free Meatballs

• They feature classic meatball ingredients, rivaling the taste and flavor of traditional Italian meatballs.
• They’re kid-friendly and even picky eaters love them.
• This may be the most flavorful meatball we’ve had in a while because they’re made with fresh herbs! Fresh basil gives them the best flavor.
• Easy dinner for large groups and dinner parties.
• It’s a great recipe to make ahead and freeze for busy weeknights!

Grab These Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients for this gluten free meatballs recipe. Most are pantry staples and easy (and affordable) to find in grocery stores. Jump down to the recipe card for exact measurements.

How to Make Gluten Free Meatballs

This is an overview with step-by-step photos of how to make the best meatballs on the stove top. Full printable instructions are in the recipe card below. You can also view the video tutorial below to watch instead of reading.

1. Mix the bread crumbs and milk together in a large bowl and let them sit for at least 5 minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid.
2. Add the beef, pork, eggs, basil, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) to a separate large mixing bowl then use a wooden spoon to mix it well so no yellow streaks remain and the beef and pork are fully combined. Add the gluten free bread crumbs and milk mixture to the bowl then stir well to combine. Alternatively, you could pulse everything in a food processor to combine.
3. Use a heaping tablespoon or medium cookie scoop to the meatball mixture out and shape them into balls. Wet your hands with a bit of water or olive oil if they’re starting to stick. Place the meatballs on a large plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a paper towel.
4. Add olive oil into an oven-safe large non-stick skillet, like a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, place the raw meatballs in a single layer in the pan and sear the outsides of the meatballs for 2 minutes on each side (8 minutes total) until golden brown on bottom.
5. Pour your favorite sauce on top and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
6. Boil your favorite gluten-free pasta while they cook and serve with more sauce and fresh parsley. My favorite way to serve these is with spaghetti squash and a big brussel sprout salad.

Tip: always cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 165°F. You can learn more about the internal temp of beef using our guide.

Watch How to Make this Gluten-Free Meatball Recipe

Recipe Variations

• Dairy-free and gluten free meatballs: Double check the breadcrumbs you purchase are also dairy-free, use almond milk for the mixture, and swap the parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast.
• Gluten-free turkey meatballs or chicken meatballs: we have a classic greek chicken meatball I think you’ll love, but you can swap ground chicken or ground turkey in this recipe. They don’t have as much fat, so add some olive oil to the meat mixture to help hold it together.
• Gluten free meatloaf: similar to this gluten-free turkey meatloaf, you can place this mixture in a 9×5-inch loaf pan and bake it for about 45 minutes at 350°F.
• Baked meatballs: follow the instructions to combine the meat mixture then roll them into balls and place them on a prepared baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cook time varies based on the size of the meatballs.

Gluten-Free Meatballs FAQs

Ways to Serve Them

Gluten-free meatball subs: spread additional marinara sauce on both sides of a gluten-free hoagie or sandwich roll (we like Schar sandwich rolls). Next, add some shredded mozzarella to both sides then broil them for a few minutes to toast the bread and melt the cheese. Add meatballs and serve!

Low carb option: serve them over spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles or a bed of greens.

Classic: on top of your favorite gluten-free spaghetti (ours is Jovial). Omit the ground beef in this instant pot spaghetti and serve the meatballs on top.

Add them to a soup: make them slightly smaller and use them in a soup like this Italian meatball soup or this turkey vegetable meatball soup.

Storage Tips

Store in the fridge: allow the meatballs to cool completely and store in an air tight container for up to 4 days. 

Make ahead frozen meatballs: cook the meatballs all the way through then allow them to cool completely before storing flat in an even layer. Store them in a reusable freezer bag or container for up to three months. 

How to re-heat and cook: thaw frozen meatballs overnight then warm them in the oven on a baking sheet at 350°F until warmed all the way through. You can also heat them with additional marinara on the stovetop.