• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

What Molly Made

Eat to Feel Good

  • About
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Christmas
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Snacks
    • Side Dishes
    • Drinks
    • Special Diet
    • Holiday
    • Cooking Method
  • Dinner
  • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • PCOS
      • PCOS Recipes
      • PCOS Tips + Resources
      • Clean Living
      • FREE PCOS Email Course
    • Home and Decor
    • Mom Life
  • Cookbook
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Christmas
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Special Diet
  • PCOS
  • Appetizers
  • Snacks
  • Holiday
  • Cookbook
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » PCOS » PCOS Recipes

    Easy Gluten-Free Meatballs (Dairy Free Option)

    Published on: July 28, 2022 - Molly ThompsonLeave a Comment

    Dairy Free RecipesDF
    Gluten Free RecipesGF
    Jump to Recipe

    These gluten-free meatballs are easy to make, don’t use up your whole day, and are a tasty treat. Dairy free option included!

    gluten free meatballs on top of spaghetti with a fork twisted in it
    Jump to:
    • Reasons We Love Gluten-Free Meatballs
    • Ingredients Notes and Swaps
    • Dairy-Free Option
    • How to Make Gluten Free Meatballs
    • Prefer to Watch Instead of Read?
    • Gluten-Free Meatball Subs
    • Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
    • More Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes
    • Recipe

    When the meatball craving comes, you can't resist it! We don't have them often, but they're so worth it. We love to serve this gluten-free meatball recipe with gluten-free spaghetti, spaghetti squash or serve them inside a gluten free bun for a yummy meatball sub. Juicy meatballs with spaghetti sauce is the ultimate comfort food and this recipe couldn't be easier!

    Reasons We Love Gluten-Free Meatballs

    • They have all of your favorite meatball ingredients, so they rival the taste and flavor of traditional meatballs.
    • They're super 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! The fresh basil gives them the best flavor.
    • Easy to make ahead and freeze for busy weeknights!

    Ingredients Notes and Swaps

    ingredients for gluten free meatballs measured out on a table
    • Gluten-free breadcrumbs: we found them at our local grocery store (Ian's brand) but, you can also use Simple Mills crackers or even almond flour works well.
    • Almond milk: you could also whole milk if you aren't dairy free.
    • Ground beef: try to find ground beef that has a little higher fat content if you can because lean ground beef doesn't hold together as well. Ground turkey is another great option, just be sure to use the pork as well to add extra fat so they stay together.
    • Ground pork: we like to mix meatballs with ground pork because it's naturally higher in fat and adds so much flavor.
    • Eggs: these act as the binder to keep the meatballs together.
    • Fresh herbs: basil, parsley and oregano are our favorite fresh herbs, but you can also use a tablespoon of Italian seasoning if you have that on hand.
    • Salt and pepper
    • Parmesan cheese: real shredded parmesan works really well, but you can sub it for nutritional yeast to make these dairy free.
    • Marinara sauce: we used a sugar free marinara sauce from the grocery store (our favorite is Delallo).

    Dairy-Free Option

    This recipe was specifically designed to be gluten free, but I wanted to share a dairy free option too. Here are the few simple swaps to make them dairy free:

    • Double check the breadcrumbs you purchase are also dairy free.
    • Use almond milk.
    • Swap the parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast. It is a deactivated yeast that has a salty, nutty flavor, just like parmesan.

    How to Make Gluten Free Meatballs

    how to make gluten free meatballs
    1. Mix the bread crumbs and milk together 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, salt, parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) to a large 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 bread crumb and milk mixture to the bowl then stir well to combine.
    3. Use a heaping tablespoon or medium cookie scoop to form the meatballs. Wet your hands with a bit of water 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 skillet, like a cast-iron skillet over medium-high 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.

    Prefer to Watch Instead of Read?

    Gluten-Free Meatball Subs

    If you want to turn these meatballs into meatball subs, spread additional marinara sauce on both sides of a gluten free hoagie or sanwich 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!

    Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

    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.

    gluten free meatballs in a cast iron skillet topped with parmesan cheese

    More Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes

    • Instant pot country style ribs
    • Cauliflower gnocchi (3 ingredients)
    • Creamy penne arrabbiata
    • Gluten free Mexican lasagna
    • Gluten free turkey meatloaf

    If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!

    Recipe

    homemade gluten free meatballs on top of a bowl of spaghetti

    Gluten-Free Meatballs

    These gluten-free meatballs are easy to make, don’t use up your whole day, and are a tasty treat. Dairy free option included!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 541kcal
    Author: Molly Thompson
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups gluten-free bread crumbs see notes for paleo option
    • 3/4 cup almond milk or whole milk
    • 1 lb ground beef
    • 1 lb ground pork
    • 2 eggs
    • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
    • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 cup parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for dairy free option
    • 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 25 ounce jar marinara sauce

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
    • Mix the bread crumbs and milk together in a large mixing bowl and sit for at least 5 minutes.
    • Add the beef, pork, eggs, basil parsley, oregano, garlic powder, salt, parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) to the bowl then use a wooden spoon or your (clean) hands to mix it well so no yellow streaks remain and the beef and pork are fully combined.
    • Use a heaping tablespoon or medium cookie scoop to form the meatballs. Wet your hands with a bit of water if they're starting to stick. Place the meatballs on a large paper towel-lined plate.
    • Add 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil into a heavy bottomed, oven-safe skillet, like a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
    • When the oil is hot, place the meatballs in the pan in an even layer and sear for 2 minutes on each side (8 minutes total).
    • Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs and carefully transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
    • If you're serving them with pasta, boil your favorite gluten-free pasta while they cook and serve with more sauce. You can also prep meatball subs.

    Notes

    Slow cooker: follow the instructions to sear the meatballs then transfer them to a crockpot with the marinara sauce. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
    Paleo option: blend 1 box of Simple Mills sea salt crackers in the blender or food processor and use 2 cups of it instead of the breadcrumbs. Swap the parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast.
    How to freeze: allow the cooked meatballs to cool completely then store flat in an air tight container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven or the stove.
    Swap fresh herbs: use 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning in place of all the fresh herbs.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving (4 large meatballs) | Calories: 541kcal | Carbohydrates: 43.2g | Protein: 31.6g | Fat: 26g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 825mg | Fiber: 4.4g | Sugar: 2.2g
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @What_MollyMade or tag #whatmollymade!

    More PCOS Recipes

    • Everything Bagel Chicken with Roasted Veggies
    • Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers
    • Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
    • Easy Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    molly thompson from what molly made

    I'm Molly! I'm so grateful you're here. My hope is that my recipes bless your home and your bodies. I want my website to be a tool to help you feel your best and nourish you with recipes you (and your family) look forward to making!

    More about me →

    Recipe Key:

    Dairy FreeDF
    Gluten-FreeGF
    Low CarbLC
    PaleoP
    Refined Sugar FreeSF
    VeganVg
    VegetarianV
    Whole30W

    One Pan Meals

    • One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice
    • Creamy One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta [Dairy Free]
    • One Pot Taco Pasta
    • Sweet and Spicy Pork Lettuce Wraps

    Order My Cookbook!

    the cover of the anti inflammatory diet made simple cookbook

    Amazon | Barnes&Noble

    Learn more about the book here →

    Footer

    Stay Connected

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Copyright © 2023 · Privacy Policy