Tender Gluten-Free Meatballs (No Breadcrumbs)

Look no further for the best gluten-free meatball recipe! This authentic Italian recipe has been made for over a century, never using breadcrumbs or egg. Easy gluten-free meatballs are juicy, tender, and only require 4 simple ingredients!

are meatballs gluten-free?

Typically homemade, restaurant, or store-bought meatballs are not gluten-free because they add bread crumbs to the meat mixture. Some gluten-free meatball recipes simply substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs as a binder or even oats, like in this gluten-free meatloaf recipe.

You may be wondering if Swedish meatballs (made famous by Ikea) are safe for a gluten-free diet? Unfortunately they are not either. The meat mixture contains breadcrumbs or panko, and it is often cooked in a sauce thickened with flour.

gluten-free meatball recipe without breadcrumbs

However, this long-standing homemade recipe proves you can enjoy juicy, tender meatballs without adding bread crumbs, oats, or even an egg!

This gluten-free meatball recipe is exactly how my Italian Gramma and Mom make it. It was initially shared in my gluten-free cookbook, which also contains the secret sauce they are cooked in!

Gramma and Mom always made their meatballs without breadcrumbs and are egg-free, instead relying on the cooking method for tender results. First they are browned briefly in the oven. They finish cooking low and slow on the stove top until ultra tender!

Ingredient Notes

Unlike gluten-free lasagna, which has a lengthier ingredient list, only a few items are required. Serve them over gluten-free spaghetti and a side of gluten-free focaccia to make a truly authentic Italian meal!

• Ground Beef – Using ground chuck is highly recommended (pretty much required) because it contains enough fat to tenderize the meatballs.
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated parmesan adds flavor and acts as a binder. I have not tested the recipe with dairy-free cheese.
• Seasonings – Salt, pepper, dried parsley, and a little garlic powder can be grabbed right from your pantry!
• Sauce – Our family cooks the meatballs in Gramma’s signature sauce (recipe found in my published gluten-free recipes cookbook). However, you may also use your own homemade recipe or store-bought. You will need three 24 ounce jarred marinara sauce.

how to make easy gluten-free meatballs

Making the best gluten-free meatballs does require simmering a long time on the stove, but luckily the method is easy and hands-off! Since they take several hours, we often make them ahead of time and freeze. Scroll down for make-ahead and freezing tips .

(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)

1. To brown the meatballs spread a little olive oil on a baking sheet and place it in the oven to preheat along with the oven.
2. Meanwhile mix together the meatball mixture. In a large bowl place ground beef, parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix together with hands. Portion out in 1 ½ – 2-inch sized balls, slightly larger than golf balls.
3. Transfer the meatballs to the hot, greased baking pan in a single layer. Bake meatballs till browned, but not cooked through, about 15 minutes. 
4. Place the spaghetti sauce a large saucepan. Add the meatballs, with pan drippings, to the sauce. Bring the tomato sauce to a boil, lower heat to a gentle simmer, and cook partially covered for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve over cooked gluten-free pasta or in a meatball sub. Top with additional grated parmesan.

expert tips for perfectly cooked meatballs

Not only do these gluten-free Italian meatballs taste amazing, but they are moist and tender thanks to a few simple tips!

1. Don’t overpack the meat mixture. When shaping the balls, avoid squeezing it into a tight, compact sphere. Instead gently shape into a large ball with your hands.
2. Using ground chuck is key because of the quality and fat content. I don’t recommend using leaner options such as sirloin, ground chicken or ground turkey. These will a yield tough and dry meatball without the addition of bread crumbs or milk. However, adding a little Italian sausage or ground pork would be fine.
3. Oven baked meatballs don’t require as long to make, but you also risk drier results. Instead, briefly brown them in oven and transfer them to a simmering sauce which avoids moisture loss.

make-ahead and freezing meatballs

Since these take several hours to prepare, I recommend making them ahead of time, especially if preparing for a large family meal or the holidays.

First, make sure the sauce and meatballs have completely cooled. Use a slotted spoon to remove the meatballs, transferring them to a gallon ziplock freezer bag in a single layer. Freeze the sauce separately.

Lay bags flat and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and rewarm together in a large saucepan.

This gluten-free meatball recipe may also be prepared up to 3 days ahead of time and refrigerated in an airtight container.

Serving tips and sides

We toss the cooked pasta in a little spaghetti sauce and offer family-dinner style with the meatballs and sauce in separate serving bowls. Then guests don’t have to fish the meatballs out of the sauce and can add their preferred amount of “gravy.”

I recommend Barilla gluten-free spaghetti for pasta and Schar ciabatta bread for meatball subs. Serve with either easy homemade recipe – gluten-free breadsticks or garlic knots. Also any of these lasagna sides would pair great!

Since this recipe contains no gluten-free bread crumbs or gluten-free oats, they are also low carb. For an entirely low carb dinner, serve over almond flour pasta, zucchini noodles, or simply enjoy as is!

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