Gluten Free Meatballs

These are the BEST gluten free meatballs. Juicy, tender and so easy to make. This recipe is freezer friendly, perfectly spiced and baked to perfection.

These gluten free meatballs are one of my favorite recipes to make when I don’t feel like cooking anything elaborate but still want something delicious and packed with flavor. It’s truly such a simple recipe, just combine everything in a bowl, roll into balls and bake!

This recipe just requires a handful of simple ingredients that you probably have on hand and take just 15-20 minutes of active prep time. I love serving with gluten free spaghetti – I love the brand Jovial – but anything goes here! If you love this recipe, try my gluten free pizza crust or gluten free chicken parmesan next.

Before we get started…

• I used beef here, but you can use ground chicken, turkey, pork or some combination of all of the above.
• For a dairy free version, you can swap the parmesan for my dairy free cashew parmesan or a store bought parmesan.

How to make gluten free meatballs

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Add all ingredients for the meatballs to a large mixing bowl.

I like to use my hands (wearing gloves) to mix everything up because it combines much more easily, but you can also use a large fork to mix it up until well combined.

Scoop the mixture into balls using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for about 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 Fahrenheit.

Transfer the meatballs to a large skillet with marinara sauce and let simmer to let the flavors absorb for about 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite gluten free pasta and enjoy! Try my beef taco bowls next!

Key ingredients

Ground beef. I have a recipe for gluten free turkey meatballs on the site, but I wanted this recipe to be classic with beef! I used an 85% lean ground beef, but anything you like will work.

Egg. One egg will help bind all of the ingredients together and prevent these gluten free meatballs from falling apart. I have not tested this recipe without the egg, but you can try using 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt or ricotta cheese instead.

Parmesan. Some grated parmesan will add a nice rich, cheesy flavor and even add some moisture to the meatballs.

Breadcrumbs. Panko or just regular gluten free breadcrumbs will work here. I suggest a plain version since we’re adding our own seasonings to the mix. I haven’t tested any alternatives, but if you want a grain free or paleo friendly option, you can try almond flour.

Marinara. After the meatballs bake, we’ll simmer them in sauce, but I like to also add just two tablespoons of marinara straight into the meatballs for added flavor and moisture.

Herbs & spices. I like using a mix of herbs such as basil and parsley, but you are welcome to use whatever you have on hand! Chives, rosemary and thyme are all delicious here.

How to store and freeze

In the fridge. Once prepared, these gluten free meatballs will keep in the fridge for 3-5 days. You can store them either plain or with the sauce.

How to freeze. This recipe is totally freezer friendly and will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. I suggest removing them from the oven, allowing them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer safe bag or container.

You’ll then want to thaw in the fridge, and then reheat on the stove with some more sauce or in the oven until warm through the center.

Different cooking methods

I opted to bake these meatballs because it is a more hands off approach that leaves them still juicy without the need to stand over the stove.

However, you can definitely cook the meatballs right in the sauce. This method takes a little bit longer, about 35 minutes. To do this, bring a pan of marinara to a simmer and add the meatballs in, trying to avoid over crowding the pan. Let the meatballs simmer right in the sauce, covered to avoid splatter, until the interneral temperature reaches 165 Fahrenheit.

More gluten free dinner recipes!

• Gluten Free Chicken Piccata
• Parmesan Risotto
• Gluten Free Mongolian Beef
• Gluten Free Shepherd’s Pie

If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out! As always, be sure to follow me on instagram and subscribe to my newsletter for more recipes!