My #1 tip for amazing gluten-free meatballs – make sure you use the right kind of meat! Also use a panade (a flavorful mixture of soaked gluten-free bread and seasonings) instead of breadcrumbs.

Serve these meatballs with gluten-free breadsticks for a comforting dinner. You also might like this gluten-free lasagna.

Gluten-free meatballs in a pot on a countertop


 

In my opinion, every cook should have a great meatball recipe up their sleeve. Meatballs are a comforting, hearty, and satisfying dish everyone loves. They’re also super versatile: serve them with gluten-free pasta, a light salad, or simply on their own.

Use leftover meatballs to make meatballs subs and everyone will be happy!

I’d take these gluten free meatballs over many of the traditional meatballs I’ve tried any day. And don’t even mention frozen meatballs…these are SO much better!

Why These Meatballs Are Amazing

These gluten-free meatballs are special for a few reasons:

Beef and Pork Mixture – A combination of ground beef and ground pork makes an extra-flavorful meatball mixture. Be sure to use freshly ground meat where you can see the individual strands!

Panade – A mixture of bread, eggs, milk, and spices ensures they’re super moist and tender.

Broiling method – Save time with these meatballs by broiling them rather than frying them on the stove top with a large non-stick skillet.

Table of Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing gluten free meatballs recipe:

Gluten-free meatball ingredients on a countertop
  • Ground pork: Ground pork adds so much great flavor to these meatballs. Be sure to use freshly ground meat, where you can see the individual strands from the meat grinder. This will create lighter, more tender meatballs! (You can also use a pound of Italian sausage instead of pork, if you prefer.)
  • Ground beef: I like to use 90% lean ground beef for this recipe. Again, for best results be sure to use freshly ground beef.
  • Gluten-free bread: Use gluten-free white bread with the crust removed and torn into small pieces. I use four slices of Canyon Bakehouse Mountain White Bread.
  • Red sauce: You’re welcome to make your own tomato sauce, or save time and buy your favorite sauce at the grocery store, like I usually do. Rao’s marinara is my absolute favorite!
  • Onion: Grated onion adds more flavor and moisture to the panade. Be sure to include the juices that release from the onion as you’re grating it.
  • Parmesan: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for this great recipe—definitely not the powdered kind!

How to Make Gluten-Free Meatballs

Make panade. In a small bowl, add the eggs and whisk slightly. Add the rest of the ingredients for the panade. Mix together and ensure the bread is fully coated. Let sit for 10 minutes. 

Mix ground meat. In a large bowl, gently crumble the beef and pork together. I usually crumble it in layers of alternating meat so it’s easier to evenly mix together. 

Crumble the Meats Together

Layer the meats together (crumble a little at a time of each) so the meatballs mixture is easy to mix together. This prevents over-mixing and helps create light, tender meatballs!

Combine panade and meat. Add the bread mixture to the meat. Gently combine with your hands until just mixed. 

Scoop meatballs. Use a 2 tablespoon scoop (#40) to portion the meatballs. Then use wet hands to roll the meat mixture into smooth balls (wetting hands every few meatballs). Place raw meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Broil meatballs. Set the broiler on high. Broil the meatballs until they start to brown. (You just want to add some color/crust here. The homemade gluten free meatballs will cook through in the marinara sauce so they’re nice and tender.)

Simmer meatballs in sauce. Pour the red sauce into a large pot. Add the browned meatballs and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. until the meatballs are cooked through. Enjoy!

Storage Instructions

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Leftovers work well for a sub sandwich!

A hand using a fork to pick up a meatball and spaghetti

Serving Ideas

Of course these gluten-free meatballs are delicious over pasta, but they’re also great with gluten-free breadsticks and gluten-free garlic bread. We also like to use them to make meatball subs!

gluten-free breadsticks on a platter
Easy, Gluten-Free Breadsticks
Serve these meatballs with some of your favorite marinara sauce and these amazing gluten-free breadsticks for a comfort food dinner!
View Recipe
An overhead view of gluten-free garlic bread sliced on a baking sheet
Easy, Gluten-Free Garlic Bread
This gluten-free garlic bread only takes minutes to make and is delicious with these meatballs. You can even use this garlic bread recipe with the meatballs to make meatball subs!
View Recipe
Gluten-free meatballs in a bowl with spaghetti and a fork

Recipe Tips

  • Use a panade. It adds so much more moisture than gluten-free breadcrumbs alone, so don’t skip this step! I use four slices of Canyon Bakehouse Mountain White Bread for the panade.
  • Use freshly ground meat, where you can see the individual strands from the meat grinder. This will create lighter, more tender meatballs! (You can also use a pound of Italian sausage instead of pork, if you prefer.)
  • Broil the meatballs. You could definitely pan-fry these meatballs if you prefer, but I like how easy it is to broil them. Just remember you’re only broiling them to get a little browning and color (this equals flavor!). You’ll finish cooking the meatballs in the red sauce.
Gluten-free meatballs in a serving dish and a fork reaching in to pick up a meatball

More Gluten-Free Comfort Foods

Gluten-free meatballs in a serving dish and a fork reaching in to pick up a meatball
5 from 10 votes

The Best Gluten-Free Meatballs

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Tender, juicy, gluten-free meatballs that rival that of your favorite Italian restaurant! I’ve tested this recipe dozens of times to get it just right.
My #1 tip for amazing gluten-free meatballs – make sure you use the right kind of meat! Also use a panade (a flavorful mixture of soaked gluten-free bread and seasonings) instead of breadcrumbs.

Ingredients

For the Meat:

  • 1 pound ground beef 90% lean
  • 1 pound ground pork

For the Panade:

  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 cups gluten-free white bread crust removed and torn into small pieces (I use 4 slices of Canyon Bakehouse Mountain White Bread)
  • ½ cup grated parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • ½ cup grated onion + juices
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Other:

  • 48-52 oz 2 jars favorite spaghetti sauce, marinara or any other red sauce you like!

Instructions 

  • Lightly grease a baking sheet. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, add the eggs and milk and whisk until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients for the panade. Mix together and ensure the bread is fully coated. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  • Gently crumble the beef and pork over the panade. I usually crumble it in layers of alternating meat so it’s easier to evenly mix together.
  • Using your hands or a rubber spatula, carefully mix the meat mixture to combine. Be careful not to over-mix or smash the meat down too much!
  • Use a 2 tablespoon scoop (#40) to portion the meatballs. Then use wet hands to roll the meat mixture into smooth balls (wetting hands every few meatballs) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Set the broiler on high. Broil the meatballs until they start to brown, about 5-7 minutes. (You just want to add some color/crust here. The meatballs will cook through in the sauce so they’re nice and tender.)
  • Pour the red sauce into a large pot. Add the browned meatballs (I do this with tongs to leave any excess grease or drippings on the baking sheet behind)and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. until the meatballs are cooked through. Enjoy!

Notes

RECIPE NOTES
  • The panade is what sets these gluten-free meatballs apart from the rest! It adds so much more moisture than gluten-free breadcrumbs alone, so don’t skip this step! I use four slices of Canyon Bakehouse Mountain White Bread for the panade.
  • Be sure to use freshly ground meat, where you can see the individual strands from the meat grinder. This will create lighter, more tender meatballs! (You can also use a pound of Italian sausage instead of pork, if you prefer.)
  • You could definitely pan-fry these meatballs if you prefer. I like how easy it is to broil them. Just remember you’re only broiling them to get a little browning and color (this equals flavor!). You’ll finish cooking the meatballs in the red sauce.
  • Serve these meatballs over pasta or use them in meatball subs with your favorite gluten-free bread! (We like Schar baguettes!)

Nutrition

Calories: 528kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 171mg | Sodium: 1370mg | Potassium: 483mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 233IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 154mg | Iron: 3mg

MORE GLUTEN-FREE COMFORT FOODS

FAQs

Are Trader Joe’s meatballs gluten-free?

No, Trader Joe’s meatballs are made with breadcrumbs that contain gluten. The packaging has a warning that the meatballs contain wheat, milk, and soy.

How do you keep gluten-free meatballs from falling apart?

I like to use a panade to ensure my gluten-free meatballs stick together and stay moist. A lightly beaten egg will also do the trick!

Do store-bought meatballs contain gluten?

Most store-bought meatballs are made with bread or breadcrumbs that contain gluten. However, you can find some gluten-free meatballs, which are made with gluten-free bread.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Categories: , , ,

Hi, I’m Erin!

BS Food Science,

MS Nutrition

I believe you can make amazing, gluten-free food with everyday ingredients that everyone will enjoy. I’m here to share my tried-and-true recipes with you!

You may also like

image for website to buy cookies cookbook

Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These are just the recipe I was looking for. We have a family member who cannot have gluten and I was so excited to share these with them!

  2. 5 stars
    I love all of your recipes but these meatballs just might be my favorite! And I used your idea to make meatball subs, the kids loved them!

  3. 5 stars
    This is a new family favorite that’s easy to prepare! The ground beef and pork creates a perfect balance. I love that it is also gluten free.

  4. 5 stars
    The meatballs were delicious, I ended up adding more to my pasta because I ate what I originally gave myself too quickly.

  5. 5 stars
    These gluten-free meatballs were so good I had been craving them for a while, so I was intrigued when I stumbled upon this recipe, and I was not disappointed! Thank you for sharing!!

  6. 5 stars
    Used a combination of ground beef and ground pork and they were amazing! Turned out so juicy, I will use this recipe from now on.

  7. To make this recipe dairy free, what kind of milk do you suggest to use? The dairy free parmesan cheese would be easy to substitute but I was just wondering about the cows milk substitution. Thanks! I love all your gluten free and dairy free recipes! My daughter has celiac disease and now has dairy sensitivities so your recipes are a lifesaver!

    1. Great question! Yes you can use any unsweetened milk in place of the dairy milk. I would use oat milk or cashew milk personally! I’m so glad the recipes have been helpful 🙂

Leave a Reply

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

Recipe Rating