By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On February 21, 2023
Easy gluten-free meatballs that are super flavorful, easy to make, and use only a handful of ingredients found in most kitchens. You're going to love this easy gluten-free meatball recipe.
If you love meatballs, try these Crockpot BBQ Meatballs and these delicious Gluten-Free Swedish Meatballs.
Gluten-Free Meatballs
You are going to do a happy dance when you try this gluten-free meatball recipe. Anyone can make it, even my youngest child.
These gluten-free meatballs are THAT simple.
I've got some options for substitutions and some tips for making the best gluten-free meatballs, so please read through this post before you get started.
First off, you can use beef, chicken, or turkey to make these meatballs. They all work beautifully.
The key is in the fat content of the meat you are using. Chicken and turkey tend to be leaner, so you'll want to use a 93% - 98% lean beef to make these gluten-free meatballs.
I have a close friend who is allergic to beef and dairy and I wanted to make the perfect gluten-free meatball that even she can enjoy.
While these meatballs aren't dairy-free as-is, I have some options for those that need it.
Gluten-Free Meatball Recipe
For this recipe, I used Schar Gluten-Free Entertainment Crackers. If you can't find the Schar Gluten-Free Entertainment Crackers here's what else you can use:
You can use any Schar Gluten-Free Cracker, crushed.
You can use equal parts gluten free breadcrumbs.
Can't have grains? No problem, you can use almond meal instead of gluten-free crackers, or increase the grated Parmesan to ½ cup.
We also love gluten-free meatballs using rice - use ½ cup cooked rice in place of the crushed crackers if needed.
Remember when our grandparents used to make gluten-free meatballs using oatmeal? You can do that too, just use equal parts and make sure you are using gluten-free oats.
There are so many easy ways to make these gluten-free meatballs. The texture comes from the combination of ingredients and the flavors come from the spices and seasonings added to the meatball mix.
Dairy Free Meatballs
If you can't have dairy you can always leave the Parmesan out or substitute in your favorite dairy-free cheese.
The Parmesan adds to the flavor and texture but these gluten-free meatballs will still be tender and flavorful without it.
Gluten Free Turkey Meatballs
Switch the ground beef out for high quality turkey to make gluten free turkey meatballs.
Ingredients to Make Gluten-Free Meatballs
- Ground beef (or chicken, or turkey)
- Crushed Schar Crackers (or almond meal, rice, or oatmeal). You can also use crushed Keto Tortilla Chips.
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Dried Parsley
- Egg
For a list of quantities, please see the recipe card below.
How to make gluten-free meatballs
You guys are going to think I'm ridiculous, but it only take five easy steps to make gluten-free meatballs.
- Add all the ingredients to a medium mixing bowl.
- Mi until all the ingredients are combined.
- Roll the mixture into balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake as directed. Serve with your favorite sauce.
Yeah, it's that easy. And it's less expensive than buying the same amount of gluten-free meatballs at the store.
Please do yourself a favor and give this gluten-free meatball recipe a try next time you are craving them or you need a gluten-free appetizer.
And speaking of appetizers, I have more Gluten-Free Appetizers if you need another yummy recipe.
Gluten-Free Meatballs in a Slow Cooker
We love serving easy gluten-free meatballs at parties and BBQ's. Sometimes we toss them in a slow cooker and let them cook in our favorite sauce - one jar of spaghetti sauce + one jar of salsa.
Here's what you need to do to cook gluten-free meatballs in a slow cooker.
Pour 28-32 oz of your favorite meatball sauce (or 1 jar of spaghetti sauce + 14 oz. of your favorite salsa) into a slow cooker.
Tuck each meatball into the sauce, making sure that they are submerged.
Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours.
Not all slow cookers are created equal, so please check to make sure that the internal temperature for the meatballs is at least 160F, or that you can't see any pink.
You can keep these gluten-free meatballs warm on the warm setting, just make sure to give them a stir before you serve them.
If you want to serve these gluten-free meatballs as a main dish they go amazing over pasta, zoodles, and even rice.
For a low carb version of these meatballs check out these Keto Meatballs. For another version you can try these Gluten Free Sausage Balls.
Looking for a dessert? Try this Gluten Free Cheesecake. Cotton Candy Ice Cream is also a fun and delicious dessert that goes well after meatballs.
Did you make these meatballs? Please leave a starred rating AND a comment below letting me know what sauce you enjoyed them with.
Easy Gluten-Free Meatballs
Easy gluten-free meatballs that are super flavorful, easy to make, and use only a handful of ingredients found in most kitchens. Your are going to love this easy gluten-free meatball recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 93% lean ground beef (or chicken, or turkey)
- ½ cup crushed Schar Crackers
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Line a 13x9-inch baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
- In large bowl, mix all ingredients. Shape meatball mixture into 24 (1 ½-inch) meatballs. Place meatballs 1 inch apart on your baking sheet.
- Bake uncovered for 18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Slow Cooker Instructions: Pour 28-32 oz of your favorite meatball sauce (or 1 jar of spaghetti sauce + 14 oz. of your favorite salsa) into a slow cooker. Tuck each meatball into the sauce, making sure that they are submerged. Cover on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours. Not all slow cookers are created equal, so please check to make sure that the internal temperature for the meatballs is at least 160F, or that you can't see any pink.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you can't have dairy you can always leave the Parmesan out or substitute in your favorite dairy-free cheese.
- Grain-Free Option: Use almond meal in place of the crushed crackers OR use ½ cup of Parmesan instead of ¼ cup.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
3 meatballsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 171Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 84mgSodium: 226mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 20g
Jennifer
These were so delicious. I made them with 1 lb. beef, 3/4 c. cooked rice in place of the crackers and cheese, 1 flax egg in place of the egg, and fresh parsley instead of dried. I added dried oregano, then salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder. My son LOVED them, and he turns his nose up at trying a lot of stuff. The rice I used was leftover white rice from thai food, so it gave the meatball a great texture and added a sweetness.
Thanks for the tip to use rice!
chrystal
Hi Jennifer,
I am so glad you like them! They are my girls favorite meatballs. They like them with rice too. Thank you for taking time to stop by and let me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Brett
Great recipe, easy and very tasty!
chrystal
I am so glad you like it.
Best,
Chrystal
Lynette Demar
Best recipe that I have found online. Generally, I find when I have tried different recipes online they have been very disappointing. This is the first time I am ever leaving a review and also the first time I have been so pleased with a gluten free recipe. These Gluten free meatballs were probably the best I've ever tasted!
chrystal
I am so glad that you love them. Thank you for taking time to stop back by and let me know 🙂
Best,
Chrystal
Becca
I doubled the recipie (so double everything called for) because we love Italian food in our household. I added an extra egg (3 total) and used Kinnickkinnick bread crumbs. I also doubled the called for amounts of garlic and onion powders, as well as included approx a TBSP of minced onion. I also doubled the called for amount of grated Parmesan (approx a cup in total).
My kids who generally dislike gluten free food and have never met a meatball they liked, LOVED THEM.
chrystal
Awe, I am so glad they love them. Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Pascale
Sorry is that Fahrenheit or Celsius?
chrystal
Fahrenheit. Sorry about that.
Chrystal
andrea
Hi I’m getting ready for the holidays… would I be able to freeze these? I would like to add the cooked frozen meatballs to crockpot on Christmas Day in a sauce and gently reheat. Thank you!
Wendy Stoltz
Hi Andrea,
After you bake them. Let them cool completely before placing them in the freezer. You can store them in a zip lock bag or sealed container.
Helen
Can’t wait to try this recipe! Anything using Schar will be a favorite of mine! Thanks much :0)
Vicky Lindsay
Do cook them in the oven if I am going to cook with a marinara in a slow cooker?
chrystal
Hi Vicky,
Pour a little sauce in your slow cooker. After you shape the meatballs, you place them in your slow cooker and pour the remaining marinara over them. Let them cook in the marinara.
Best,
Chrystal
Stephanie
I made these and they were a huge hit with my gluten-free company. I did change it a little though. I used Schar gluten-free breadcrumbs, added another egg and some water. They came out so good! I couldn’t tell the difference!
chrystal
I'm so glad you liked them! Thank you for sharing what you used.
Best,
Chrystal
DENISE
I just pulled these out of the oven and they smell and taste delicious! I made them with half turkey and half Italian sausage. I also used gluten-free Panko combined with almond flour. It worked beautifully. The meatballs are tender and juicy and the taste is excellent!
chrystal
Hi Denies,
I am so glad you like them. Thank you for sharing.
Best,
Chrystal
Liz Coughlinq
Easy and delicious. Followed the directions exactly and had perfect meatballs.
chrystal
I'm so glad you loved them Liz. Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Jenn Yocum
I know it is good when my husband who doesn't have celiac disease can't tell the difference. All four people in my family loved these. I'm sure you could modify them if you need/want to but I didn't and there were honestly perfect. Making big batch and freezing for later. Thanks! I'm checking out your other stuff soon
chrystal
Hi Jenn,
I'm so glad to hear everyone loves them! Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Renee S
Hi! Can I make these in my InstantPot?
chrystal
Yes, but you'll need to cook them with sauce. If you're using a marinara sauce, you put the sauce in the pan (at least 2 cups), then you layer the uncooked meatballs over the sauce. Add a little more sauce on top. Put the lid on and set it to manual and high for 8 minutes. Do a quick release.
Best,
Chrystal
Andrew
Hi Chrystal!
Thanks for this wonderful recipe, I am very excited to give it a try tonight.
I am looking to freeze these so I can use them in various meals for a while.
Do you have any tips for freezing/thawing?
Thanks!
Andrew
chrystal
Hi Andrew,
After you bake them. Let them cool completely before placing them in the freezer. You can store them in a zip lock bag or sealed container.
Best,
Chrystal
Erica
I used this recipe a few weeks back as a guide for my meatballs and they came out so delicious! I always add sausage to mine so I ended up with about 1.25-1.5 lbs of meat. I just went off your recipe and added more of everything since I've never made meatballs with oats before. I also doubled the cheese because my family has never met a piece of cheese we didn't like lol! The whole family loved them and I made them again a week later. This is one of the many recipes of yours we've enjoyed. Thanks for sharing!
chrystal
I'm so glad you like them. I love the idea of adding sausage. Thanks for sharing.
Best,
Chrystal
Susanna
Great looking recipe! Question about the almond meal substitution - do I use equal parts in this recipe (1/2 cup)?
chrystal
Hi Susanna,
Yes, equal parts almond flour/meal.
Best,
Chrystal
Kristy
This recipe was so easy. We doubled it and used seasoned gluten free bread crumbs. Froze the second batch for another day. The only other spice we had to add was salt and pepper. I love that this is so versatile. You can add or change it up a bit for what you are cooking. Thanks for a great recipe.
chrystal
I am so glad you liked it. Thank you for stopping back by to let me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Ana
I made these for the first time yesterday and I’m NOT a cook! I’m the only GF person in the family but everyone loved them. They did come out a little dry though. I baked them and didn’t use any sauce or cheese. My son Is picky with sauces and I’m dairy free. Could this be why they were a little dry? Any suggestions?
chrystal
Hi Ana,
They are probably dry because they were overbaked (everyone oven runs different) or because you didn't add the cheese. Next time if you leave the cheese out check them for doneness a few minutes early.
Best,
Chrystal
Ana
I will! Thanks!
Christine
I made the meatballs to go with spaghetti squash and Marinara sauce. Excellent. The Parmesan cheese gave it just the zip it needed and so easy to prepare.
chrystal
I am so glad you like them. Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Bre
I have these cooking right now. After sticking them in the oven, I sat down and reread the recipe. It appears that I forgot to add the crackes or bread crumbs. I can't imagine why they won't be just as good without it. This recipe has so many great reviews and I can't wait to taste them
chrystal
Hi Bre,
They should still be delicious. Enjoy!
Chrystal
bre bouxsein
Chrystal, they are absolutely delicious. The cheese melted out a tiny bit but barely so didn't even matter. Thanks for a great recipe. I made it just as written, Minus the crackers.
Csirota
I made this recipe for dinner tonight. I used oatmeal in place of the cracker crumbs (I do this with meatloaf as well), they are so good! My Italian husband said they were great!
chrystal
I am glad you both loved them. Thank you for sharing what you used.
Best,
Chrystal
Lisa
I doubled the recipe and use half ground turkey breast and half grass feed ground beef. Everything else the same, though, did use the rice instead of crackers. I overcooked the rice a bit so it was a bit mushy and it made the meatballs so moist. Perfect and very adaptable.
chrystal
I am so glad you liked it. Thank you for sharing what you used.
Best,
Chrystal
John Richter
We made these meatballs dairy free and with spiralized zucchini squash - delicious!! Even my 8 year old loved them!
One question: I've made the recipe twice now, both times making sure everything was really well mixed, but during baking, it looks like some egg oozes out of all of the meatballs at the bottom.
It's not really a problem, but I'm wondering what causes that and how it could be prevented?
chrystal
Hi John,
I'm so glad you like them. I'm not sure why that would happen would the egg. Maybe try room temp eggs next time to see if it mixes in better.
Best,
Chrystal
Kate
These are amazing!! I made them for my roommates and they were a huge hit! I’ve made them twice now - they are a new staple! Super easy to make and cheap on a college kid budget!
chrystal
I am so glad you liked them.
Best,
Chrystal
Pam Thompson
Delish!!! I substituted gf oats for the crackers and they are divine! Thanks for a proven winner!
Tina
These meatballs are delicious, easy to make and the entire family loves them!
Monika Wolfe
Can you freeze these meatballs uncooked?
Lindsay
Hi Monika. Yes, you could do that. I'd suggest freezing them on a tray first so that they don't all stick together when you put them in a bag or container for freezing.