Gluten free lamb meatballs are a rich, flavorful, easy dinner.
I’ve got an exciting meatball recipe for you today – gluten free lamb meatballs! Given my family’s love for meatballs, I was pretty confident this recipe would be a hit. And you know what? It totally was! I’m willing to bet that when you whip up a batch yourself, you’ll have the same tasty success.
There’s something about the rich, savory flavor of lamb mixed with fragrant spices that just hits the spot every time. And when you simmer them in that gluten-free mushroom gravy with a hint of cinnamon? Oh man, it’s like a flavor party in your mouth.
So, if you’re looking for a gluten free meatball recipe that’s tried, tested, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters, look no further.
And if you love lamb, take a look at my full collection of lamb recipes that showcase the versatility and flavor of this delicious meat.
Okay. Gather your ingredients and let’s make a batch of gluten free meatballs that are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Butter: Used to sauté the shallots.
Shallots: I love shallots. They’re milder than onions and caramelize beautifully, infusing the meatballs with a delicate sweetness.
Ground lamb: Savory ground lamb or a combination of lamb and beef if you prefer.
Binders: Gluten-free bread crumbs and eggs
Lemon zest: Infuses the meatballs with bright citrusy notes, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich lamb flavor.
Herbs and spices: Parsley, marjoram, salt, and pepper
More butter and extra virgin olive oil: I like to fry the meatballs using a combination of butter and oil to enhance their flavor even further.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle sweetness to the homemade gravy.
Instructions
*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.
To begin, zest the lemon. You’ll need a microplane or box grater. Grate only the outer layer of the skin, rotating the lemon for just the zest and not the white pith which can be bitter.
Then sauté your shallots in a tablespoon of butter until they’re tender and oh-so-fragrant.
Now in a bowl big enough to hold all the goodness, mix together those sautéed shallots with the ground lamb, gluten free bread crumbs for that perfect texture, fresh parsley for a burst of green, an egg, the lemon zest, and your seasonings for that extra oomph.
Now comes the fun part – shaping those meatballs! Get your hands in there and roll that mixture into perfectly sized balls.
Pro tip:
Prior to cooking, cover your meatballs with parchment paper and pop them in the fridge. This little trick ensures they keep their shape intact and won’t fall apart while cooking. Chilling the meatballs lets the fats firm up, keeping everything nicely formed. Just give them about 10 minutes to set, and you’re good to go!
When you’re ready to cook, heat up a mix of butter and olive oil in your pan, and in batches, let those meatballs sizzle until they’re golden brown on the outside. Drain off any excess oil on a paper towel, and voila – you’ve got yourself some beautifully browned meatballs.
But wait, we’re not done yet! We’re taking things to the next level by whipping up a batch of my Gluten-Free Mushroom Gravy right in the same pan. Let those flavors mingle together, and don’t forget to sprinkle in a touch of cinnamon for a hint of warmth and spice. It’s the secret ingredient that takes this gravy from good to downright irresistible for this dish.
Then return those golden meatballs to the pan, nestle them into that luscious gravy, and let them simmer away until they’re tender and juicy, with just a hint of pink in the center. They’re done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.
And that’s it! Grab a spoon and dig in – dinner is served!
I serve these meatballs with rice, sautéed broccoli with garlic, and crusty quick garlic bread to sop up the gravy. Gluten free pasta, mashed potatoes, or fluffy roasted potatoes would also be good.
Save room for dessert with choices ranging from irresistible gluten-free apple pie to buttery soft gluten-free chocolate chip cookies or an orange jello salad.
Pro tips and recipe notes
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These meatballs would also make a delicious appetizer. Instead of gravy, a dipping sauce that complements their rich and savory flavor would add a touch of brightness or creaminess. Here are some delicious options:
- Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy Greek yogurt and cucumber sauce is seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, and dill.
- Lemon Garlic Aioli: A garlicky aioli made with mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: A chickpea, garlic, tahini, and olive oil dip with roasted red pepper for a hint of smokiness.
- Sriracha Mayo: This adds a fiery kick like it does in my spicy salmon cups recipe.
Alternative broiler method: You can skip the frying step and opt for the broiler instead. Simply adjust the top rack of your oven so that your meatballs will be positioned about 7 inches from the heating element. Then, crank up the oven to broil and let it preheat on high for a quick five minutes.
For this method, I highly recommend using a broiler pan with a grid top. Pop them under the broiler for another five – six minutes on each side. Then transfer them back to the skillet and let them luxuriate in that glorious gravy.
Leftovers can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days or freeze the cooked meatballs for future use. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
I can’t wait for you to try this. And if you have any questions, please reach out to me in the comments or shoot me an email, and I’ll respond ASAP.
More meatball recipes you’ll love
Zoodle Soup With Meatballs – There’s so much goodness in this soup!
Low-Carb Meatballs In Smoked Paprika Sauce – You’ll love these delicious low-carb meatballs in a tasty smoked paprika sauce. They’ll be on your table in just 30 minutes.
Low-Carb Meatball Parmesan For A Quick Easy Dinner – There’s so much to love about this meatball parmesan. These meatballs are so tasty you won’t believe they’re low-carb, grain-free, and nut-free.
Gluten Free Traditional Meatballs – My friend’s grandmother gave me her traditional meatball recipe. Here’s my gluten-free version of the recipe.
Gluten Free Swedish Meatballs (Easy And Delicious) – These Swedish Meatballs are cooked on your stove-top using gluten-free ingredients that result in soft tasty meatballs smothered in the most delicious creamy gravy.
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Gluten Free Lamb Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter to sauté the shallots
- 2 pounds ground lamb
- 4 shallots minced
- 1/2 cup gluten free bread crumbs
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon marjoram
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- dash of pepper
To cook meatballs
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil EVOO
To add warmth to gravy
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon to add to gravy
Instructions
- Sauté shallots in 1 tablespoon of butter until tender. Then combine shallots with lamb, bread crumbs, parsley, egg, lemon zest, and seasonings.1 tablespoon butter, 2 pounds ground lamb, 4 shallots, 1/2 cup gluten free bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon parsley, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon marjoram, 1/4 teaspoon salt, dash of pepper
- Divide meat mixture into 22-24 meatballs. Chill the meatballs for about 10 minutes. Then brown in batches in butter and olive oil. Drain on a paper-towel lined plate.1/2 cup butter, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Drain the butter from the pan. Prepare my Gluten Free Mushroom Gravy in the same pan. Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the gravy and stir.1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Return meatballs to the pan. Simmer about 10 minutes until the lamb is barely pink inside.
Notes
Nutrition
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Carin Clark @Mrscpkc says
YUMMY! I have never tried lamb balls. I’ve eaten lamb chops many times and they are sooo good. That’s about it though, for my lamb experience, so I will definitely give this a try! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Barbara says
Terrific, Carin. Thanks for visiting.
Rachel Lavern says
I am funny about lamb–I only enjoy the very first bite (rather it is chops or roast).
Rachel recently posted How to Crush Your Someday Mindset
Barbara says
Hmm… the cinnamon in the gravy adds a wonderfully unique flavor, but if you don’t care for lamb I hope you will try some of my other recipes listed in my recipe index 🙂 https://www.glutenfreehomestead.com/dinner-recipe-browser/
Thanks for visiting.