Name: Traditional Italian Gluten Free Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds of ground beef (80/20 chuck works best with this recipe); 1 egg; 1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese (grated); 3 cloves of garlic (finely minced); 1 teaspoon of parsley; 1/4 cup of gluten free bread crumbs; 1 teaspoon of salt; oil for frying

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

Wonderful gluten-free meatballs. My friend’s grandmother gave me her traditional meatball recipe. Here’s my gluten-free version of the recipe.

When I was a young girl, my good friend was Italian. She often invited me to come with her to her grandmother’s house on Sunday.

There were always large homemade meatballs, pork chops, sausage, etc.. There was always joking and laughter as her aunts, uncles, and cousins gathered together.

They treated me like family, and I’ll never forget their warm smiles.

When I asked my friend’s lovely Grandma how she prepared her wonderful meatballs, she listed the ingredients as a handful of this and a handful of that.

Ingredients

You just won’t believe how these simple ingredients (ground beef, an egg, Parmigiano cheese, parsley, garlic, salt and breadcrumbs) combine for mouthwatering meatballs.

How to make gluten free meatballs from scratch

*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.

Ready to make traditional meatballs? Let’s go.

We start with ground beef. (80/20 chuck works best with this recipe.)

Combine your beef with a beaten egg and a handful of Parmigiano cheese. In this case a handful equals a tablespoon. (I use aged Parmigiano Reggiano).

Next add some parsley, about a teaspoon, and some finely minced fresh garlic.

Next, mix in a handful of your favorite breadcrumbs. Since my family is gluten-free, I use Shar’s bread crumbs, (In this case a handful is equal to a quarter of a cup). Season with salt.

Gluten free and dairy free meatballs

If dairy doesn’t agree with you, you can eliminate the cheese or go with your favorite dairy free cheese.

Pro tips and Recipe notes

Now you’re ready to roll your meatballs. Not too tight, however. You want to lightly roll them between your hands to form a ball that feels like it will hold together, but lightly so they will absorb the sauce that you will simmer them in after you fry them in oil.
I use extra-virgin olive oil for frying over a medium flame being careful that the oil doesn’t smoke.
Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Finally simmer your meatballs in homemade sauce.

You’re going to love these traditional meatballs. É squisito!

P.S. If you make this recipe, share your snap on Instagram and tag #glutenfreehomestead. I always love seeing your photos.

More recipes like this

Chicken and Peppers: Olive Oil and Garlic Style This is my secret family recipe!

Step by Step Guide to Make Gluten-Free Classic Italian Lasagna Here’s your step by step guide to make amazing classic three-cheese Italian lasagna casserole with intensely flavored sauce, just the right balance of cheeses, chunky beef, sweet Italian sausage, and gluten free pasta.

Zoodles Bolognese Sauce These zucchini noodles with Bolognese sauce (zoodles) are super quick to make.

How to Cut and Prepare Spaghetti Squash (Includes Video!) If you close your eyes, you’ll think you’re eating angel hair pasta. That’s why you’re going to love this satisfying, healthy, low carb alternative to pasta.

Eggplant Rollatini Bolognese You’re going to love this healthy dish. Serve it as an appetizer or as the main course. Buon appetito!

Gluten Free Sausage and Noodles This recipe is a winner for an easy dinner or pack and go lunch.

Want to save this gluten free traditional meatballs recipe? Pin it!

Print Pin

5 from 2 votes