Whether you’re looking to whip up an easy and hardy way to feed a large group, or just wanting something delicious and homemade, meatballs are an option for everyone that should make the top of the list.
Meatballs are delicious in sauces, whether you’re wanting them in marinara sauce for pasta dishes, as a Swedish meatball, or slathered in a barbecue sauce and jelly glaze commonly served at baby showers and bridal parties. You can set it and forget in a crockpot, pan fry them, or oven bake.–the options are endless!
Meatballs are usually a meat mixture made with breadcrumbs as binders. Breadcrumbs are used traditionally to make the meatballs moist, juicy, and more tender, however, the moisture can still be achieved without breadcrumbs (and by removing the bread crumbs you can also make your meatballs low carb and gluten free).
Today, I’m sharing a healthy and delicious meatball recipe that does not use breadcrumbs. Afterall, when you want the most perfect meatball, there’s nothing better than biting into one that’s homemade.
Meatball Recipe Without Breadcrumbs
Zak’s Meatball
384 Calories
Ingredients
- 4 oz Ground pork, 80% lean, raw – 290 calories
- 1 Tbsp Cheese, Parmesan, grated (Tbsp) – 17 calories
- ¼ tsp Salt – 0 calories
- ¼ tsp Pepper, ground – 0 calories
- ¼ tsp Basil, dried – 0 calories
- ¼ tsp Oregano – 0 calories
- 1 cup Tomatoes, canned, crushed – 50 calories
- ½ Onion, yellow, large – 28 calories
- 1 tsp Garlic, minced (tsp) – 0 calories
Instructions
This recipe works best when making 2-3 servings at a time.
Step 1
Dice onion.
Step 2
Mix pork, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and parmesan cheese in a large bowl.
Step 3
Form balls with your hands, run your hands under cold water between forming each ball to make the process easier.
Step 4
Spray a pan with an oil spray & brown balls on all sides (for ~1 minute on each, 4 sides), or bake them in the toaster oven for 4-5 minutes.
Step 5
While balls are cooking, spray a pot with an oil spray. Cook diced onions for ~4 minutes.
Step 6
Add in tomatoes.
Step 7
Add in balls to pot with tomatoes, simmer for as long as possible!
Step 8
No ground pork? Use ground turkey or lean ground beef.
Other Substitute for Breadcrumbs in Meatballs
Making meatballs without breadcrumbs can be a healthier option without feeling like you’re not missing out on taste or texture. When going this route however, the type of meat you choose is the most important. These substitutes add in the necessary texture, and some also make great binding alternatives that work similar to bread crumbs.
Try a few to discover which one you like the best. Here are a few other substitutions you can use with items you may already have in your pantry that are not only healthier alternatives but can be used in place of the bread crumb if you want to be low carb or gluten free.
Grated parmesan cheese
The simple meatball recipe we listed above only called for ground meat, seasonings, and grated parmesan cheese. With this ingredient, your meatballs will also freeze well in a freezer bag.
Just be mindful that while this cheese is an awesome substitute for breadcrumbs, it’s not necessarily the same thing.. Meaning, use it a little sparingly to not make your meatball gummy.
Starch
Trade out one starch for another. You can use cornstarch or tapioca starch as a natural substitute for breadcrumbs. Using ⅓ cup will help your meatball hold their shape, and if you need extra binding, add an additional egg (or egg white).
Potato flakes
Sticking to the starchy trend, reach for potato flakes if you have them on hand as an easy substitute option. Using them will help your meatballs maintain their heartier texture. Gradually add it (2 parts potato flakes 1 part water) into your mixture although too much will make them slightly stickier.
Ground flaxseeds
Ground flaxseeds are a double whammy. It’s one of the best binding options for meatballs without breadcrumbs. Plus, it’s high in fiber, which adds a natural way of increasing your fiber intake.
Almond flour
For every cup of breadcrumbs, you will need to use 1 ½ cups of almond flour. Almond flour blends much like breadcrumbs when making meatballs. Just add it little by little to make sure it’s evenly folded into your mixture.
Crushed tortilla chips
Many varieties of tortilla chips are made from 100% ground corn, making them absolutely gluten free. If you’ve got some in your pantry, take the extra 15 minutes to crush them and use your normal meatball recipe. Swap out equal amounts of breadcrumbs for crushed tortilla chips.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a super healthy alternative for cooked meatballs. They make an even swap in your normal meatball recipe. Prep your meatballs like you normally would with garlic powder or other preferred seasonings, then spread them in a single layer on a pan in olive oil and covered in tomato sauce. Quinoa will help your meatballs be extra rich in protein and fiber.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal makes a great substitute for breadcrumbs in meatballs, and it’s loaded with fiber, which is great for keeping you full and energized.
If you’ve got a gluten sensitivity but aren’t allergic to gluten, oatmeal is an incredible, healthy alternative to regular breadcrumbs.
Cauliflower
Grate up some cauliflower as small as pepper (in a food processor) or opt to pick up a bag of cauliflower rice in store. Eyeball it when combining it into your meat mixture to achieve your preferred texture, aiming not to overdo it or else your meatballs could end up mushy and gummy.
Shredded zucchini noodles
If you’re looking for a low carb substitute for breadcrumbs, shredded zucchini should be at the top of your list. This *almost* no calorie option (17 calories) has a high moisture content that helps the meatball maintain extra moisture, especially with baked meatballs.
Serving Suggestions for Meatballs
Zoodles and Meatballs
355 Calories
Ingredients
- 2 cups Zoodles (zucchini noodles), raw or frozen – 42 calories
- ⅓ cup Cheese, crumbled, feta – 133 calories
- 3 oz Meatballs, turkey – 180 calories
- ¼ tsp Oregano – 0 calories
- ¼ tsp Salt – 0 calories
- ¼ tsp Pepper, ground – 0 calories
Instructions
Step 1
Spray a pan with an oil spray
Step 2
Stir-fry zucchini noodles ~10 minutes, until cooked through, drain away any excess liquid
Step 3
Heat frozen meatballs (if making from frozen) in microwave
Step 4
Combine all ingredients
Step 5
No dairy? Use a dairy-free pesto or Alfredo sauce, available at most stores
Meatball Sub Peppers
407 calories
Ingredients
- 1 Bell pepper, green, medium – 27 calories
- 2 oz Cheese, sliced, pepper jack, full fat/ regular – 200 calories
- 3 oz Meatballs, turkey – 180 calories
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 2
Microwave meatballs from frozen.
Step 3
Add meatballs and cheese to peppers.
Step 4
Bake for 12 minutes.
Like these and want more? Add your freshly made meatballs to either one of these ground beef meal prep ideas. My favorite is the Veggie & Ground Beef Pesto Hash. Affiliate links may be present.
