This gluten-free meatballs with gravy recipe makes tender, juicy meatballs in a rich homemade gravy — ready in just 30 minutes.
As a mom cooking for a daughter with celiac, I’ve perfected this recipe over the years using ground beef, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan for real flavor. You’d never guess they’re gluten-free — they’re tender, juicy, and hold together beautifully. These are a family-approved dinner that will quickly earn a place on your weekly meal rotation.
If your crew love meatballs then try these tasty alternatives, my Spaghetti & Italian Meatballs or Swedish Mustard Dill Meatballs. These recipes can easily be adapted to gluten free also.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Gluten-Free Meatballs Recipe
- Gluten-Free Meatballs Ingredients
- How to Make Gluten-Free Meatballs - Step-By-Step
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Variations & Substitutions
- Pro Tips & Tricks
- How To Serve
- How To Reheat
- How to Freeze
- Pin This Gluten-Free Meatballs with Gravy Recipe For Later
- What Do You Think?!
- More Easy Recipe Ideas
- Printable Recipe
- Gluten-Free Meatballs with Gravy Recipe
- Reader Comments & Ratings
Why You'll Love This Gluten-Free Meatballs Recipe
- A quick and easy mid week dinner that can be prepared, cooked and on the table in around 30 minutes.
- This is a great prep ahead dish, prepare earlier in the day, or the night before. The meatballs will taste even better if left to sit as the flavors will intensify.
- This easy dinner recipe can be easily doubled up, making it ideal for stress-free meal planning. Enjoy some now and freeze the rest for later.
- TIf you love quick comfort dinners, try these other 30 Minute Family Favorites:
Gluten-Free Meatballs Ingredients
Find the full list and quantities in the recipe card below.
Ground Meat - I've used lean ground beef in this meatballs recipe, but you could also use ground pork or a mix of both - which adds even more flavor.
Breadcrumbs - gluten-free breadcrumbs are available in most stores. If you can't find store bought then make your own breadcrumbs from gluten-free bread or rolls.
Parmesan - freshly ground parmesan cheese adds a great savory flavor to the meatballs.
Beef Broth - for the best flavor I recommend using a good quality beef broth (beef stock) in the gravy.
Gluten-Free Flour - use gluten-free flour to thicken the gravy.
How to Make Gluten-Free Meatballs - Step-By-Step
Find the full printable recipe card below.
Add all of the meatball ingredients into a bowl and mix gently until just combined.
Form the meatball mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Aim for around 18 to 20 meatballs in total.
Heat the olive oil a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan and brown them on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked through yet).
Carefully transfer to a meatballs to a plate and and set aside. Make sure to leave all of the fats and meat juices in the pan.
Add the butter to the skillet and melt gently over medium heat. Whisk in the gluten-free flour and cook 1 to 2 minutes, whisking constantly, until golden and fragrant.
Gradually whisk in the beef broth until you have a smooth sauce. Add worcestershire sauce and sea salt and black pepper to taste.
Return the meatballs to the gravy. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for around 15 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked through and gravy is thickened. You will need to stir occassionally.
Serve the meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or gluten-free pasta. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs in gluten-free meatballs?
If you can't find gluten-free breadcrumbs you could make your own by blitzing some gluten-free bread or rolls in a food processor. Or swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free almond or oat flour.
Why do you put breadcrumbs in meatballs?
Breadcrumbs are added to meatball mixture to help bind the meat mixture together, as well as holding onto moisture with ensures a better texture and lighter, tender meatballs. If you leave the breadcrumbs out you will get tougher, more dense meatballs.
Variations & Substitutions
I made these meatballs using lean ground beef, but you could use other ground meat - try ground pork, ground veal or a mix. For something healthier try ground turkey or ground chicken.
I've used gluten-free breadcrumbs in this recipe, almond flour or coconut flour would be good substitutions.
Dried or fresh herbs add lots of flavor to meatballs, I used fresh basil and dried thyme. You could also use fresh basil, dried rosemary or Italian seasoning.
Pro Tips & Tricks
Don't over mix the meat - this keeps the meatballs tender.
When shaping the meatballs, wet your hands first as this helps stop the meatballs mixture sticking to your hands.
For best results try to make sure the meatballs are roughly the same size, otherwise some may take longer to cook through. Using a cookie scoop is a great way to ensure your meatballs are even-sized.
When making your own meatballs, it's important to take the time to brown the meatballs in a single layer, before adding the rest of the ingredients. This will really add to the flavor of the finished dish.
How To Serve
I've opted to serve these meatballs with Mashed Potato. They're also great with these uber easy 3 Ingredient Oven Fries, Sweet Potato Fries or these amazing Cheesy Smashed Potatoes. You could also serve with rice or gluten-free spaghetti, or for a low carb side try cauliflower rice.
If you're serving veggies alongside try my Honey Butter Roasted Carrots, Easy Buttered Kale, Microwaved Green Beans with Lemon & Almonds, or Roasted Cauliflower Cheese.
How To Reheat
Once cooked and cooled, any leftover meatballs and gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply heat the meatballs up gently in the gravy over a medium heat until warmed through. If the sauce is a little thick you can add a splash of stock or water to loosen it.
How to Freeze
Make the meatballs and gravy then allow the dish to cool completely before placing in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. You can store the sauce and meatballs for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, defrost the sauce and meatballs before heating up to piping hot.
Pin This Gluten-Free Meatballs with Gravy Recipe For Later
What Do You Think?!
Love this Recipe?
I’d be so grateful if you could leave a ⭐ rating and comment below — it really helps me know what works for you!
Save this recipe to Pinterest or share it with a friend who loves cooking. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more family friendly easy-to-do recipes.
More Easy Recipe Ideas
Printable Recipe
Gluten-Free Meatballs with Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb Ground Meat - beef, pork or a mix
- ½ cup Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs - or almond flour for extra lightness
- ¼ cup Grated Parmesan - optional
- 1 small Onion - finely grated
- 1 clove Garlic - minced
- 1 large Egg
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley - chopped
- ¼ tsp Dried Thyme - or oregano
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper - to taste
For the gravy:
- 1 tbsp Butter - & pan drippings
- 2 tbsp Gluten-Free Flour
- 2 cups Beef Broth - or Chicken
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce - gluten-free
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper - to taste
To Garnish
- Fresh Parsley - chopped
Instructions
- Add all of the meatball ingredients into a bowl and mix gently until just combined.
- Form into small balls, about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Aim for around 18 to 20 meatballs in total.
- Heat the olive oil a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs to the pan and brown them on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked through yet).
- Carefully transfer to a meatballs to a plate and and set aside. Make sure to leave all of the fats and meat juices in the pan.
- Add the butter to the skillet and melt gently over medium heat.
- Whisk in the gluten-free flour and cook 1 to 2 minutes, whisking constantly, until golden and fragrant.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth until you have a smooth sauce.
- Add worcestershire sauce and sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Return the meatballs to the gravy. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for around 15 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked through and gravy is thickened. You will need to stir occassionally.
- Serve the meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or gluten-free pasta.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.
Comments
No Comments