Want a filling, tasty meal that fits your paleo lifestyle? Meatballs that are paleo are the answer! These juicy bites are not only delicious, but they also don’t have any grains or dairy and are full of protein. Paleo meatballs are a flexible and popular choice. You can serve them with a zesty marinara sauce for a traditional Italian dinner or add them to a healthy salad.
This complete guide will dive into the world of paleo meatballs and teach you everything you need to know to make these tasty treats in your own home. We’ll talk about different kinds of ingredients, different ways to cook them, fun ways to serve them, and answer all of your hot questions about paleo meatballs.
What are Paleo meatballs?
If you don’t eat grains or cheese, you can make paleo meatballs instead of the regular kind. For traditional meatballs, breadcrumbs hold the meat together, and Parmesan cheese is added to make them taste better. On the other hand, the paleo diet stresses eating whole, unprocessed foods that our hunter-gatherer ancestors may have eaten. These items don’t fit with that diet.
How can we get the same pleasing texture and taste without dairy and grains? Paleo meatballs use clever replacements! They can be held together with almond flour, coconut flour, or even finely chopped veggies like mushrooms. Some herbs and spices, like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley, give these vegetarian meatballs more flavor. They taste just as good as regular meatballs.
Why Choose Paleo Meatballs?
There are many reasons to incorporate paleo meatballs into your diet:
- Paleo-friendly: As mentioned earlier, paleo meatballs adhere to the core principles of the paleo diet, making them a suitable option for those following this lifestyle.
- Nutrient-rich: Meatballs are typically made with ground meat, a good source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc.
- Versatile: Paleo meatballs can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve them with your favorite paleo-friendly marinara sauce for a classic spaghetti and meatballs dish, toss them into a salad for a protein boost, or even use them as meal prep for healthy lunches throughout the week.
- Easy to customize: Feel free to experiment with different spices, herbs, and vegetables to create unique flavor combinations.
- Family-friendly: These delicious meatballs will surely be a hit with adults and children alike.
How to Make Paleo Meatballs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a combination of ground beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup almond flour or coconut flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Warm the oven up to 200°C/400°F. Put parchment paper on a baking sheet to make it easy to clean up.
- Ground meat, egg, chopped onion (if using), garlic, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper should all be mixed in a big bowl. Gently mix everything with your hands until it’s all well combined. Please do not mix the meatballs too much, as this can make them challenging.
- Make little balls out of the dough that are about an inch across. Use a cookie scoop to ensure the cookies are all the same size.
- Lay the meatballs out on the baking sheet that has been prepared.
- Put the meatballs in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and the outside is golden brown. Putting an instant-read thermometer in the middle of a hamburger should read 165°F (74°C).
- While the meatballs are baking, make the sauce or other way you want to serve them. (See below for ideas on how to change the recipe.)
- Serve the paleo meatballs hot with any sauce or side dish you like.
FAQs about Paleo Meatballs
Can I use different types of meat for paleo meatballs?
Of course! You can use ground lamb, chicken, or turkey instead of ground beef, which is a standard choice. Try different things until you find your favorite mix!
What if I don’t have almond flour or coconut flour?
Don’t worry! Instead, you can use finely chopped veggies (like zucchini and mushrooms), ground flaxseed mixed with water, or even psyllium husk powder, which is paleo-friendly.
How can I make sure my paleo meatballs aren’t dry?
Moisture is critical to juicy meatballs. Here are some tips:
- Use a fattier cut of ground meat (at least 80/20 ground beef).
- Keep the meatball mixture the same.
- Add moisture-rich ingredients like grated vegetables or a beaten egg.
- Bake the meatballs for the recommended time, avoiding overcooking.
What are some creative ways to serve paleo meatballs besides marinara sauce?
- Paleo Meatball Bowls: Serve meatballs over a bed of cauliflower rice roasted vegetables, drizzled with a tahini sauce.
- Zucchini Noodle Bowls: Toss-cooked zucchini noodles with meatballs, a pesto sauce, and chopped cherry tomatoes for a vibrant and satisfying meal.
- Paleo Meatball Skewers: Thread cooked meatballs with bell peppers, onions, and zucchini slices for a fun and flavorful appetizer.
- Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers, fill them with a mixture of cooked meatballs, riced cauliflower, and spices, then bake until tender.
How can I prep my meals with paleo meatballs?
Paleo meatballs are great for making ahead of time. Just make a big batch ahead of time. They can be kept in the fridge for up to three days in a sealed container or frozen for longer. You can warm them up slowly in a pan with sauce or eat them cold in salads.
