Flavorful Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs Recipe

A meatball is ground meat rolled into a small ball, along with other ingredients, usually breadcrumbs. Cooking meatballs with breadcrumbs is very common. But today, I am going to share a recipe for flavorful, super-moist meatballs without breadcrumbs.

To make meatballs without breadcrumbs, add ground beef, ground lamb, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, salt, pepper, and egg to a bowl. Gently mix until well combined. Then, shape into meatballs.

Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. For fried meatballs, heat some oil in a skillet and fry the meatballs until browned.

This recipe works for meatballs made with ground pork, ground beef, ground Turkey, and lamb. But I personally love mixing ground beef and ground lamb. Try this to make flavorful meatballs.

In this article, I also include a detailed recipe for making meatballs and sauce. Scroll down to the recipe card for step-by-step instructions. But before you read out the entire recipe, check out the delicious watercress soup recipe.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

• If the meat feels sticky, refrigerate the mixture. This helps you form evenly sized patties easily.
• Roll the meatballs gently rather than packing them tightly. This helps keep the center tender and juicy.
• Do not forget to brown them in a skillet. Then oven-cook through well, but first create a beautiful caramelized exterior that adds flavor to the dish.
• To be sure the meatballs are cooked, check that the internal temperature is 160 degrees F. A thermometer is an easy way to test the doneness. 
• To boost the flavor, let the browned meatballs simmer gently in the sauce as they absorb it and tenderize.

Recipe Variation for Different Diets 

• Low Sodium Version: Use low-sodium onion powder instead of regular onion powder, and low-sodium sauce instead of regular ketchup. Make sure you omit the salt entirely.
• Keto Version: Swap maple syrup with monk fruit sweetener, and check that the ketchup is sugar-free. 
• Gluten-Free Version: If you add store-bought ketchup, check the label, as some may contain malt vinegar or wheat-derived ingredients. Also, swap soy sauce for tamari to keep the recipe gluten-free.

Storing And Reheating This Recipe 

Storing

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely. Then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Keep them together so they stay moist. Consume within 3-4 days. Keep the temperature at 4°C or below.
• To store them longer, add them to a freezer-safe bag; they will stay fresh for 3 months.

Reheating 

• Oven: First, preheat the oven to 350°F. Then add the meatballs to an oven-safe dish and cover it lightly with foil. Now heat for 15-20 minutes. Don’t leave it uncovered for too long, as it can affect the texture and make it tough.
• Stovetop: Add the meatballs to a skillet with some broth. Then gently warm for 5-8 minutes. But keep checking in between, since it is covered, and keep stirring.

What To Serve With This Recipe

You have plenty of options for serving Meatballs without Breadcrumbs. You could go classic with spaghetti with Tomato Sauce, creamy Mashed Potatoes, or even buttered rice. If you want something lighter, there are roasted veggies. Zucchini Noodles or Cauliflower Mash can make it really tasty and healthy. 

Printable Version

FAQs About Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs

More Recipes That You Can Try

The Cheesecake Factory Meatloaf Recipe 

Meatloaf With Oatmeal Recipe 

How To Make Sausage Meat At Home 

Glazed Paula Deen Meatloaf Recipe 

Conclusion

Meatballs without breadcrumbs can still be delicious and satisfying. They may have a different texture and flavor, but with the right combination of ingredients and seasonings, they can still be a fantastic addition to your meal. So, don’t be afraid to try making meatballs without breadcrumbs and see how you like them!