Nothing beats a great meatball. The delicious sauce that goes with it, and the tender bite of beef can make anyone’s mouth water. But let’s be real, what happens when you try to enjoy all those great things without using breadcrumbs? Is it still possible for them to be as tasty, tender, and juicy? Of course, it is!
These Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs are perfect when you want to eat something juicy, full of flavor, no matter what your diet is. Whether you are following a Keto diet or just trying to eat something lower in carbs, these meatballs are healthier but still mouth-watering. Enjoy these Keto Meatballs as a savory snack, or for dinner, and satisfy your cravings!
Table of Contents
Let’s get started. First, I will explain each step on how to prepare the meatballs and provide you with some handy tips that I love to share when I am cooking!
Why You’ll Love Making Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs
I completely understand; when meatballs are being prepared, breadcrumbs are a common ingredient—or at least they should be. Breadcrumbs help bind everything correctly, add a nice crisp on the outside, and keep the insides nice and juicy. But, what if I told you juicy and tender meatballs can be made without breadcrumbs? And the best thing is: relinquishing breadcrumbs will not be regretted!
What makes these Keto Meatballs special is the mix of spices, parmesan cheese, and a little bit of love. These meatballs are packed with flavor, so your family (or guests at dinner) will never realize that they are missing the carbs. And because they are being baked, there is no need to endure standing by the hot stove, frying them in oil, making these healthier too. And the sauce – oh, the sauce – is a total game changer. You will not believe how easily it can be prepared – and the meatballs would not be complete without the sauce; it gives them the perfect finishing touch.
Whether you are on a Keto diet, looking for a hearty but low-carb meal for dinner, or want to change things in your kitchen for the day, this recipe will surely be one of your favorites. Let’s begin!
Ingredients Required for Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs
Before we start the cooking process, I want to ensure that you have a list of everything you need help with. As someone who appreciates efficiency, no special ingredients are required. The following items are necessary to prepare the delicious and juicy Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs.
Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (85% Lean): The meat must have some fat in it to ensure the meatballs are juicy. 85% lean ground beef will provide moisture and not make the meat greasy. If you want a healthier option, 90% lean may also work, but let’s face it, the meat won’t be as juicy.
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (grated, not shredded)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened ketchup
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions for Keto Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs
Step 1: Parchment Paper, Baking Sheet, and Oven
To get things started, please ensure that your oven is preheated to 400°F. Secondly, get a large rimmed baking sheet and parchment paper. In doing so, your clean-up will be much simpler, while also ensuring that the meatballs will not stick. I promise you will love this step later.
Step 2: Combine All the Ingredients and Mix
Now, grab a bowl and pour the ground beef inside it. After that, add kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly but be careful not to overwork the meat to avoid dense meatballs.
Step 3: Forming Meatballs
The next step is shaping the meatballs. In my opinion, the easiest way to do this is to first format the mixture into a log. Then, cut it into five equal slices. After that, divide each of these slices into four chunks. This way, every bite will have a smooth, uniform texture.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Place the meatballs on the prepared baking tray. Make sure they’re not touching each other. Now, place the meatballs in the oven and let them bake for approximately 15 minutes or until fully cooked. The ideal temperature for the meatballs is 160°F. They should look lightly golden and firm yet spring back when pressed.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to prepare the sauce. Grab a medium saucepan and combine ketchup, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir it all and place it on moderate-low heat. Let it simmer and thicken.
Step 6: Coat the Meatballs in Sauce
When the meatballs finish baking, carefully place them in the sauce using tongs. Turn the sauce and meatballs gently until they are thoroughly coated. Let them sit in the sauce for a minute or two to soak in all the mouth-watering goodness.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Your meatballs are now fully prepared! Serve them standalone, atop zucchini noodles, or alongside a fresh salad for a light and healthy feast.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs
- Use 85% lean beef: Lean ground beef works well for these meatballs as it provides enough fat to make them juicy without being overly greasy.
- Don’t overwork the meat: It’s crucial that when you are mixing the ingredients for the meatball, do so until it’s combined. Overmixing can dry out the meatballs.
- Parmesan is key: Don’t skip adding parmesan cheese; it binds the meatballs and adds a rich, cheesy taste.
- Add some zest: Feel free to add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you like more heat.
- Freeze for later: These meatballs freeze wonderfully! Bake, cool, and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
FAQs about Keto Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs
Can I replace the ground beef with ground turkey?
Yes! Ground turkey can be used, but turkey has less fat than beef, so your meatballs might turn out slightly drier. To keep them juicy, use higher-fat content turkey (like 93% lean) or add a little extra olive oil or broth to the mixture.
What is the best way to store my leftovers?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. Just reheat them gently before serving.
Final Thoughts on Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs
So, meatballs without breadcrumbs are still as juicy, tender, and flavorful as any other classic meatball recipe! For those on a Keto diet, or looking to simply cut down on carb intake, these Keto Meatballs are a tasty option. If you’re looking for something even more adventurous, consider trying a chicken hearts recipe for an exotic twist on protein-rich dishes.
Additionally, if you need more ideas for Keto-friendly snacks, be sure to check out this list of the best keto snacks from Healthline, which can help you stay on track with your low-carb lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a recipe that is hearty and fulfilling, look no further! You’ll feel good knowing you’ve prepared a healthy, low-carb meal that the entire family can enjoy. Your taste buds will surely thank you. Happy cooking!
Baked Meatballs (No Breadcrumbs)
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Description
These juicy baked meatballs are ready fast. Made without breadcrumbs, they are low-carb and gluten-free.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef – 85% lean (see notes)
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese – grated, not shredded
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened ketchup
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup – or a sugar-free syrup
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce – or a gluten-free alternative
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with high-heat-resistant parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, use your hands to mix together the meatball ingredients: ground beef, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and parmesan.
- Form the mixture into 20 meatballs. It’s easiest to shape the mixture into a log, slice it into five slices, then divide each slice into four parts and shape those into meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, not touching each other. Bake them until they are cooked through, about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, whisk together the sauce ingredients: ketchup, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Five minutes before the meatballs should be done, heat the sauce gently over medium-low heat. If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water.
- When the meatballs are done baking, use tongs to transfer them to the sauce. Gently toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- I don’t recommend using extra-lean ground beef in this recipe. It’s too dry, so the meatballs won’t be as juicy and could also fall apart – the fat helps keep the mixture together.
- To keep the meatballs juicy, don’t overbake them. 15 minutes at 400°F should be enough for them to be cooked through without becoming too dry. However, ovens vary, so to ensure they are ready, check with an instant-read thermometer.
- If you need to feed a crowd, this recipe scales beautifully. I often double it to ensure I have tasty leftovers for several days.
- You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave, covered, at 50% power. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to three months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs
- Calories: 287 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 628 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Protein: 23 g