Easy Gluten-Free Olive Garden Meatball Recipe
Make restaurant-quality Olive Garden meatballs at home using ground beef, pork, eggs, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and simple seasonings. Cooked in just 9 minutes in an air fryer or pan-seared, these meatballs are juicy and packed with classic Italian flavor. Perfect for a quick, satisfying family meal!
Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Meatball Recipe
- Quick Cooking Method: Air fry for juicy meatballs in just 9 minutes or choose pan-searing or oven-baking.
- Classic Italian Flavors: Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasonings bring out rich, savory flavors.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find ingredients make this recipe approachable and delicious.
- Family Favorite: These meatballs will impress everyone at the table with their restaurant-quality taste.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting gluten-free Olive Garden meatball recipe
Italian Bread Crumbs (or Almond Flour): You can use store-bought gluten-free bread crumbs as a 1:1 substitute for regular bread crumbs. You can also use Gluten-Free Panko Crumbs which provide a nice crispy texture to the meatballs. Ground oats can work well as a gluten-free alternative.
Eggs: Ground Flaxseed can be used as a binder and provides nutritional benefits.*
Grated Parmesan Cheese: For a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor.
Milk (Almond Milk): You can use soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or rice milk as a substitute for almond milk. If you’re not avoiding dairy, you can use regular cow’s milk.
Italian Seasoning: Make your own Italian seasoning blend using dried oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary, and marjoram.
Worcestershire Sauce (Gluten-Free): You can omit the Worcestershire sauce or replace it with gluten-free soy sauce.
Onion Powder and Garlic: Finely chop fresh onion and garlic to replace the powdered versions.
Ground Chuck and Ground Pork: If you prefer poultry, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner option. For a vegetarian or vegan version, use plant-based ground meat.
Parsley: Replace parsley with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or thyme for different flavor profiles.
Red Pepper Flakes: You can omit or use a pinch of cayenne pepper for a similar heat level. For a milder heat, substitute with paprika.
Remember that some substitutions may alter the flavor and texture slightly, so it’s a good idea to experiment and adjust the quantities as needed to achieve the desired results.
*I have not tested this substitution.
How to Make My Olive Garden Inspired Meatball Recipe
Step 1: Make the meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently whisk until the egg is incorporated.
Add the bread crumbs (or almond flour), minced cloves of garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, parsley, paprika (or red pepper flakes), salt, and black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until well combined, taking care not to overwork the mixture. The texture will be similar to a pancake batter.
Add in the ground beef, pork, and shredded parmesan cheese. Mix with your hands just until the ingredients appear to be well incorporated.
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to uniformly scoop the meatballs onto a baking sheet. Once all the meatballs are portioned out, roll them into round balls, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, using the palms of your hands. You can dip your hands in water periodically to keep the meat from sticking to them.
Add in the ground beef, pork, and shredded parmesan cheese. Mix with your hands just until the ingredients appear to be well incorporated.
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to uniformly scoop the meatballs onto a baking sheet. Once all the meatballs are portioned out, roll them into round balls, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, using the palms of your hands. You can dip your hands in water periodically to keep the meat from sticking to them.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
Option 1: Air Fryer
Spray the inside of the air fryer basket with non-aerosol oil spray. Place the meatballs on the tray or inside the basket about 1/2″ apart. Set the temperature to 380°F and cook for 9 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to redistribute the meatballs.
At the end of the 8 minutes, check the internal temperature of a few of the meatballs. Make sure the internal temperature is at least 165°F. If you do not have a thermometer, you can split one of the meatballs open and ensure the juices run clear. Cook for an additional minute at a time if needed. Do not overcook, or the meatballs can become dry.
Option 2: Pan Seared
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and brown them on all sides until they are golden brown and cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Option 3: Oven Baked
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Place the shaped meatballs onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each meatball. This allows for even air circulation and ensures that the meatballs cook uniformly.
Lightly brush the tops of the meatballs with olive oil. This will help them develop a nice golden color during baking.
Bake for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
About halfway through the baking time, around 10 minutes, carefully rotate the baking sheet to ensure even browning. You can also check the internal temperature of one meatball using a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to the proper temperature.
Step 3. Simmer in sauce (Optional)
You can enjoy your meatballs as is or simmer them in marinara sauce for a delicious meal. Pour one jar of your favorite marinara sauce into a shallow pan and add your meatballs. Gently stir the meatballs to cover them in the sauce. Then, bring to a simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Gluten-Free Meatball Recipe Notes
- To ensure gluten-free meatballs, replace regular bread crumbs with almond flour.
- If preferred, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground pork.
- Adjust the level of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- For a healthier alternative, consider using almond milk instead of regular milk in the meatball mixture.
- The fat content of the meat can influence the juiciness of the meatballs; a combination of ground beef and ground pork is used for a balanced texture and flavor.
- Room temperature ingredients will help the meat mixture combine more easily.
Serving Suggestions for Gluten-Free Italian Meatballs
- Serve the meatballs over a bed of spaghetti noodles with your favorite tomato sauce.
- Create a hearty meatball sub sandwich using your choice of bread and toppings.
- Enjoy the meatballs as a protein-packed appetizer with toothpicks for dipping in marinara sauce.
- Serving the meatballs over spaghetti squash noodles is one of the best ways to make them low-carb.
- Pair the meatballs as a side dish with a garden salad for a perfect addition to a satisfying meal.
- Experiment with other recipe ideas by incorporating these delicious meatballs into casseroles or wraps.
Do you love Italian-inspired food? Check out more of my easy and nutritious Italian-inspired recipes:
- Creamy Italian Dressing Quick Olive Garden Copycat
- Best Chopped Italian Sandwich Viral Grinder Salad
- Greek Yogurt Flatbread Protein Naan Bread [No Yeast]
- Gluten-Free Breadsticks Easy Olive Garden Copycat
- Best Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Low Carb Viral Recipe
Easy Gluten-Free Olive Garden Meatball Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chuck
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs (or almond flour)
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk (almond milk)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free version)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika (or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently whisk until the egg is incorporated.Add the bread crumbs (or almond flour), minced cloves of garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, parsley, paprika (or red pepper flakes), salt, and black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until well combined, taking care not to overwork the mixture. The texture will be similar to a pancake batter.Add in the ground beef, pork, and shredded parmesan cheese. Mix with your hands just until the ingredients appear to be well incorporated.Use a cookie scoop or spoon to uniformly scoop the meatballs onto a baking sheet. Once all the meatballs are portioned out, roll them into round balls, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, using the palms of your hands. You can dip your hands in water periodically to keep the meat from sticking to them.Â
- Add in the ground beef, pork, and shredded parmesan cheese. Mix with your hands just until the ingredients appear to be well incorporated.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to uniformly scoop the meatballs onto a baking sheet. Once all the meatballs are portioned out, roll them into round balls, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, using the palms of your hands. You can dip your hands in water periodically to keep the meat from sticking to them.Â
- Option 1: Air FryerSpray the inside of the air fryer basket with non-aerosol oil spray. Place the meatballs on the tray or inside the basket about 1/2" apart. Set the temperature to 380°F and cook for 9 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to redistribute the meatballs. At the end of the 8 minutes, check the internal temperature of a few of the meatballs. Make sure the internal temperature is at least 165°F. If you do not have a thermometer, you can split one of the meatballs open and ensure the juices run clear. Cook for an additional minute at a time if needed. Do not overcook, or the meatballs can become dry.
- Option 2: Pan SearedHeat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and brown them on all sides until they are golden brown and cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Option 3: Oven BakedStart by preheating your oven to 400°F. Place the shaped meatballs onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each meatball. This allows for even air circulation and ensures that the meatballs cook uniformly.Lightly brush the tops of the meatballs with olive oil. This will help them develop a nice golden color during baking.Bake for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.About halfway through the baking time, around 10 minutes, carefully rotate the baking sheet to ensure even browning. You can also check the internal temperature of one meatball using a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to the proper temperature.
- You can enjoy your meatballs as is or simmer them in marinara sauce for a delicious meal. Pour one jar of your favorite marinara sauce into a shallow pan and add your meatballs. Gently stir the meatballs to cover them in the sauce. Then, bring to a simmer for 10-15 minutes.Â
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