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–+ servings

Easy Gluten-Free Olive Garden Meatball Recipe

Gentle Tummy
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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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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.
  • 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. 

Video

Did you make this recipe?Please let me know in the comments below how it turned out :)