Baked Meatballs

Tasty baked meatballs are ready fast. They are low carb, gluten free, and one of my go-to weeknight dinners because everyone loves them.

Whenever I’m short on time, or not sure what to make, I take a package of vacuum-sealed ground beef out of the fridge – I always have a few since they keep for so long – and make these tasty and easy meatballs.

Can you bake meatballs in the oven?

Absolutely! These are my go-to weeknight dinner. They are so easy to make. And they are ready fast, which is perfect on a weeknight.

This is an easy, basic recipe. A nice variation is these cheese-stuffed meatballs which are fabulous, but not as easy to make.

The ingredients you’ll need

You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make this tasty recipe (exact measurements are included in the recipe card below):

For the meatballs:

1. Lean ground beef
2. Kosher salt and black pepper
3. Spices: garlic and onion powders
4. Grated Parmesan cheese

For the sauce:

1. Unsweetened ketchup
2. Maple syrup or a low-carb alternative
3. Soy sauce or a gluten-free alternative
4. Spices: garlic powder and cayenne pepper

How to make baked meatballs

It’s a truly easy recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card for the detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps:

1. Mix together the meatball ingredients and form into meatballs.
2. Bake 15 minutes at 400°F.
3. Heat the sauce ingredients. Add the meatballs and toss to coat.

Do you need a sauce or a glaze?

They are very good served plain, without any sauce or glaze. But the glaze featured below is so quick and easy, that I usually do make it. It does add a nice flavor to the dish.

Are they healthy?

I believe they are. Current dietary advice is to limit red meat. But fresh unprocessed meat is very nutritious.

As long as one doesn’t overindulge, or have a specific issue that requires them to limit saturated fat, which is generally not harmful, I believe that red meat does have a place in a healthy diet.

Of course, you can always opt for chicken or seafood instead. These chicken meatballs are excellent.

What to serve with baked meatballs?

Anything, really. They are so versatile. I like to serve them on top of cauliflower rice, to absorb the yummy sauce.

And then I like to add a green veggie, such as any of the following:

• Microwave broccoli
• Roasted asparagus
• Roasted green beans

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! If you need to feed a crowd, this recipe scales beautifully.

What about leftovers?

Leftovers are great, gently reheated in the microwave on 50% power, or even cold. You can keep them in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days.

One of my favorite lunches is a plate of cold leftover meatballs, hard-boiled eggs, Dijon mustard, fresh-cut veggies, and quick pickles.

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4.96 from 213 votes

Baked Meatballs

Tasty baked meatballs are ready fast. They are low carb, gluten free, and one of my go-to weeknight dinners because everyone loves them – grownups and kids.

Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time35 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: meatballs

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 287kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

INGREDIENTS

Meatballs:

• 1 lb. 85% lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (can omit if paleo)

Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened ketchup
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or a low carb alternative
• 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce (or use a gluten-free alternative and add salt as needed)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, use your hands to mix together the meatball ingredients.
• Form the mixture into 20 meatballs. I find it easiest to shape the mixture into a log, slice it into five slices, then divide each slice into four.
• Place the shaped meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, not touching each other. Bake 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, whisk together the sauce ingredients. 5 minutes before meatballs should be done, heat the sauce gently over medium-low heat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water.
• When meatballs are done, use tongs to transfer them to the sauce. Gently toss to coat. Serve immediately.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

NOTES

Nutrition info for the low carb version (low carb sweetener):
Calories 274; fat 18g; saturated fat 8g; carbs 2g; sugars 0g; sodium 627mg; fiber 0g; protein 23g.

NUTRITION INFO Nutrition info is approximate. It is calculated using the SparkPeople.com recipe calculator, and the carb count excludes sugar alcohols. Please read the disclaimers in our Terms of Use carefully before using any of our recipes. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Please verify they are before using.

Nutrition Facts

Baked Meatballs

Amount Per Serving (5 meatballs)

Calories 287 Calories from Fat 162

% Daily Value*

Fat 18g28%

Saturated Fat 8g50%

Sodium 628mg27%

Carbohydrates 5g2%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 23g46%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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