These juicy gluten-free Italian meatballs are bursting with classic flavor, without the breadcrumbs! Made with almond flour, Parmesan, and simple seasonings, they’re perfect for anyone eating gluten-free, low-carb, or following the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD).
Whether you serve them with zucchini noodles, marinara sauce, or enjoy them on their own, these SCD-friendly meatballs deliver tender texture and authentic Italian taste every time.
Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Meatball Recipe
- Gluten-free & grain-free: No breadcrumbs or fillers needed.
- Low carb: Great for keto or SCD diets.
- Versatile: Serve with pasta, in a sub, or as a protein-packed appetizer.
- Family-friendly: Even non-diet eaters will love these juicy Italian meatballs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or venison – choose your favorite protein.
- 1 large egg – helps bind the meatballs.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder – use homemade garlic powder or a clean-label version for SCD.
- ½ teaspoon fresh parsley – chopped finely for brightness and subtle flavor.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – fresh grated for the best texture.
- 1 cup finely ground almond flour – acts as the perfect breadcrumb substitute.
- ½ cup peanut oil (or olive oil) – for pan-frying.
How to Make Gluten-Free Meatballs
Step 1: Mix the meat and egg.
In a large bowl, combine your ground meat and egg. Use clean hands for the best mix.
Step 2: Add dry ingredients.
Stir in garlic powder, parsley, pepper, salt, Parmesan, and almond flour. Mix until evenly combined.
Step 3: Shape into balls.
Roll into 1 ½-inch balls (about ping pong size). Smaller meatballs cook faster and stay juicy.
Step 4: Cook until golden.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in batches and brown evenly on all sides. This takes about 20–25 minutes total.
Optional: simmer in sauce.
For that classic Italian flavor, add the cooked meatballs to warm marinara sauce and simmer for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors blend.
🍅 Serving Suggestions
These gluten-free Italian meatballs are delicious with:
- Zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal
- Gluten-free pasta noodles for family dinners
- Melted mozzarella for cheesy meatball subs
- Homemade marinara sauce or SCD-legal tomato sauce
💡 Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Meatballs
- Don’t overmix. It can make the meatballs tough.
- Use fresh Parmesan. Pre-grated cheese can contain starches that aren’t SCD-legal, using fresh is always best.
- Double the batch. These freeze beautifully, just thaw out ahead of cooking time and then reheat in sauce.
🌿 What Is the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)?
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet focuses on unprocessed foods and eliminates complex carbs to support gut healing. These SCD meatballs fit perfectly. No grains, starches, or additives, just wholesome ingredients that taste amazing.
Read more about the Specific Carbohydrate Diet here ➜
🧊 Storage & Freezing
Let meatballs cool completely, then store in an airtight container:
- Fridge: Up to 4 days
- Freezer: Up to 3 months
To reheat, simmer gently in sauce or bake at 350°F until warmed through.
❤️ More Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes
- Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan (SCD Friendly)
- SCD Deep Dish Pizza
- Homemade Yogurt for the SCD Diet
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SCD Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1lb. Ground Beef or Ground Turkey
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Almond Flour
- 1/2 cup peanut oil for frying
Instructions
In a large bowl mix the meat with an egg until completely coated and gooey. I use my hands for this step because a spoon just doesn’t seem to do the job. Once it is completely coated, add in the rest of the ingredients except vegetable oil and mix. Make sure your not just coating the outside of the meat, be sure it is entirely coated with the mix.
Pour the oil into a frying pan and heat at a medium to high temperature. While waiting for the oil to get hot, form your meatballs into ping pong-sized balls. It is better to have smaller meatballs to ensure they are heated all the way through. Plus they seem to stay in this shape better for me. Once the oil is hot, add your meatballs to the pan.
Cook until brown on the sides touching the oil then turn every 10 minutes or so to cook every side evenly. The entire process usually takes about an hour for me.
Nutrition Information
Yield
16Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 211Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 45mgSodium 158mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 12g
About Thirty Something Super Mom
My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.
Would love to somehow get away with making turkey meatballs instead of hamburger! a lot more healthier!
This recipe can be used with Turkey, beef, or deer. I have tried all of them and honestly don’t taste a difference.
Garlic and onion powders are not SCD legal unless you make them yourself
I love the flavors that garlic and onion powders give to my Italian dishes so I always have some on hand. It’s very easy to make them homemade with a dehydrator.