10 Gluten-Free Spaghetti and Meatball Recipes

Spaghetti and meatballs is a timeless comfort food, a dish that evokes feelings of warmth, family, and satisfyingly full bellies. For those following a gluten-free diet, this classic Italian-American meal might seem like a distant dream. However, with a few clever substitutions and creative techniques, you can enjoy this beloved dish without compromising on flavor or texture. This article presents 10 diverse and delicious gluten-free spaghetti and meatball recipes, ranging from classic and paleo to one-pot and vegetarian options. Each recipe has been carefully selected to provide a unique and enjoyable culinary experience, proving that gluten-free eating can be both simple and incredibly gratifying.

1. Classic Gluten-Free Spaghetti and Meatballs

This recipe is a fantastic starting point for anyone new to gluten-free cooking. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss approach that delivers a classic and comforting spaghetti and meatballs experience in under an hour. The use of jarred tomato sauce and a simple meatball mixture makes it an accessible and time-efficient option for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 box of your favorite gluten-free spaghetti
• 1 jar of high-quality tomato sauce
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine
• 2 pounds lean ground beef or a meatloaf mix
• 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 5-6 tablespoons of prepared tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Olive oil for coating your hands

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, gluten-free breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, prepared tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and eggs. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
3. Coat your hands with olive oil and roll the mixture into meatballs, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely browned.
5. While the meatballs are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gluten-free spaghetti according to the package directions.
6. In a separate saucepan, heat the jarred tomato sauce with the olive oil and red wine over medium-low heat, allowing it to simmer and the flavors to meld.
7. Once everything is cooked, serve the spaghetti topped with the sauce, meatballs, and a generous sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese.

2. Tender and Juicy Gluten-Free Meatballs

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, this recipe focuses on creating exceptionally tender and juicy meatballs. The secret lies in a simple yet effective technique of soaking the gluten-free breadcrumbs in milk before incorporating them into the meat mixture. This method, known as a panade, ensures a moist and flavorful meatball every time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
• ¾ cup milk (or a dairy-free alternative)
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the gluten-free breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, nutmeg, and minced garlic. Stir in the milk and let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef and whisked eggs. Add the breadcrumb mixture and gently combine with your hands until just incorporated.
4. Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Gluten-Free Spaghetti and Meatballs with Potato Flakes

This innovative recipe from Food & Wine’s Ann Taylor Pittman swaps out traditional breadcrumbs for a surprising yet effective ingredient: instant potato flakes. The potato flakes act as a binder, creating a uniquely savory and rich meatball. This recipe is a testament to the creative possibilities within gluten-free cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 medium yellow onion, grated
• 1 cup instant potato flakes
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano
• 3 large garlic cloves, grated
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 pound 80% lean ground beef

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Grate the onion onto a double layer of paper towels to absorb some of the excess liquid.
3. In a large bowl, combine the grated onion, potato flakes, cheese, cream, eggs, chopped oregano, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well to break up any clumps.
4. Add the ground pork and beef to the potato mixture and mix with your hands until well combined.
5. Form the mixture into 32 meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
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4. Paleo Gluten-Free Spaghetti and Meatballs

For those following a paleo or grain-free diet, this recipe from Danielle Walker of Against All Grain is a perfect fit. It utilizes almond meal or coconut flour as a binder for the meatballs and serves them over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. The addition of fish sauce and coconut aminos adds a unique umami depth to the dish.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds grass-fed ground beef
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup almond meal or 3 tablespoons coconut flour
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese or ¼ cup nutritional yeast (for dairy-free)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 ½ teaspoons coconut aminos
• 1 ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons fish sauce
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, ghee, or coconut oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the remaining meatball ingredients and knead the mixture with your hands until just incorporated.
2. Form the mixture into golfball-sized meatballs.
3. Heat the olive oil, ghee, or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides.
4. Add the meatballs to your favorite paleo-friendly tomato sauce and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
5. Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

5. Authentic Italian-Style Gluten-Free Meatballs with Panade

This recipe from Erin Collins of Meaningful Eats emphasizes the importance of a panade for achieving truly authentic, tender meatballs. By soaking gluten-free bread in milk and eggs, you create a mixture that ensures the meatballs remain moist and flavorful. The combination of beef and pork also contributes to a richer, more complex flavor profile.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 pound ground pork
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk of your choice
• 2 cups gluten-free white bread, crusts removed and torn into small pieces
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• ½ cup grated onion with its juices
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and milk. Add the torn bread, Parmesan cheese, parsley, grated onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix to ensure the bread is fully coated and let it sit for 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, gently crumble the ground beef and pork.
3. Add the panade mixture to the meat and gently combine with your hands. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
5. Broil on high for 5-7 minutes, or until browned.
6. Add the browned meatballs to a simmering tomato sauce and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

6. One-Pot Gluten-Free Pasta with Meatballs

For a truly hassle-free meal, this one-pot recipe from Kate Dowse of Gluten Free Alchemist is a game-changer. Everything, including the pasta and meatballs, cooks together in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. This is an ideal recipe for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and comforting meal without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 330g (about 12) gluten-free meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 4-5 mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped
• 2 tablespoons concentrated tomato puree
• 400g can of chopped Italian tomatoes
• 200g passata (sieved tomatoes)
• 500-600ml boiling water
• 2 teaspoons Italian dried herbs
• A handful of fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 250g dried gluten-free pasta

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened.
3. Add the mushrooms and zucchini and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes, passata, boiling water, herbs, basil, honey, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Add the pasta and bring it back to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened. Add more water if the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked.

7. Italian Meatballs with Ricotta

This recipe from Proud Italian Cook offers a luxurious twist on the classic meatball by incorporating ricotta cheese into the mixture. The ricotta adds a delicate, creamy texture and a subtle richness that elevates the meatballs to a new level of deliciousness. This recipe is also low-carb and gluten-free, making it a great option for various dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs. organic ground beef (85% lean, 15% fat)
• 1 egg
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 2 generous heaping tablespoons of good-quality ricotta cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed or grated
• A large handful of grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• A large handful of chopped Italian parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together well. To check for seasoning, fry a small amount of the mixture before forming all the meatballs.
2. Form the mixture into meatballs.
3. Drizzle olive oil in a nonstick skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Pan-fry the meatballs until they are caramelized on all sides.
4. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
5. Spoon a layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of a casserole dish. Arrange the meatballs in the dish and top each one with a spoonful of sauce.
6. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.

8. Greek-Inspired Gluten-Free Meatballs

For a Mediterranean twist, these Greek-inspired meatballs are a fantastic choice. Infused with classic Greek flavors like oregano, allspice, and garlic, these meatballs offer a refreshing change of pace. They can be served with a traditional tomato sauce or a tangy tzatziki sauce for a truly authentic Greek experience.

Ingredients

• 1.5-2 lbs ground beef or lamb
• 1 small red onion, grated
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest and juice of one lemon
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix gently with your hands until just combined.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.

9. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

If you’re a fan of Buffalo chicken wings, you’ll love these spicy Buffalo chicken meatballs. They’re a fun and flavorful twist on the classic meatball, perfect for a party or a game-day snack. Made with ground chicken and infused with the signature heat of Buffalo sauce, these meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 egg
• ½ cup almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup of your favorite Buffalo sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, almond flour, celery, red onion, garlic powder, and salt. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Toss the cooked meatballs in the Buffalo sauce until they are evenly coated.

10. Asian-Style Gluten-Free Meatballs

For a final, globally-inspired variation, these Asian-style meatballs offer a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. With ingredients like coconut aminos, ginger, and garlic, these meatballs are a delicious departure from the traditional Italian-American style. They can be served with a sweet and tangy glaze over rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground pork or beef
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Conclusion

As these ten recipes demonstrate, a gluten-free diet doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favorite comfort foods. With a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can enjoy a wide variety of delicious and satisfying spaghetti and meatball dishes. Whether you prefer a classic, paleo, or internationally-inspired version, there’s a gluten-free recipe here for everyone. So, get cooking and rediscover the joy of this timeless meal!