These meatballs without breadcrumbs are super juicy, flavorful, and perfect for picky eaters. You can use these meatballs in different recipes, from classic spaghetti and meatballs to hearty stews and soups.
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I remember scouring the internet trying to figure out how to make meatballs without breadcrumbs. Though there were some options, I couldn’t find a recipe with a simple substitute for breadcrumbs.
So, I decided to experiment in the kitchen and came up with this delicious recipe that uses flour instead of breadcrumbs.
The result is a juicy, flavorful meatball that your family won’t get enough of!
Whether seasoned with a medley of herbs and spices, cooked in a rich tomato sauce, or served with a zesty dip (this honey sriracha sauce is amazing!), meatballs without breadcrumbs hold their own in flavor and texture.
How to Make Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
STEP TWO: In a large bowl, gently mix ground meat, cheese, parsley, room-temperature egg, spices, salt, and pepper until well combined.
STEP THREE: Shape the mixture into 1-1½ inch diameter meatballs using a cookie or ice cream scoop.
STEP FOUR: Lightly coat each meatball with all-purpose flour for better browning during searing.
STEP FIVE: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the meatballs evenly on all sides until a nice crust forms, making sure they keep their shape.
STEP SIX: Transfer the seared meatballs to an oven-safe skillet with space between them. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and juicy.
STEP SEVEN: Meanwhile, warm marinara sauce in a small pot on the stove.
STEP EIGHT: After baking, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F when fully cooked.
STEP NINE: Serve the delicious meatballs with warmed sauce and your choice of side, such as pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles.
Tips for Making this Meatball Recipe with No Breadcrumbs
- Avoid overmixing, or your meatballs will turn out dry and tough. Handle the mixture gently without compressing too much.
- Wet your hands with water (before coating in flour) when forming the balls. They’ll come together much faster, and the mixture won’t stick to your hands
- Choose high-quality ground meat with enough fat to keep meatballs tender, flavorful, and moist. An 80/20 blend is perfect for all beef mixtures but reduce to 90/10 if adding another type of ground meat.
- Use plenty of seasoning so your meatballs without breadcrumbs aren’t bland.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Fully cooked meatballs should reach 160 degrees F in the center.
What to Serve With This Recipe for Meatballs without Breadcrumbs
These homemade meatballs work perfectly in a variety of different recipes. I like to use them to make meatball sub sandwiches or to make spaghetti and meatballs.
For a whole meal in one dish, I love to serve them with creamy mashed potatoes drizzled with warm mushroom gravy and a side of vegetables.
Variations for Meatballs No Bread Crumbs
- Swap out the all-purpose flour with almond flour to make these meatballs gluten free.
- Replace the garlic powder in this meatball recipe with no breadcrumbs with your favorite herbs or spices. Just don’t omit it entirely, or you’ll lose a lot of flavor!
- Mozzarella cheese is extra gooey and mild, but other varieties are just as tasty in this recipe for meatballs without breadcrumbs. Try parmesan or cheddar for a flavorful twist.
- For extra garlic flavor, increase the amount of garlic powder in the meat mixture or swap in sautéed diced garlic for a more intense boost.
- Instead of rolling cheese into the center, mix finely grated cheese directly into the meat mixture for cheesy goodness throughout.
- Add some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture for a spicy kick!
More Meatball Recipes
- Homemade Air Fryer Meatballs
- Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
- Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs
- BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Air Fryer Meatball Sub
- Homemade Sausage Balls
Can Meatballs With No Bread Crumbs Be Frozen?
Absolutely, these versatile meatballs are freezer-friendly — either cooked or uncooked!
Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent any unwanted freezer burn, and they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months.
Allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat or cook as directed for a tasty meal.
Can Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs Be Cooked Another Way?
There are several cooking methods available for these versatile meatballs.
Aside from pan-frying and baking in the oven, you can air fry meatballs without breadcrumbs or grill them for a smoky, charred flavor.
A slow cooker is another excellent choice for preparing these delectable meatballs.
Just spread the meatballs evenly within the slow cooker, add a little broth or marinara, then cover and cook on low for about 4 hours.
More Easy Dinner Recipes to Try
- Dump and Cook Chicken Pot Pie
- Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole
- Oven Baked Brats
- Salisbury Steak
- Mississippi Pot Roast
Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour plus extra for coating
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese grated
- 1 ½ tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup olive oil for searing
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cheese, chopped parsley, room-temperature egg, spices, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix the ingredients gently until the meatball mixture is well combined.
- Form the meat mixture into meatballs, aiming for about 1 – 1½ inches in diameter.
- Roll each meatball in a light coating of all-purpose flour.
- Heat a large skillet on a stovetop over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil.Â
- Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, giving them space to sear properly.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides, creating a nice crust.
- Transfer the seared homemade meatballs to a skillet, arranging them with some space between them.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, warm up your favorite sauce in a separate pot.
- Once the tender meatballs are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the delicious meatballs with the warmed marinara sauce, along with pasta, rice, spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles, or any desired side dish.
