Are store-bought meatballs dairy-free?

Most store-bought meatballs are not dairy-free as they likely include cheese.

What can you serve meatballs with?

You can always go for the classic and serve it with spaghetti but don't be afraid to get creative either. Meatballs taste delicious with rice, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, on a sandwich (meatball subs) or with grilled vegetables.

Can you pan-fry the meatballs?

Yes, you will need to heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add some olive oil and cook them in a single layer for about 15 minutes or until they are cooked through. Lay them on a paper towel to soak up any excess grease before serving.

Can you use a crock pot or slow-cooker?

Yes, but I think cooking them in a conventional oven is the best way so they don't get dried out. If you do want to use a crockpot, place the meatballs with about 4 cups of marinara sauce together and cook for 3-4 hours on low heat.

Can I use ground turkey in this recipe?

Yes, but you may not need to cook them as long as beef meatballs. See my related recipe for Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs .

Dairy-Free Meatballs Without Cheese

Name: Dairy-Free Meatballs Without Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 egg, lightly beaten; ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free); 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 pound lean ground beef
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free)
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the beef, egg, breadcrumbs, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to stir together.
Then, use your hands to form the meatballs, laying them on the baking sheet.
You should have enough of the mixture to make about 18-22 meatballs.
Bake the meatballs for about 18-20 minutes or until an instant read thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball reads 160°F.
Remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.

Notes

Dairy-free meatballs can be served with cooked pasta and marinara sauce or however you like to enjoy your meatballs. They go great with spaghetti squash for a lower-carb option.
You can double or triple this recipe.
If you want to freeze any leftover cooked meatballs, let them cool completely and then place them in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator and re-heat before serving.

Author: Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main dish
Method: Oven
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Low Lactose

Nutrition

Serving Size:
Calories: 288
Sugar: 1.1 g
Sodium: 513.5 mg
Fat: 8.6 g
Saturated Fat: 3.6 g
Carbohydrates: 21.7 g
Fiber: 2.3 g
Protein: 28.5 g
Cholesterol: 124.2 mg