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Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

By Kaleigh McMordie - September 8, 2021, Updated July 15, 2022

Gluten Free Beef & Quinoa Meatballs

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plate of spaghetti with three beef and quinoa meatballs sprinkled with cheese and parsley.

These protein-packed Italian beef and quinoa meatballs are easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and full of flavor. They're also freezer-friendly and a great use for leftover quinoa. (gluten-free, dairy-free)

plate of spaghetti with three beef and quinoa meatballs sprinkled with cheese and parsley.

When my husband and I started dating in college, I would go over to his house and make him dinner pretty often. I still lived in the dorms, so I jumped at the chance to use a real kitchen any time I could. One of the first things I made was spaghetti and meatballs. Because everyone likes meatballs, right?

I was working as a nanny and chef for a young family at the time. The mother had Celiac, so I would make their dinners gluten free, which is when I came up to use quinoa in meatballs.

Why You'll Love These Beef and Quinoa Meatballs

These Italian beef quinoa meatballs are moist and full of flavor, just like your nonna would make. I like to use lots of garlic, onions, and Italian spices to make them super flavorful and delicious. But because they are made with quinoa instead of bread crumbs, they are completely gluten free! They're baked in a preheated cast iron skillet in the oven for the best of both worlds - both a crisp, browned exterior, and a hands-off, low mess cooking process. Whether served over spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or any other pasta (or pasta alternative), you're sure to love them!

closeup of beef and quinoa meatballs with tomato sauce in a white skillet.

Why Use Quinoa In Meatballs?

Besides being perfect for those who can't eat gluten, using quinoa in meatballs is genius for a few reasons. First quinoa is a relatively inexpensive ingredient compared to beef - or what can be called a meat extender. It helps you make more out of a pound of ground beef for less money. It also makes the meatballs a little healthier with whole grain fiber and plant protein goodness! Finally, since cooked quinoa has already absorbed a bunch of liquid in the cooking process, it keeps the meatballs moist and tender.

How To Make Beef and Quinoa Meatballs

six image collage showing steps for making gluten free italian beef quinoa meatballs.
  1. Finely chop the garlic, onion and herbs in a mini food processor or by hand. (I love my KitchenAid mini chopper for these kinds of tasks!)
  2. In a large bowl, stir together chopped herbs and veggies, ground beef, quinoa, balsamic, pepper, and egg. Use your hands to blend it all well.
  3. Roll into balls. I like to make larger 2 inch meatballs.
  4. Bake in a preheated, oiled cast iron skillet at 425°F for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F.
  5. Broil for a couple of minutes to get nice browned tops (optional), then serve with your favorite sauce and pasta.

Ingredient Substitutions and Recipe Variations

  • Dried herbs can be use din place of fresh. I use ½ teaspoon each of dried herbs.
  • Add any other herbs such as basil or thyme, if you like! You can also add salt, though I usually don't, especially if the quinoa is salted.
  • You can make larger or smaller meatballs if you prefer. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
  • I like to pour my pasta sauce directly into the skillet during the last 10 minutes or so of cooking for one less dirty dish! (I use my homemade garlic herb spaghetti sauce.)
  • If you don't have a cast iron skillet, you can use a rimmed baking sheet.
overhead view of a plate of spaghetti with three beef and quinoa meatballs sprinkled with cheese and parsley with a black and gold fork.

Freezing Instructions

These meatballs are great for the freezer, either cooked or uncooked! Freeze meatballs on a baking sheet, then once fully frozen. transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

More Healthy Ground Beef Recipes

  • Thai Salad with Ginger Ground Beef and Peanut Dressing
  • Mediterranean Meatball Bowls
  • Healthy Grilled Burger Bowls

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the comments!

Print

Gluten Free Beef and Quinoa Meatballs

plate of spaghetti with three beef and quinoa meatballs sprinkled with cheese and parsley.
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

These protein-packed Italian beef and quinoa meatballs are easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and full of flavor. They're also freezer-friendly and a great use for leftover quinoa. (gluten-free, dairy-free)

  • Author: Kaleigh
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 large meatballs 1x
  • Category: main dish
  • Method: baked
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey, chicken or venison)
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ¼ cup onion
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
  • 1 tbsp thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano (or ½ tsp dried)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 425° F. If using a cast iron skillet, place it in the oven to preheat.
  2. In a small food processor (or by hand) chop garlic, onion, and herbs (if using fresh) until they are finely minced.
  3. Add mixture to a large bowl with the rest of the ingredients except for oil. Mix until all of the ingredients are distributed evenly. I like to use my hands to squish it all together.
  4. Roll mixture into meatballs that are about 2 inches in diameter.
  5. Use olive oil to carefully coat the bottom of the hot cast iron skillet.
  6. Place meatballs about 1 inch apart and bake until the center is cooked through (it should register at 155° F on a thermometer), about 20 minutes.
  7. If you prefer a crispy outside, you can broil meatballs for 5 minutes or so, watching them carefully.
  8. Remove from oven and enjoy over pasta or zucchini noodles with your favorite sauce.

Notes

  • I like to pour my pasta sauce directly into the skillet during the last 10 minutes or so of cooking for one less dirty dish! (I use my homemade garlic herb spaghetti sauce.)
  • You can make the meatballs larger or smaller to suit your preference. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
  • Freeze meatballs on a baking sheet (cooked or uncooked) then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container once fully frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

Keywords: beef and quinoa meatballs, gluten-free Italian meatballs, meatballs with quinoa

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @livelytable on Instagram and hashtag it #livelytable

This post was originally published February 2016 and has been updated.

« Southwest Grilled Chicken Green Chile Caesar Salad
Trail Mix Baked Oatmeal Muffins »

About Kaleigh McMordie

Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, LD, is a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Dietitian in Abilene, Texas, as well as a member of the Baby Led Weaning Dietitians Network. Kaleigh can be found at kaleighmcmordie.com.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Leisa says

    May 21, 2020 at 3:31 pm

    Made a few adjustments to what was in hand. Delicious ❣️

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Kaleigh says

      May 22, 2020 at 7:37 am

      So glad you liked them!

      Reply
  2. Diana says

    February 01, 2019 at 8:25 pm

    This has become a staple in my house! Easy to make and delicious!

    Reply
    • Kaleigh says

      February 02, 2019 at 8:42 am

      Glad to hear it Diana!

      Reply
  3. nutritioulicious says

    February 23, 2016 at 11:17 am

    Can't wait to try these on my man! Love that you used quinoa instead of bread crumbs!

    Reply
    • Kaleigh M says

      February 23, 2016 at 5:42 pm

      Thanks Jessica! Let me know how he likes them! 🙂

      Reply

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