If you're in search of a quick easy AIP meatball recipe, you're in the right place. This recipe is ready in about 30 minutes and works as a versatile component for a bunch of different meal options.
Ingredients for AIP Meatballs
- Ground Beef- Go with about 10-15% fat content for the beef if possible. If you'd like to use beef with a lower fat content, just watch them closely to prevent them from drying out.
Grass-fed beef is preferable- Butcher Box is a great option for grass-fed/grass-finished beef. You may also want to check out this post on the Best Grass-Fed Beef Online Home Delivery Services.
- Arrowroot Starch- Tapioca flour is fine too. Just using a little bit helps to retain moisture. I used 90% lean ground beef for this recipe- if you use something that's higher in fat, it may be worth using an extra 1-2 tsp of arrowroot starch or just use a broiler pan so the fat can drain off.
- Onions- Yellow or white onions work well. Onions provide flavor and moisture.
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Italian Seasoning
- Sea Salt
- Full-Fat Coconut Milk - You don't have to use coconut milk; use whatever nondairy milk works best for you- basically just something to add a little moisture. As far as coconut milk goes, I like Thai Kitchen 2 Simple Ingredient coconut milk because it has no guar gum and the consistency is always smooth and predictable. It's a bit thinner than full-fat coconut milk but I use it for everything. Plus I LOVE that it has an easy pour spout. I keep a case of this stuff on Amazon subscribe and save, so I get 6 cartons every month.
Broiler Pan vs Baking Sheet vs Glass Dish
I have cooked these on both a broiler pan and a cookie sheet. I found that they were a little juicer when cooking on the cookie sheet but retained less grease when cooked on the broiler pan. Either of these methods works fine. I haven't tried using a glass dish yet but I assume this would work well too.
How to Serve
These can be eaten with zucchini noodles, sweet potato glass noodles, cassava spaghetti noodles, or even eaten solo with a salad or some roasted veggies.
Sauces for AIP Meatballs
While these are delicious without sauce, I know people love sauce with their meatballs. Here are a few options:
- Tomatoless Pasta Sauce
- Make an AIP Gravy
- Use KC Naturals Ketchup or BBQ Sauce
- Nightshade Free BBQ Sauce
- Pineapple Bacon BBQ Sauce
How to Store Meatballs
These will stay fresh in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this recipe. If you made it, leave a comment below and let me know what you thought. I'd love to hear from you!
AIP Beef Meatballs (Paleo, GF, Whole 30)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup onions minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tbsp arrowroot starch (or tapioca starch)
- 1 tbsp full fat coconut milk (or milk of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, combine the ingredients and mix with a spoon or use gloves and mix with your hands.
- Roll the meat mixture into small meatballs (about 1" in diameter) and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or broiler pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes. The internal temperature should reach at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
*This recipe has been revamped. If you liked the original one, you can find it here.
Arika | FoodCourage says
Thanks for your feedback. Not sure if you've tried any "nomato" sauces but- this one would good on them.
Christina says
These are *thee* best meatballs! They’re the only meatballs that haven’t dried out on me. Also, I’ve adapted them to make burgers. I only changed the shape and size, not the recipe. 😉
Arika | FoodCourage says
Hey Christina! That's awesome- thanks so much for the wonderful feedback! Great idea making burgers with it too.
Kathy says
Tried these and they're great! Had them plain. New to AIP diet. What besides nomato sauce can I use? My husband wants a"gravy".
Arika | FoodCourage says
Hey Kathy, I'm glad you guys like them! I don't have a gravy recipe yet but there are some good ones out there. You could use a BBQ sauce or Pineapple Bacon Dipping Sauce.
Roz says
I’ve made these several times and they are so flavorful and easy to make. My whole family loves them and whenever I heat them up at work so many of my co workers always comment on how great they smell. Thank you for sharing the recipe. It’s definitely a keeper!
Arika | FoodCourage says
Hey Roz, That's awesome! Thanks so much.