• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Food Courage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • AIP Resources
  • Autoimmunity
  • Contact
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • Wellness
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Resources
    • Wellness
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home > Recipes > AIP

    Easy AIP Beef Meatballs (Paleo, GF, Whole 30)

    Published: Aug 3, 2020. Modified: Feb 12, 2022 by Arika | FoodCourage·This post may contain affiliate links · 5 Comments

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    • Print
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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. 
    aip meatballs

    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 meatballs

    AIP Beef Meatballs (Paleo, GF, Whole 30)

    Arika | FoodCourage
    This juicy AIP meatball recipe is delicious and ready in about 30 minutes.
    4.50 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 205 kcal

    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

    This recipe makes about 30 1" meatballs. 
    I used 90% lean ground beef. If you're using a higher fat content beef, it may be a good idea to add an extra 1-2 tsp of arrowroot starch or 1-2 tsp less coconut milk to accommodate the extra moisture. Alternatively, you can just a broiler pan so the fat drains off. 

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    AIP Beef Meatballs (Paleo, GF, Whole 30)
    Serving Size
     
    5 meatballs
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    205
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    16
    g
    25
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    6
    g
    38
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    1
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    7
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    54
    mg
    18
    %
    Sodium
     
    439
    mg
    19
    %
    Potassium
     
    223
    mg
    6
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    2
    g
    1
    %
    Fiber
     
    1
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    1
    g
    1
    %
    Protein
     
    13
    g
    26
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    6
    IU
    0
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    1
    mg
    1
    %
    Calcium
     
    22
    mg
    2
    %
    Iron
     
    2
    mg
    11
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Keyword beef, meatballs
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @foodcourage or tag #foodcourage on Instagram!

    *This recipe has been revamped. If you liked the original one, you can find it here.

    « 83 Fantastic AIP Recipes That Are Actually Coconut Free
    No Bake Carrot Cake Protein Balls (Paleo, AIP, GF) »
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    • Print

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Arika | FoodCourage says

      January 11, 2022 at 7:45 am

      Thanks for your feedback. Not sure if you've tried any "nomato" sauces but- this one would good on them.

      Reply
    2. Christina says

      August 09, 2022 at 7:43 pm

      5 stars
      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. 😉

      Reply
      • Arika | FoodCourage says

        August 11, 2022 at 5:52 pm

        Hey Christina! That's awesome- thanks so much for the wonderful feedback! Great idea making burgers with it too.

        Reply
        • Kathy says

          October 15, 2022 at 7:09 pm

          4 stars
          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".

          Reply
          • Arika | FoodCourage says

            October 17, 2022 at 10:54 am

            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.

            Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    HI! I'm Arika and I'm a Nashville-based registered dietitian with Hashimoto's. I founded Food Courage in 2019 as a way to share delicious and practical AIP/Paleo recipes and strategies for thriving with autoimmunity. Check out my about page to read more.

    Popular Posts

    • 100+ AIP Breakfast and Brunch Ideas and Recipes
    • Easy AIP Meals for Beginners: 55+ Stress-Free Weeknight Meals
    • Instant Pot Sirloin Tip Roast with Vegetables and Gravy (Paleo, AIP Option)
    • AIP Cauliflower "Oatmeal" with Cinnamon and Apples (Paleo, Vegan, Grain-Free)

    Fall Recipes

    • No-Bake Vegan Pumpkin Pie (AIP, Paleo, Gluten-Free)
    • Easy AIP Bread Stuffing (Paleo, GF, Whole30)
    • Simple Sweet Potato Casserole with Cinnamon Crumble (AIP, Paleo, Vegan)
    • AIP Beef Stew (Instant Pot, Paleo, Whole30)

    Featured On

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • About

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Food Courage

    266 shares