Meatloaf Meatballs are a quick and easy spin on a classic meatloaf! It’s comfort and nostalgia in one bite, especially when rolled into perfect little pillows of goodness. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these meatloaf meatballs are low-carb and gluten-free!
Fresh tomatoes keep them super juicy and delightful. Eat the entire batch and your yoga pants will still be happy!
Try these meatloaf meatballs now and add them to your regular rotation. You won't regret it. Promise!
Let's get started!
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why make this recipe?
Meatloaf Meatballs are a fun twist on a classic comfort food recipe. It's meatloaf, but in a tiny package. They're so easy to make and they're even easier to enjoy.
I love to make them for lunch on the weekends, but they're also fantastic for dinner on busy weeknights. My kids adore them and my husband likes to take the leftovers to work. It's a win-win!
ingredients
- no sugar added ketchup - You can also use regular ketchup.
- yellow mustard - For that classic tang.
- sweetener of choice - Anything from monk fruit sweetener to brown sugar will work.
- ground beef - A classic for it's beefy flavor.
- ground pork - Adds richness.
- onion - Sautéed in butter to give a savory sweetness.
- eggs - As the binder.
- fresh tomatoes - Keeps the meatloaf meatballs moist and adds great flavor.
- almond flour - As a binder. Can also use oats or breadcrumbs.
- tomato paste - For richness and flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce - Adds umami and depth of flavor.
- granulated garlic - I don't think I can cook without this.
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper - Basics and must-haves for seasoning.
how to make meatloaf meatballs
To start, I begin mixing my tangy meatloaf sauce. Ketchup, mustard, and a little sweetener is all you need. I use no sugar added ketchup and monk fruit sweetener here to keep this lower-carb. Regular ketchup will work great.
And, for the sweetener, you could easily use brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. My recipes are all about using what you have. No worries at all if you need to change it up!
For the meatballs, simply sauté the onions until they begin to soften. This step ensures the onions are cooked through after the baking process. Next, gently mix the onions and remaining meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl. When everything is just combined, use your cookie scoop and form the meatballs.
Place formed meatloaf balls onto a parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 400° for twenty minutes. Remove the meatballs from the heat and brush on the sauce. Next, return meatballs to the oven for an additional twenty minutes or until they are cooked through.
tips, tricks, and variations
- Feel free to use your favorite ground protein. Ground chicken, turkey, or even pork are great.
- If you don't want to use almond flour, you can use oatmeal, breadcrumbs, and even pork rind breadcrumbs as a binder.
- Serve the leftover meatballs in your favorite hoagie roll and top with cheese for an incredible sandwich!
- Make the meatballs spicy by adding some chili flakes or cayenne to the mixture before baking.
- Use a scoop to help make the meatballs and keep them an even size.
- Double the sauce and use the leftover as a dip during serving.
- These are fantastic as an appetizer or after-school snack.
- Make extra meatballs and store them in the freezer for a quick and easy answer to, "What's for dinner?"
Serve over simple mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower for an quick, easy, and healthy family dinner! Buttered Noodles are also a crowd favorite side dish around here and go perfectly with this Meatloaf Meatball recipe.
frequently asked questions
How do I serve the meatloaf meatballs?
Because I tend to eat more low-carb, I love to serve mine on a bed of mashed cauliflower, but mashed potatoes is what my kids request. Also, let's talk about leftovers and extras. These meatballs make the absolute best meatloaf sandwich the next day. (Try a meatloaf sandwich with my deviled eggs as a side!)
Does this recipe freeze well?
Extra meatballs freeze wonderfully and are perfect for those days when you need something in a hurry for those hungry mouths!
Simply make the recipe as instructed, freeze the meatballs, and when you're ready, thaw and pop them in the oven at 300° until they're warmed through! Dinner is served!
Is this recipe gluten and/or dairy-free?
Both! This is a quick and easy recipe that almost anyone can enjoy without worry!
How do I reheat these meatballs?
Cover the leftovers with a damp paper towel and microwave in small increments until warmed through.
Recipe
Meatloaf Meatballs
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 cup no sugar added ketchup
- 2 tablespoon yellow mustard
- sweetener of choice, to taste I use monkfruit to keep it low-carb
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 med onion, diced and sautéed in butter until soft
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup fresh tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup almond flour
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp granulated garlic
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Sauce
- Mix everything together and set aside.
Meatballs
- Gently mix above meatball ingredients until just combined. Using a small cookie scoop, form meatballs.
- Place formed meatballs on parchment lined baking sheet at 400° for 20 minutes.
- Remove meatballs from oven, brush on sauce. Return to oven for approximately 15-20 or until the meatballs are cooked through. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
If you guys make this Meatloaf Meatballs, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Meatloaf Meatballs recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! And, please leave a comment or review. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
Rufus for Real is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. I may earn a commission, with no additional cost to you, if you purchase through those links.
Rufus for Real is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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