Forget the breadcrumbs—this meatball recipe without breadcrumbs uses even better ingredients for the juiciest, most flavorful, and tender meatballs ever. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make!
Watch my video below for a simple, step-by-step recipe for creating these delicious Meatballs with No Breadcrumbs. If you enjoy it, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more easy and tasty recipes!
Why This Meatball Recipe is Better Without Breadcrumbs
Most meatball recipes use breadcrumbs for texture, but honestly, you don’t need them. This best meatball recipe swaps them out for three simple ingredients that add more flavor and keep them unbelievably moist.
Instead of breadcrumbs, we’re using:
- Crispy bacon bits – For smoky, salty richness.
- Crushed pork rinds – They add crunch and act as a perfect low-carb binder.
- Shredded cheese – Melts into the meatballs, making them soft and juicy inside.
What You Need to Make the Best Meatballs
These simple ingredients come together to create the world’s best meatball recipe, packed with flavor and unbelievably juicy. Ditch the breadcrumbs and use these game-changing substitutes for the perfect bite!
Meatball Ingredients:
- 1 lb (500g) ground beef
- ½ cup (60g) crispy bacon bits
- ½ cup (30g) crushed pork rinds
- 1 cup (113g) shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work great)
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp (1.5g) garlic powder
- ½ tsp (1.2g) onion powder
- Pinch of sea salt
- Dash of pepper
For the crispiest, most flavorful meatballs without the carbs, Pork King Good Pork Rind Breadcrumbs below add the perfect crunch and richness—plus, they keep everything keto, gluten-free, and totally delicious!
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How to Make These Perfect Crispy Meatballs
The best meatball recipe—crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor! Follow these simple steps for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish.
Step 1: Mix It Up
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Use your hands to mix everything evenly—trust me, this makes a huge difference! The more evenly mixed, the better your meatballs hold together.
Top Tip: Using lean meat? Add a spoonful of heavy cream or melted butter to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. You should get around 17 meatballs, but this depends on size.
Top Tip: Love extra cheesy meatballs? Stuff each one with a small cube of mozzarella before baking for a gooey, melty surprise inside!
Step 3: Freeze for Extra Juiciness
Place the meatballs on a wax-paper-lined plate or cutting board. Freeze for a few hours until solid—this locks in moisture and keeps them tender when cooked.
Note: Freezing also helps the meatballs hold their shape better during cooking, preventing them from falling apart.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen meatballs on a wire rack with space between them for even cooking. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (160°F/71°C internal temp).
Top Tip: Flip the meatballs halfway through baking for an even crispier texture.
Another meatball recipe to try: Love these crispy meatballs? Try this Best Low Carb Turkey Meatloaf With Almond Flour Recipe for another flavorful, protein-packed meal!
Make Perfect Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs – Here’s How!
17
servings15
minutes20
minutes100
kcal35
minutesSkip the breadcrumbs—this best meatball recipe uses smarter ingredients for ultra-juicy, tender, and flavor-packed meatballs. They come together effortlessly, making them perfect for any meal!
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Ingredients
1 pound (500g) ground beef
0.5 cup (60g) crispy bacon bits
0.5 cup (30g) crushed pork rinds
1 cup (113g) shredded cheese
1 large egg
1 pinch sea salt
0.5 teaspoon (1.5g) garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon (1.2g) onion powder
1 dash pepper
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures the meatballs cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bacon bits, pork rinds, and shredded cheese. Mix using your hands until well combined.
- Crack one large egg into the mixture and add sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about one to two inches in diameter, and place them on a wax-paper-lined plate.
- Freeze the meatballs for a few hours until solid to help lock in moisture and ensure tenderness when cooked.
- Arrange the frozen meatballs on a wire rack, ensuring space between them, and place the rack on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until crispy on the outside and an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use a Meatball Scoop for Even Sizes – For uniform cooking, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the meat mixture. This ensures every meatball bakes at the same rate and keeps them looking perfect.
- Experiment with Different Meats – While this is the best meatball recipe, you can switch up the protein! Try a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor or chicken and turkey for a leaner option.
- Coat Your Hands with Oil – Prevent the meat mixture from sticking to your hands by lightly greasing them with oil before rolling the meatballs. This makes shaping much easier and results in smoother, more uniform meatballs.
- Don’t Skip the Taste Test – Cook a small test meatball before baking the entire batch. This quick step lets you adjust seasoning to make sure you’re truly making the world’s best meatball recipe!
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 17
- Calories: 125kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 9g
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How to Make These Meatballs Even Better (Clever Low-Carb Upgrades)
This meatball recipe without breadcrumbs is already delicious, but a few simple tweaks can take it to the next level—without adding carbs!
- Boost the Juiciness – Add a spoonful of ricotta cheese or a splash of heavy cream for extra moisture and richness.
- Amp Up the Flavor – Swap regular salt for smoked sea salt, mix in a bit of Worcestershire sauce, or add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a deeper, savory taste.
- Get a Crispy Crust – Roll the meatballs in grated Parmesan before baking for a golden, cheesy exterior.
- Spice Things Up – Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Surprise with a Cheesy Center – Stuff each meatball with a cube of mozzarella or cheddar for a melty, gooey filling.
These easy upgrades make an already great recipe even better. Try one or mix and match for the ultimate low-carb meatballs!
Meatball Mistakes You’ll Regret (and How to Fix Them)
Nobody wants dry, tough, or crumbly meatballs, right? Let’s make sure that never happens!
- Overmixing the Meat – If you stir the mixture too much, you will end up with dense, rubbery meatballs. Mix just until everything holds together—your hands are the best tool for this!
- Skipping the Binder – Whether it is an egg or a low-carb alternative like crushed pork rinds, a binder keeps your meatballs from falling apart. Do not leave it out!
- Using Super Lean Meat – Meatballs need fat for juiciness. If your meat is too lean, it will turn out dry. Adding a little melted butter or finely chopped bacon can bring the moisture back.
- Guessing When They Are Done – Cutting into a meatball to check doneness lets all the juices escape. Instead, use a meat thermometer and cook them to 160°F (71°C) for perfect results.
- Skipping the Chill Time – If your meatballs tend to fall apart, try freezing them before cooking. This locks in moisture and helps them hold their shape.
Follow these tips, and your meatballs will be so good, they might not even make it to the plate before getting devoured! 😊
Best Low-Carb Sides to Serve with These Meatballs
These meatballs are already packed with flavor, but pairing them with the right side can make them even better. Here are some delicious low-carb serving ideas:
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce – Simmer the meatballs in a rich, cheesy sauce and serve with roasted cauliflower or sautéed spinach.
- Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice – Low-carb cauliflower rice is a light and delicious alternative to mashed potatoes that pairs perfectly with these juicy meatballs.
- Chickpea Pasta is another excellent low-carb option—it is higher in protein and fiber than regular pasta while keeping the meal hearty and satisfying. Plus, it holds up well with sauces, making it a great base for meatballs!
- Stuffed Bell Peppers – Slice bell peppers in half, fill them with meatballs and cheese, then bake until bubbly.
- Crispy Cabbage Noodles – Shred and sauté cabbage until tender, then toss with the meatballs and your favorite low-carb sauce.
- Meatball Skewers – Thread onto skewers with grilled veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes for a fun, flavorful meal.
- Avocado and Meatball Salad – Serve over a fresh green salad with mashed avocado and a tangy vinaigrette for a light but satisfying meal.
These options keep your meal low in carbs while adding amazing texture and flavor!
Storing & Reheating Meatballs
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep your meatballs fresh and just as delicious.
Storing Leftovers
Toss them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Want to save them longer? Freeze them! Just lay them out on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag so they don’t stick together and they’ll be good for up to 3 months.
Reheating for the Best Taste
For that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes. If you’re short on time, warm them up in a pan with a little broth or sauce to keep them juicy.
Top Tip: Is it better to freeze meatballs cooked or uncooked? Uncooked is best! Freezing them raw keeps them juicier when cooked fresh, while reheating cooked meatballs can dry them out. Bake straight from frozen—no need to thaw!
Now you’ve got all the tricks to enjoy meatballs any time—no dry, sad leftovers here!
More Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed making the world’s best meatball recipe, here are more delicious dishes to explore! From crispy bacon to juicy turkey meatballs, these recipes will take your cooking to the next level.
- DRY TURKEY? Try This Baked Turkey Meatballs Recipe Instead – These turkey meatballs are packed with flavor and stay incredibly juicy, thanks to a foolproof baking method. Perfect for meal prep or a protein-packed dinner, they’re a healthier twist on a classic favorite.
- How To Cook Bacon In The Oven With Aluminum Foil – This easy method gives you perfectly crispy bacon without the greasy stovetop mess. With simple cleanup and even cooking, it’s the best way to enjoy bacon hassle-free.
- Crispy Homemade Hash Brown Recipe – These golden, crispy hash browns are made from scratch with just a few simple ingredients. They’re the perfect crunchy side dish for breakfast or any meal of the day!
Try these recipes and take your cooking skills to the next level! Let me know which one becomes your new favorite.