This dairy free and egg free meatball recipe comes together with ground beef, finely chopped onion, and Italian seasoning. They're juicy, flavorful, and versatile! No milk, no cheese, no egg, no breadcrumbs.
Dairy-free and egg-free meatballs are a quick and easy delicious homemade meal. Both kid-friendly and husband-approved, you'll never buy meatballs from the store again. These allergy-friendly baked meatballs are sure to please everybody at the table.
If you love these homemade meatballs as much as we do, you definitely need to try my dairy free and egg free swedish meatballs and meatballs with rice!
Best Dairy Free and Egg Free Meatballs
Weeknight dinners don't have to be boring, time-consuming, or stressful. These allergy-friendly meatballs will please everybody in the family and are perfect for making ahead and freezing.
Years ago, I learned the hard way that most store-bought meatballs contain both dairy and egg, along with other non-allergy-friendly ingredients. Rather than giving up on meatball dinners, I made baked meatballs at home and simply left out the egg and cheese. To our surprise, they stayed together exceptionally well, stayed juicy, and tasted delicious!
Ingredient notes
Traditional meatballs use eggs as the binding agent. I've discovered a simple trick to making perfect eggless meatballs without even using an egg substitute!
- Ground beef: I recommend using a blend of 80% lean/20% fat ground beef. The fat adds flavor and moisture as it cooks.
- Onion: Very finely chopped or grated onion is the key to making juicy meatballs. Grating the onion with a box grater or using a food processor with the grating attachment allows the onion to release moisture. This gives the meatballs a tender texture with extra flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: This optional ingredient adds a savory, tangy, and salty flavor to the meatballs mixture. Here is the worcestershire sauce I use. If gluten-free, make sure to use a GF worcestershire sauce or omit.
- Seasoning: I like to keep things simple with a mix of Italian seasoning made up of oregano, basil, thyme, parsley, and rosemary. Sometimes I'll also use garlic powder in place of fresh garlic or leave garlic out entirely. Just make sure to season with salt and black pepper to enhance all the other flavors.
I've got a handful of delicious dairy free and egg free ground beef recipes! A few reader favorites are deconstructed stuffed peppers, dairy free and egg free lasagna, dairy free sloppy joes, and meaty bolognese.
How to Make Dairy Free Meatballs
Over the years, this 30-minute eggless meatball recipe has become our go-to for easy weeknight meals. They're perfect over any pasta or zucchini noodles! In addition to spaghetti and meatballs, try them stuffed in meatball subs, sliced up on pizza or in calzones, or in soup.
To make these meatballs, simply mix together ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and italian seasoning together in a large bowl. Once well combined, roll into equal-sized balls and place on a prepared baking sheet.
Bake for about 15 minutes then serve as an appetizer, over pasta of choice, or let cool completely then place in freezer for meal prepping.
Cooking tips
- Don't skip grating or finely chopping the onion, it makes a huge difference in the overall texture of the cooked meatball.
- Be mindful not to over-mix the meat mixture, this will ensure light meatballs that aren't tough and dense.
- Use a cookie scoop when forming the meatballs to keep them all the same size.
- For super fast and easy cleanup, line the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil coated with cooking spray.
- To make sure you don't overcook (or undercook) the meatballs, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. You're looking for 160°F!
- These meatballs freeze incredibly well so go ahead and make a double batch, your future self will thank you.
Allergy-Friendly Meatballs FAQ
Can I make meatballs without eggs, really? YES! I bet you won't even notice the difference. They're just as juicy and flavorful!
What should I serve as a side to my spaghetti and dairy free meatballs? Try my quick and easy bruschetta for an appetizer and crispy baked zucchini and squash on the side.
Can I use an egg replacer? You can, but you really don't have to (: I always recommend Bob's Red Mill egg replacer or a flax egg.
Is there a dairy free substitute for parmesan cheese? I really enjoy sprinkling Bragg Premium Nutritional Yeast Seasoning on dishes to give it a nutty cheesy flavor. Or try my homemade dairy-free parmesan!
Want more recommendations? Join my Dairy-Free & Egg-Free Recipes Facebook Group!
Can I make them in a non-stick pan instead of baking them? Sure! Instead of transferring the uncooked meatballs to a baking sheet, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs until golden and cooked through, flipping at least once. Depending on the size of your pan, you may have to work in batches.
How do I store meatballs? Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.
How do I freeze meatballs? Once meatballs are cooled completely, transfer them to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Related recipes
Want more easy recipes? Check these out next:
- Dairy-Free & Egg-Free Cottage Pie, also known as shepherds pie, is comforting and great all year round. Flavorful meat, tender vegetables, and fluffy dairy free mashed potatoes... Sign me up!
- Dairy-Free and Egg-Free Biscuits and Sausage Gravy is the ultimate breakfast for dinner situation! It's made from scratch so you know it's full of love.
- Instant Pot Tamales are the only way I'll make tamales. Fill them with whatever your heart desires, cook for about 30 minutes, then enjoy.
- French Bread Pizza is nostalgic and fun for the whole family! Customize with your favorite toppings or what you have on hand. Cook in the oven or air fryer!
- Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole is another family favorite! Roasted spaghetti squash tossed with marinara sauce and your favorite toppings, what more could you want?
- Dairy-Free Beef Stroganoff is filling and great for a weeknight meal! Enjoy over your favorite pasta noodles for a hearty meal.
- Dairy-Free Tater Tot Casserole is so easy to make ahead and enjoy throughout the week. It's ready in under an hour and always hits the spot.
- Dairy-Free Hamburger Helper is a homemade version of the comfort food classic. It's cooked in one pot and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Dairy-Free and Egg-Free Meatballs Recipe
I hope you add my dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, paleo, and whole30-approved meatball recipe to your weekly dinner rotation. They bake up perfectly and freeze well for meal planning. If you try this recipe, please share a photo with me over on Instagram♡
Dairy-Free & Egg-Free Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ small onion grated or finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce optional
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- Mix everything together in a large bowl.
- Roll the seasoned meat into small round balls and place onto a prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked.
- Once cooked, remove from oven and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Suggested Equipment
KitchenAid Food Chopper
Nordic Ware Quarter Sheet
Pyrex 2.5-Quart Glass Mixing Bowl
ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE, Instant-Read Thermometer 
Melissa says
I definitely threw in too much seasoning (ran out of oregano, tried to improvise and failed), but it’s still really great. We are only dairy-free because of my 3 month old’s milk protein allergy, so I messed with the recipe a little. I added 1/4 crushed ritz crackers and 1 egg. Then I baked it and finished cooking them in pasta sauce on the stove. Yum! Thanks!
Jenna Urben says
That sounds delicious, Melissa! I'm always running out of oregano and basil haha. Thanks for leaving a comment 🙂 I really appreciate it!
Jasmine says
Hi, I was wondering if I had to use ground beef or pork…. Could I use ground chicken instead? And should I add more liquid to them since ground chicken don’t really make its own juices lol! Thanks in advance
Jenna Urben says
Hi Jasmine! I haven't tried using ground chicken but I have replace the ground beef with ground turkey before and it turned out great. Please let me know if you have success 🙂
Lilien says
I made these last night and baked them for 15 minutes. The meatballs were very hard. I would say each meatball was approximately 1 1/2" in diameter. What could've gone wrong?
Jenna Urben says
Hi Lilien! These meatballs are more dense than traditional meatballs to begin with since we aren't using any milk or eggs as a binder. Hard meatballs are often the result of overcooking or overmixing. When combining the ingredients and rolling into meatballs, I try to work very gently and not pack them too tightly. Another tip I've come across is to keep the meat as cold as possible before cooking. I hope this helps 🙂
Lilien says
Thanks, Jenna. I'll try again.
Heidi says
I've made these several times and they're delicious! Not sure why I always thought I had to have a binder for meatballs. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Jenna Urben says
So happy to hear that, Heidi!
Megan says
Hi there! What kind of pasta / bread for meatball subs do you use that is egg and dairy free. Even sauce. ?? I’m clueless!!
Sandra Patterson says
This is a fantastic recipe. Just what I am looking for, as I am planning a party on
the 22nd. of August and most attending are gluten-free. I'd like to know how
long to cook them in my crock pot, and should I brown them first.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Hi Sandra! Brown them first, then pop them in the slow cooker with your sauce. I recommend setting the crockpot to low for 6-8 hours. Have fun 🙂
Bree says
Just made these. The best tasting meatballs I have ever made. Thank you for the recipe. The meatballs were juicy and flavorful. I did add some hot pizza pepper to mine. Also I used 1/2 lb. ground pork and 1/2 ib. ground beef.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Hi Bree 🙂 Thank you so much! Yummm, that sounds tasty.
LucyAnn says
Can you put some bread crumbs in them
Jenna | The Urben Life says
I have not made them with breadcrumbs, but I would imagine if they're fine and dry, it should work. Please let me know if you try it out and how it works 🙂
lisa hall says
How much breadcrumbs would you use in this recipe?
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Hi Lisa! I would start with 1/4 cup breadcrumbs first and then as you begin to mix, add more to your preference. Next time I make these, I'll experiment!
lisa a hall says
Lucy did you try this recipe with breadcrumbs and if so how much did you use?
Jenn Kilmurray says
Lucyann- i have been using this recipe for the last couple months- adding oat flour and some hidden veggies like peppers, sweet potato, carrots, etc. I feel like the oat flour sucks up any added moisture. My kids also don't notice that they ate a sweet potato. 🙂
Jacqui says
I LOVE the simplicity of this meatball recipe and they always turn out great!! I am usually pushed for time (or just plain lazy) so I throw in a random shake each of garlic and onion powder and a bit of coconut aminos...quick and easy peasy and delicious!! Great for picnics and road trips and the whole family loves them...Big win! Thanks so much for sharing this simple but tasty recipe.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Yay 🙂 I'm so happy to hear that! I love how simple this recipe is too. One of our all time favorites.
Vera says
So delicious! My daughter can’t eat gluten, egg or dairy so was looking for alternatives, These are a winner for everyone in our household.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
I'm thrilled to hear that, Vera 🙂
Jeziel Berrios says
Can I make them in a non-stick pan instead of baking them?
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Hi Jeziel! I haven't not tried cooking them in a pan, but it should work, no problem 🙂 Cook until all sides are browned and each meatball is cooked through.
Megan says
Is the onion critical to this recipe? I see onion in lots of meatball and meatloaf recipes, but we don't tolerate onions. Anything I could use instead of onion? Thank you.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Hi Megan! Onion is not critical, you can simply leave it out. I'll try to think of some add-ins 🙂 Please let me know what you think.
Michelle says
Silly question but can you freeze these after making?
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Hey Michelle 🙂 I've never tried freezing these but meatballs can definitely be frozen. I would cook them then allow them to cool completely before adding them to a freezer bag.
Janna Smith says
Hi - I have some Bob's Red Mill Nutritional Yeast. Would you suggest adding it to this recipe? If so, how much? Thanks!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Hi Janna 🙂 Oh yes, absolutely! I love Bob's Nutritional Yeast - I literally sprinkle some on everything. You could mix it in to bake or just top your dish with it! If mixing in, I would use about a teaspoon.
Kelly says
I love how healthy these meatballs are. It has all my favorites in it and none of the things I can't eat. Hooray!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
So happy to hear that 🙂
Chris says
When you use them in Italian wedding soup do you still bake them or can they cook in the broth without falling apart?
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Hi Chris! I have always baked them first then tossed them into the soup with the greens towards the end. I will test it out next time I make it – thanks so much.