You might say that these easy, 4 ingredient (not including spice), skillet meatballs are what put Penny’s Primal on the map! One of the first Whole30 recipes I created and so delicious, juicy, tender and perfect for any day of the week! Serve them over your favorite pasta or hearts of palm to keep the recipe Paleo and Whole30 friendly. Are you a meatball fan? Try these Buffalo Turkey Meatballs or these Sun dried Tomato Chicken Meatballs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These meatballs taste like traditional Italian meatballs your grandmother used to make but without all the hard work: Perfectly delicious and tender every time. The whole family will devour them so you may want to double the recipe!
It’s Paleo and Whole30: Having no gluten, grains, or dairy, it is the perfect dish if you need to keep it Paleo or Whole30 friendly.
Ingredients You Will Need
Ground beef: imparts a hearty flavor and juicy texture that perfectly complements the rich, savory notes of the sauce. I love Grass Roots Coop for all of my meat purchases.
Almond flour: is typically finer and made from blanched almonds, while almond meal is coarser and often includes the almond skins in its preparation.
Eggs: are a good source of protein and vitamins and are one of the few foods that should be classified as “superfoods”.
Onion: yellow onion has a bolder flavor than sweet onions but you can certainly use sweet if you prefer.
Salt and black pepper: salt enhances the overall flavor of the dish and ground black pepper adds a gentle heat.
Avocado oil: has a neutral flavor that can be used for baking, high-heat cooking, sautéing and frying.
Instructions
Whisk: egg, onion, almond flour, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
Add: beef and work together with your hands to combine.
Form into: approximately 20 meatballs.
Heat oil: in a large pan.
Add meatballs: and do not touch for two minutes.
Flip: and cook two minutes longer.
Add: your favorite sauce and simmer 30 minutes.
Enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Try not to: roll your meatballs too much as this will result in a denser meatball.
Double: the recipe so you can freeze some for another night!
Recipe Variations
Olive oil: can be substituted for the avocado oil in this recipe.
Italian bread crumbs: are a great alternative to the almond flour if you are not concerned about keeping the recipe Paleo or Whole30 friendly.
Storage Tips
You can store these skillet meatballs in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when placed in an airtight glass container. They also freeze well for up to 6 months.
FAQs About Skillet Meatballs
Why do I need eggs in meatballs?
Eggs are used in meatballs to hold the mixture together and help them from falling apart.
Why put onions in meatballs?
Onions are used to moisten the breadcrumbs in the meatball mixture.
What spices enhance the flavor of meatballs?
For extra flavor you can add basil, parsley and rosemary.
Skillet Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk egg, onion, almond flour, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add beef and work together with your hands to combine.
- Form into approximately 20 meatballs.
- Heat oil in a large pan.
- Add meatballs and do not touch for two minutes.
- Flip and cook two minutes longer.
- Add your favorite sauce and simmer 30 minutes.
- Enjoy!
