Homemade Pizza Meatballs: The Ultimate Pizza Meatballs Recipe
Introduction to Homemade Pizza Meatballs
If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to enjoy pizza flavors without the hassle of dough, look no further! Homemade pizza meatballs are a fantastic twist on traditional pizza, offering all the savory goodness wrapped up in a convenient meatball form. Perfect for a family dinner or a party appetizer, these meatballs are sure to become a favorite in your household.
A Personal Story Behind My Homemade Pizza Meatballs Journey
Growing up, my family often enjoyed pizza nights together, experimenting with different toppings and styles. It was always a highlight of the week! As I grew older, I wanted to create a version of pizza that was both easy to make and delicious. That’s when I came up with these homemade pizza meatballs. They remind me of those cherished pizza nights, yet they bring a unique spin that everyone loves.
What Makes This Homemade Pizza Meatballs Recipe Special?
What sets these meatballs apart is their incredible flavor packed into each bite. Infused with garlic, pepperoni, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs, they deliver the same beloved pizza taste in a different form. Additionally, they are versatile; you can serve them as an appetizer, toss them with pasta, or enjoy them on their own with a side of pizza sauce for dipping. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, making them suitable for various dietary needs.
The Full Homemade Pizza Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp chopped or grated onions
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black cracked pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup almond flour or crushed pork rinds or 1/3 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup chopped regular or turkey pepperoni
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce, plus more for dipping
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese or dairy-free cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps in easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef or turkey, garlic powder, onions, olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, almond flour or breadcrumbs, egg, pepperoni, and parmesan cheese. Make sure all ingredients are well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. For uniformity, you may use a cookie scoop.
- Bake the meatballs for 20-22 minutes until they are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- For a crispy exterior, broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
- Serve the meatballs with fresh parsley and pizza sauce for dipping. Alternatively, coat them in warm pizza sauce and enjoy with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or as a low-carb appetizer.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Homemade Pizza Meatballs
These pizza meatballs are incredibly versatile! Serve them as a stand-alone snack at your next gathering, or pair them with a side salad for a complete meal. You can also toss them in your favorite pasta or zucchini noodles for a delicious and hearty dish. For a twist, consider adding different cheese types, such as mozzarella or feta, or include diced veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms in the meatball mixture for added nutrition. Don’t forget, for a spicier kick, you can add red pepper flakes to the mix!
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Pizza Meatballs
Can I use ground chicken instead of beef or turkey?
Yes, ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative, but it may change the texture slightly.
How do I store leftover meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, you can make them gluten-free by using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Homemade Pizza Meatballs
Equipment
- Oven Preheat to 400°F (200°C)
- Baking sheet Line with parchment paper
- Mixing bowl For combining ingredients
- Meat Thermometer To check internal temperature
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons chopped or grated onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black cracked pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 cup almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup chopped pepperoni
- 0.25 cup pizza sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese or dairy-free cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef or turkey, garlic powder, onions, olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, almond flour or breadcrumbs, egg, pepperoni, and parmesan cheese.
- Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for 20-22 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For a crispy exterior, broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve with fresh parsley and pizza sauce for dipping.