How to Make Homemade Pizza Meatballs

Why You’ll Love These Pizza Meatballs

Since changing my relationship with food, I’ve discovered that I can still enjoy my favorite food without the guilt. Instead of that greasy pizza crust that leaves me feeling bloated, these flavor-packed meatballs hit all those pizza cravings while keeping me on track.

My kiddos absolutely devour these cute little pizza meatball bites, which is the ultimate test of any recipe! They’re perfect for busy weeknights with some steamed veggies or a crisp salad, and fantastic for meal prep too. 

My family also loves these quick and easy keto meatball poppers and my sticky Asian meatballs! I often make a big batch on Sundays for quick lunches throughout the week. If you’re looking for more meal prep inspiration, check out my clean keto meal plan for a full week of delicious options.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground beef or ground turkey: The foundation of our meatballs. Ground beef gives a richer flavor while turkey offers a leaner option. Either works beautifully with these pizza flavors.
• Garlic powder, salt, black pepper, onion powder, oregano, & Italian seasoning: This blend creates that classic Italian pizza flavor profile that makes these meatballs irresistible.
• Onion: Adds flavor depth and moisture to the meatballs. Grating them ensures they blend perfectly into the meat mixture.
• Olive oil: A touch of extra virgin olive oil adds moisture and richness to the meatballs.
• Almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or gluten-free breadcrumbs: A low-carb alternative to traditional bread crumbs that helps bind the meatballs while keeping them tender.
• Egg: Acts as the perfect binder to hold your meatball ingredients together.
• Pepperoni: Adds that authentic pizza flavor and little bursts of spicy goodness. Use regular or turkey pepperoni depending on your dietary preferences.
• Pizza sauce: The secret weapon that infuses these meatballs with authentic pizza flavor. See notes below for my homemade pizza sauce – it takes these to the next level, but store-bought works in a pinch (just check for added sugars if following Whole30).
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but adds a nice kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Parmesan cheese: Brings that distinctive cheesy pizza flavor and helps bind the meatballs. Can be substituted with dairy-free cheese or omitted if needed.

How to Make This Pizza Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef (or turkey), grated onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, oregano, Italian seasoning, almond flour (or pork rinds/breadcrumbs), egg, olive oil, and chopped pepperoni. Mix until well combined but don’t overwork the mixture.

Step 2: Using slightly wet hands, form the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs (about the size of a golf ball or your desired shape) and place them on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For that perfect finish, broil them for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. You can also enjoy over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb appetizer!

Storage and Meal Prep

These meatballs are perfect for meal prep:

• Fridge: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Place cooked meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the microwave, oven, or in sauce on the stovetop.

Cooking Options

You’ve got options beyond just baking these delicious meatballs:

• Oven Baking: 400°F for 18–22 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Air Fryer: 375°F for 12–15 minutes, with a light coating of cooking spray, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Stovetop: Sear in a skillet, then simmer in sauce for an extra juicy texture.

Texture Troubleshooting

If your meatball ingredients mixture is too wet & sticky:

• Gradually add more almond flour or breadcrumbs (1 tablespoon at a time).
• Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before adding more dry ingredients.

If your mixture is too dry & crumbly:

• Add a splash of liquid (almond milk or broth).
• Mix in an extra egg yolk for moisture and binding.
• Try adding grated zucchini for a juicier texture.

Recipe FAQs

Serving Ideas

These pizza meatballs are incredibly versatile and my favorite way to enjoy them is:

• Pizza Night Twist – Serve over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or gluten-free pasta for a complete meal.
• Low-Carb Option – Use lettuce wraps or stuff into a bell pepper for a fun twist.
• Mini Sliders – Place between gluten-free buns or roll them up in cheese wraps for a finger food that’s perfect for parties.

A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top adds another layer of flavor too! Warm extra sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over meatballs before serving.

Y’all, these flavor-packed meatballs have saved my Friday nights and meal prep sanity! The recipe card below has all the details you need to get started. They’re the perfect way to enjoy all those pizza flavors you crave without derailing your healthy eating goals. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, over veggie noodles, or in a lettuce wrap, they’re sure to become a family favorite.