How to Make Homemade Pizza Meatballs
My pizza meatballs are filled with pepperonis, pizza sauce, and onions. These juicy meatballs are like biting into your favorite pizza in meatball form! Packed with herbs and all those classic pizza flavors you crave, they're perfect for meal prep, family dinner or a social gathering. The best part? They're ready in under 30 minutes and will become your new favorite food without the guilt of traditional pizza crust.
Servings: 24 meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons chopped or grated onions
- 1 tbso olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt more or less to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black cracked pepper more or less to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup almond flour or crushed pork rhinds or ⅓ cup gluten free breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup chopped regular or turkey pepperoni
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce plus more for dipping see notes for homemade, can also use store-bought
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese or dairy free cheese (omit together if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, seasonings, pork panko (or almond flour), egg, olive oil, and pepperoni (if using). Mix until well combined but don’t overwork.
- Shape & Bake: Form into 1½-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
- Crispy Finish: For extra flavor, broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. (I want them to look juicy but have a crisp on them for the photos)
- Serve with fresh parsley and a side of pizza sauce for dipping or toss in warm pizza sauce and enjoy over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or as a low-carb appetizer!
Notes
Homemade Pizza Sauce
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1-2 teaspoon honey or monk fruit
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a kick (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients – In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce and tomato paste until smooth. Step 2: Add Seasonings – Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, honey, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. Step 3: Thin with Water – Add the water and mix well to reach your desired consistency. Step 4: Let It Rest – Allow the sauce to sit for at least 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Step 5: Use or Store – Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. 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.
Nutrition
Serving: 1meatball | Calories: 87kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 213mg | Potassium: 175mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg