Quick Skillet Meatballs in Sauce {Paleo, Whole30}

These quick skillet meatballs have been a favorite weeknight meal for my family for years!  You can prep and cook these meatballs in just 25 minutes and they never get complaints.  Serve over veggie noodles or spaghetti squash, with gluten free or grain free pasta, over sautéed greens or with a big green salad.  They’re paleo, Whole30 and keto friendly.

These skillet meatballs have been in my weeknight meal rotation for years now!

I always thought they were too “easy” to post as a “real” recipe though!

But then I realized that hey – easy is exactly what most of us want!

For those of use who aren’t the best meal planners and preppers (raising my hand!) these meatballs are a weeknight dinner saver.

You can keep them paleo and Whole30 by serving with some sautéed zucchini noodles or other greens, or a big green salad.

Or, you can use your favorite gluten free or grain free (Jovial Foods) pasta for some good old spaghetti and meatballs!

Let’s get into all the delicious recipe details.

What You Need to Make These Skillet Meatballs

To keep these meatballs really easy, the ingredients I use are very basic but pack in lots of great flavor!

I like using ground pork in addition to beef for flavor and added fat, but I also use all beef many times and everyone loves them and doesn’t even know the difference!

Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare the meatballs:

• grass fed ground beef
• ground pork (optional – you can use all beef)
• egg
• almond flour
• Seasonings
• fresh herbs (optional)
• olive oil or avocado oil, for frying
• marinara sauce, Whole30 compliant (I use Rao’s marinara)

How to Make Quick Skillet Meatballs

This recipe really can’t get any simpler!

Add the meat to a large bowl along with the egg, almond flour, and seasonings.  Mix well will your hands, careful not to overwork the meat.

Form the mixture into balls and brown them in a big skillet on all sides.

Once browned, add the sauce to skillet and bring to a boil, then simmer until meatballs are cooked through.

What Whole30 Marinara Sauce Should I Use?

I’ve been using Rao’s marinara sauce for years and it’s everyone’s favorite!

I think it tastes better than any jarred sauce I’ve had and the ingredients are clean and simple.

Can I Add Parmesan Cheese and Bread Crumbs if I’m Not Paleo?

Yes!  This recipe is extremely adaptable.  I’m often asked this question about my recipes by friends who do not eat paleo and this one is easy to modify.

You can replace the almond flour with plain breadcrumbs (use 1/4 cup instead of 3 tablespoons).

I’ve also experimented by adding about 1/3 cup of parmesan cheese to the mixture and it works out well!

If You Have More Time to Cook These Skillet Meatballs

If you happen to have more time, you can use fresh onions and garlic instead of the garlic and onion powder and include the minced fresh herbs.

You can also simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 10-15 minutes longer on low heat to combine the flavors.

For a more involved “from scratch” meatball recipe using the slow cooker – try these.

I hope you’re ready for a delicious and FAST dinner that you’ll want on repeat in your house!

Grab your ingredients and your favorite skillet because it’s time to cook – let’s go!

Quick Skillet Meatballs in Sauce {Paleo, Whole30}

Quick Skillet Meatballs in Sauce {Paleo, Whole30}

These quick skillet meatballs have been a favorite weeknight meal for my family for years!  You can prep and cook these meatballs in just 25 minutes and they never get complaints.  Serve over veggie noodles or spaghetti squash, with gluten free or grain free pasta, over sautéed greens or with a big green salad.  

Author: Michele

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian/American, Paleo

Keyword: keto, low carb, meatballs, paleo, whole30

Servings: 6 servings

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4.65 from 57 votes

Ingredients

• 1 lb grass fed ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork or use all beef
• 1 large egg
• 3 Tablespoons almond flour
• 3/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder or 1/2 small onion, minced
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder or 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
• generous pinch crushed red pepper (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley or basil optional, plus more for garnish
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil for frying
• 24-32 oz marinara sauce Whole30 compliant (I use Rao’s marinara)

Instructions

1. To a large mixing bowl, add the beef and pork (or all beef) along with the egg, almond flour, and seasonings. Mix well will hands, careful not to overwork the meat.
2. Heat a large skillet over med-hi heat and once hot, add the oil. You might need to lower the heat slightly depending on your stove, if the oil smokes.
3. Begin rolling the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place each one in the pan. Continue until the mixture is used up.
4. Once the bottoms are nicely browned after about 2-3 minutes, flip each meatball over to brown the other side, and carefully turn to brown on all sides.
5. Once browned, add the sauce to skillet and bring to a boil. Cover and lower the heat to a simmer. Allow meatballs to simmer in the sauce until cooked through - about 5-8 minutes.
6. If you have extra time, you can allow the meatballs to simmer on low heat, uncovered, for another 10 mintutes.

Recipe Notes

If you are not paleo -

This recipe is extremely adaptable.  

You can replace the almond flour with plain breadcrumbs (use 1/4 cup instead of 3 tablespoons).  

I've also experimented by adding about 1/3 cup of parmesan cheese to the mixture and it works out well!

Nutrition

Calories: 344kcal

Carbohydrates: 8g

Protein: 24g

Fat: 24g

Saturated Fat: 8g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

Monounsaturated Fat: 11g

Trans Fat: 1g

Cholesterol: 106mg

Sodium: 967mg

Potassium: 734mg

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 5g

Vitamin A: 545IU

Vitamin C: 8mg

Calcium: 56mg

Iron: 4mg

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Want More Quick Paleo Skillet Dinners?  Try One of These!

One Skillet Creamed Spinach Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Skillet Steak Bites and Potatoes

Spinach Artichoke Salmon

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