Gluten-free Swedish meatballs are a mouthwatering treat perfect for dinner, as an appetizer, or to take to a potluck meal. This is a GF version of a traditional recipe passed down from my mom.
Growing up, my mom had a few unique recipes that I loved, and one was her Swedish meatballs. I didn’t always know the proper names; to me, this was just her grape jelly meatballs recipe.
When she served them for dinner, it was usually over rice, but occasionally, she would surprise the family with noodles. When she did either, she would scoop out the sauce and smother our plate with it.
However, when she made them to be used as easy cocktail meatballs, she would scoop them out of the sauce with a slotted spoon and beautifully arrange them with toothpicks on a platter. She would put them out for family gatherings or take the platter to a potluck or shared meal.
More than just a favorite recipe, making these meatballs is a special memory. My sister and I felt so grown up rolling the meatballs —it made us feel like we were part of something special.
Years later, I found my mom’s old recipe box and rediscovered the meatball recipe. Like most of her recipes, this one needed to be adjusted for my gluten-free diet. But it was easy as I simply replaced the regular bread crumbs with a gluten-free version. Now, I can relive those cherished memories and enjoy the meatballs without any worries.
What you need to make gluten-free Swedish meatballs
- Ground beef
- Egg
- Gluten-free bread crumbs
- Grape jelly
- Chili sauce
- Lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper
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Tips for making this grape jelly meatballs recipe
- For the best texture, do not overmix the meat. The easiest way to do this is to form the balls with your hands (see why kids love it so much).
- Keep the size of your meatballs uniform for even cooking.
- Simmer the meatballs gently in the sauce; boiling can cause them to fall apart.
- If you find the sauce too thick, add a little water or broth to adjust the consistency to your liking.
- Let the meatballs rest in the sauce for a few minutes after cooking to enhance the flavors.
Serving suggestions
These gluten-free Swedish meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them over a bed of fluffy rice or gluten-free pasta for a satisfying meal.
As an appetizer, skewer them with toothpicks and watch them disappear from the plate.
They pair beautifully with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
For dessert, I like something light like air-fryer apples, almond cookies, or blackforest chia pudding.
Some readers have asked . . .
What makes these easy cocktail meatballs gluten-free
The key is using gluten-free bread crumbs, which substitute perfectly for traditional bread crumbs, and checking the grape jelly and chili sauce ingredients.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare and shape the meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate them. Cook them in the sauce when you’re ready to serve. They also freeze well.
Our gluten-free Swedish meatballs
Gluten-free Swedish meatballs
Grape jelly, chili sauce, and lemon juice are the secret to thse Swedish meatballs.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chopped beef
- 1 egg
- 1 TBSP bread crumbs
- 3 oz grape jelly
- 6 oz chili sauce
- 1 TBSP lemon juice
- pinch salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Mix the meat, egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper, and form into balls.
- Mix the jelly, chili sauce, and lemon juice in a pot to form a sauce.
- Place meatballs on top of the sauce and simmer over medium-low heat for 35 minutes covered and 15 more minutes uncovered.
Notes
For 2 lbs of meat, double all but still use only 1 egg
For 3 lbs of meat, use 2 eggs
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 277Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 464mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 11gProtein: 22g
Nutritional information isn't always accurate and it will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
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