Okay, hold up. These EPIC Whole30 Baked Meatballs are LIT, y’all.
Growing up, my Italian mother used to make some Meatballs al Forno (aka baked meatballs) that were insanely delicious. They had ricotta inside for a nice, creamy touch and they were just insanely good. I wanted to give her meatballs a little Whole30/Paleo/Dairy-free/Grain-free makeover and I blew my own mind with this recipe!
I am seriously obsessed with how these turned out and they couldn’t be easier to make. I tried a new hack to give the texture of the meatballs the ricotta effect that my mom’s had. I pulsed up cashews, basil and garlic in the food processor to make a pesto-like situation to put in the filling of the meatballs. The cashews gave the perfect texture to my meatballs and the basil obviously added a vibrant, explosive flavor taking my meatballs to the status of, well, EPIC.
Other than quickly processing up the cashews, the rest of this recipe is rather simple. Make the meatballs, throw them in a baking dish and bake them at a higher temperature until browned, then smother them in sauce, reduce the heat in the oven and let them cook lower and slower until tender and delicious!
You can serve these however you like. Over pasta, zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or I even love them solo with a big Whole30 Caesar salad on the side.
These EPIC Whole30 Baked Meatballs make me proud and I hope you love them as much as I do. And if you do, these will be in my new book, “The Comfortable Kitchen,” which will be released on December 28th! Learn more about the book and preorder your copy here.
SHOP THE POST.
EPIC BAKED MEATBALLS

Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil packed (plus more for serving)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup cashews unroasted and unsalted
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 2 strips of no sugar added bacon finely diced (I like Applegate)
- 1 pound ground beef 85 percent lean
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 large eggs whisked
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 32oz jar marinara (I like Rao's)
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- In a food processor or blender, add the basil and garlic. Turn on and process until finely chopped, 15 to 20 seconds. Add the cashews and lemon zest and process until cashews are finely chopped. It should have a crumbly, dough-like consistency.
- Transfer the cashew-basil mixture to a large mixing bowl, add the bacon, ground beef, ground pork, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, eggs, and arrowroot flour. Using clean hands, mix the meat until well combined.
- In a 9x12 baking dish, use a paper towel to evenly coat the bottom of the dish with olive oil.
- Using an ice cream scoop, scoop out meat mixture and form into 2-inch round balls. Place meatballs in baking dish and repeat until all meatballs are formed and in a single layer in the baking dish. (It makes approximately 17 meatballs).
- Transfer dish to oven and cook, uncovered, until the meatballs are browned, about 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and decrease the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
- Pour marinara evenly over meatballs.
- Return meatballs to the oven and continue to bake, uncovered, until the meatballs are tender and the sauce is very hot and bubbly, about 45 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and basil.
- Serve as desired and enjoy!
127 Comments
Jessica
February 12, 2023 at 4:32 pmWow! I made this for a postpartum meal for my friend and they raved about it so I decided to make it for my family. Amazing! It’s a struggle to get my toddlers to eat meat but they always ask for more meatballs when I make this. Thank you for this heavenly dish
Alex
February 13, 2023 at 5:16 pmLove to hear it! Thanks for commenting
Shannon
February 7, 2023 at 3:52 amAmazing. Can’t believe I slept on these. They are perfect. The basil was the perfect touch! Thank you!,
Maggie F.
February 7, 2023 at 3:23 amI recently made these for my dad who was recently diagnosed with cancer. I froze them after adding sauce and before baking the second time. He said they’re the best meatballs he’s ever had! I had to try for myself and I 100% agree! These will for sure be a staple here. So easy, so good, and feeds a crowd!
Alex
February 7, 2023 at 12:47 pmSo glad he loved them!!! Sending you and your family all my love!
Rosemary
January 20, 2023 at 10:29 pmThese are SUCH a staple in our house & I’m making them for the first time this year tonight! The ricotta like texture seriously elevates these meatballs & how easy these are to prep is a game changer. 10/10 recommend!!
Christine
January 18, 2023 at 4:06 pmL O V E these meatballs! My only change is cooking the bacon just the tiniest bit bc the raw bacon clumps up when chopping and is hard to encorporate evenly with the ground meats. L O V E
Sharon Wonders
January 16, 2023 at 11:59 amAny substitutions for the eggs? I can’t have eggs right now 🙁 could I do flax eggs?
Alex
January 18, 2023 at 5:51 pmHi Sharon,
Sorry I am not an expert for egg substitutes, but I looked into best alternatives online and think that 1 tbsp Mayo would be good in substitute.
Megan
January 14, 2023 at 5:12 pmCan I use bread crumbs instead of arrow root? Not worried about being gluten free
Alex
January 16, 2023 at 8:12 pmYes, that should work fine here.
Cheryl
January 8, 2023 at 11:43 pmI made this as close as I could with ingredients I had on hand (ie subbed garlic power and basil paste). Came out AMAZING!! So happy with how they came out I am going to make a double batch next time (without substitutes, I’ll be more prepared next time) and freeze. My new go-to for meatballs. Loved them, I would recommend these even if you’re not on Whole30 or needing for other dietary needs.
Highly recommend.
Alex
January 9, 2023 at 7:08 pmSo glad these were a hit. Thanks for commenting!
Adriana
December 15, 2022 at 10:49 amHow much garlic is too much garlic? I’d like to make my own marinara for these, or use Rao’s roasted garlic one- should I scale any of the garlic in the recipe to avoid it taking over? I’m actually doing these for Christmas Eve…just like my grandmother would for children not interested in a more refined Italian holiday dinner fare. Cheers!
Alex
December 19, 2022 at 9:37 pmthere is never too much garlic in my opinion!
Grace Putman
December 14, 2022 at 12:52 pmI made this recipe with lamb and with panko crumbs since that’s what I had and it was amazing!!!!!!!
Alex
December 15, 2022 at 9:32 pmYum! Thanks for commenting!
Bec
December 14, 2022 at 1:52 amWow! I made these today. I baked them without the sauce so I could freeze them individually. I cooked them slightly longer without any sauce and then set them individually on a cooling rack on top of a sheet pan. Once cooled I put them in the fridge and then placed them in a freezer bag. I held out two and slowly simmered them in Raos Tomato Basil sauce. Wow! Definitely will be on my repeat list!
Alex
December 15, 2022 at 9:27 pmAwesome, thank you for commenting! These are so great to make ahead.
Sally
September 18, 2022 at 3:50 pmIf I make two batches at once, should I adjust my cooking time?
Alex
September 22, 2022 at 7:19 pmIt should still stay the same for this one
Lauren
July 30, 2022 at 5:18 pmI made these last night and they were delicious! The texture of the meatballs were perfect. My husband told me they were better than my normal recipe. 😆 I used my favorite jarred sauce – Rao’s Marinara. This recipe will definitely be my go to meatball recipe!
Paola
April 24, 2022 at 8:53 pmThese are amazing!
Kaylyn
February 7, 2022 at 2:30 amI just got the book and made these. Wow! They are so delicious! I served over spaghetti squash and it was such a hit. Such a cozy, filling meal.
Erin
April 28, 2022 at 5:21 pmHi! I would love to to make these, but is there a way I can make them without pork? What would you sub with? Thanks!
Alex
May 2, 2022 at 5:08 pmhi!! yes just add extra ground beef, will still be fab.
Rae
January 25, 2022 at 1:07 amYes, please – nutrition info (even macros for protein, carbs, fat..sugar and fiber a bonus)
Michelle
February 23, 2022 at 1:30 amThis looks delicious but I don’t eat pork. Do you have a substitute ?
Alex
February 23, 2022 at 2:01 pmYou can just add more ground beef in sub of the pork! will still be great.
Jennifer
January 23, 2022 at 12:01 amJust made these on a cold day here in Texas and they are amazing. With the extra meatballs I did not cover them in sauce, just cooked them up and froze them plain. My teenager will devour these after school and dip them in marinara sauce.
Theresa Owens
January 11, 2022 at 2:53 amCan’t wait to try this recipe! I would like to make it a few days ahead up through pouring the sauce over it, store it in the fridge, and bake it off a few days later. I only need to hold it for a few days so I’d rather not freeze it. Is it OK to hold the par-cooked meatballs in the fridge for a few days?
Alex
January 11, 2022 at 3:04 amyes absolutely!! This works well.
Kate
January 7, 2022 at 10:24 pmI don’t eat pork or beef. Has anyone tried ground turkey or chicken with similar results?
katie
January 18, 2022 at 2:29 pmPork has been impossible to find near me so I did one pound of beef and one pound of turkey. Because turkey is so much leaner, I did add a little bit of avocado oil to make sure they stayed moist but think it would be great with 2 pounds of just turkey
Kathy
February 10, 2022 at 5:54 amThe meatballs are delicious!
Karin
January 19, 2022 at 4:51 amI made it with all ground turkey and turkey bacon. I added 1 Tbsp EVOO for fat & they turned out AMAZING!
April
December 6, 2021 at 2:36 amI come back to this recipe time and time again. It never lets me down.
lori
October 27, 2021 at 4:33 pmcan you please add freezing instructions? I saw on insta stories but I can’t find again. I have a broken hand and trying to get some stuff that my hubby can help with and freeze. thank you so much!
Alex
October 28, 2021 at 12:36 pmJust added in the Notes! 🙂
get well soon!
Marie
December 23, 2021 at 2:21 amCan you please add nutrition info. Thanks!
Sherry Rice
January 6, 2022 at 10:24 pmHi Alex! Can these go straight in the oven from the freezer if you forget to thaw? I did the first bake but not the second when I first prepared. Wondering if they will work just as well if I keep them on for longer.
Thanks!
Alex
January 10, 2022 at 1:18 amyes they definitely can!! I would just be careful if your dish is glass- When using Pyrex or any glass bakeware or cookware, Sudden changes in temperature may cause the dishes to shatter or break.
Karin
January 18, 2022 at 3:50 amWow! These were amazing! Hubby said he never wants any other meatballs. I did all turkey & turkey bacon. I was a little worried they might be dry so I added a tablespoon of EVOO & they were perfect! Thank you!
Drew
October 17, 2021 at 7:19 pmI love these meatballs so much, I’ve made them probably close to 50 times!! Question; can this recipe also be made into a meatloaf??
Alex
October 18, 2021 at 11:57 amIt could be delish as a meatloaf! would be very italian style, but I don’t see why not. Now– note that it has a higher fat content– so your meatloaf is going to look scary after you bake it.. but that’s pretty typical with meatloaf.
Lara
January 30, 2022 at 11:45 amHi Alex! My family is obsessed with this recipe and we were thinking of trying it as a meatloaf too – would it be 350 for an hour? Keep the arrowroot or sub almond flour? THANK YOU!
Erin
October 12, 2021 at 1:02 amThese are so tasty! I do have a question. When I make these (I’ve done so twice), there’s a decent amount of liquid and pink stuff (fat from the meat?) that I feel like I should drain before adding the tomato sauce. Do you have a recommendation on what to do with that? Once I drained it, and once I left it. I think I prefer the drained. Thank you for letting me know your thoughts!
Alex
October 12, 2021 at 11:33 amyes, depending on the meat you use– this can happen! Draining is a great idea.
Allison
September 23, 2021 at 1:52 amAlex- I have to review these saying that they are the best of the best! I have made them so many times I have lost count- Thank you for a delicious, tried and true recipe for meatballs! If I don’t have pork, I sub Turkey, I have skipped the bacon and they turn out well- it is just such an easy recipe! I have taken to making them in triple batches and freezing them individually to pull out for busy nights. Thank you!
Pilar
September 21, 2021 at 12:56 amHi! How would you suggest we freeze these? Cooked or raw?
Alex
September 21, 2021 at 1:18 amI prefer to freeze them raw!
Lisa
August 21, 2021 at 4:18 amMade these tonight. SO GOOD! I wanted to get two meals out of these so after baking, I put 9 meatballs in a skillet with the Raos marinara sauce and let it simmer while boiling up the jovial pasta, and placed the remainder of the baked meatballs in a freezer bag for another night!
Ashley
May 23, 2021 at 9:27 pmThis is the only way I make meatballs now! The texture is the perfect combination of a traditional pan-fried and braised meatball.
Carley
May 21, 2021 at 9:17 pm10/5 stars!!! This recipe is BOMB. I made these for Christmas Eve last year for my family and everyone was blown away. Perfect (healthy!) Italian night dinner!
Alex
May 22, 2021 at 12:21 pmThank you, Carley!
Elizabeth
April 28, 2021 at 6:12 pmMade these last night (turkey instead of pork/beef) and my boyfriend and I (but especially him) loved them!! Not doing a Whole 30 but I’m just trying to find some healthier swaps for us. Served with some tasty bread and a salad with your Whole30 Caesar dressing!!
Alex
April 28, 2021 at 6:17 pmamazing!! so glad to hear it!
Jen
April 19, 2021 at 2:29 pmAny suggestions on making these without pork?
Alex
April 19, 2021 at 2:31 pmjust sub in more beef.
Steph
April 20, 2021 at 9:40 pmHi! These are my favorite! Quick question— I’ve been using cooked bacon, should I be using raw bacon that just cooks with the meatballs? About to whip up a batch and this just came to me that I might’ve been doing it wrong every other time. *Still tasty with the cooked bacon!*
Alex
April 21, 2021 at 6:08 pmyes!!! raw bacon is best!
Theresa
May 16, 2021 at 11:29 pmThese meatballs are the absolute best! I make them all the time and they have quickly became a family favorite! Thank you so much for an excellent recipe! 💕
Alex
May 17, 2021 at 12:27 amThank you for the loving comment and review, Theresa!
Julie Frakes
December 2, 2021 at 2:44 amCan you sub the cashews for something else similar?
Kailey
February 8, 2022 at 3:13 pmI was wondering the same thing! My daughter is allergic to cashews. But can do almonds or pine nuts?
Alex
February 8, 2022 at 8:41 pmPine nuts is the best sub! 🙂
Cara
February 20, 2022 at 11:23 pmSo I’ll throw another one at ya…what if you are allergic to ALL nuts…what could I sub in there? I’ve made a pesto using some banana instead of nuts…would that work? I want to try these so badly!!
Alex
February 23, 2022 at 2:05 pmI definitely wouldn’t use banana in this recipe. You could add 1/4 cup of ricotta cheese instead if you are oK with dairy!
Rebecca
March 22, 2021 at 3:16 amDelicious!! Love these meatballs! If I were to cook them ahead of time as a meal to drop off for a friend, how would I suggest they reheat them in the oven ?
Alex
March 22, 2021 at 9:21 pmI would just tell them to pop into the oven, covered at 350 for about 20-30 mins.
Nikki
March 9, 2021 at 12:04 amThese were amazing. I made a couple changes. Added my homemade pesto (df) 1/3c, to the meat mixture. Also added chopped Prosciutto instead of bacon. And for the sauce I used Newman’s Own roast garlic. These were so tasty and moist. Big hit!! Thanks for sharing.
saneeah okhai
March 8, 2021 at 2:31 pmDelicious, dairy free, meatball recipe I have made it several times, a great family get together go to.
Rachael
February 13, 2021 at 12:40 pmThis looks amazing! If I was going to add in a pre-made basil pesto, vs creating my own, about how much would you add in?
Alex
February 19, 2021 at 6:14 pmI’d use about 1/3 cup
Julie
February 11, 2021 at 11:47 pmBest meatballs I’ve ever eaten in my life. You must make these!
I leave out the garlic (sensitivity) and sub sausage for pork. Rao’s Sensitive Marinara and you have an insanely good meal.
Sydney
February 3, 2021 at 1:09 amThese are so good! Nothing like them! (even my grandma’s meatballs but shhh)
Jennifer
January 31, 2021 at 3:46 pmThis is the best dish I’ve ever made! My husband is a tough critic of Whole 30 recipes and he can’t wait for me to make them again : ) Thank you!
Grace
January 25, 2021 at 2:32 amMade these tonight with spaghetti squash on the side, and they were so good! I was skeptical on adding lemon zest, but it added such a nice zing of flavor at the end of a bite to balance the savoriness of the meat. We have a nut allergy in the family, so I left out the cashews and mixed everything at once. Also, my grocery store was out of ground pork so I subbed ground Italian turkey sausage. Texture and flavor was still great.
Molly Clardy
January 22, 2021 at 9:21 pmThese are soooooo full of flavor and perfect….
Kathy A
January 22, 2021 at 12:37 amOutstanding! Served w cauliflower rice. I’d like to try the meatball recipe in your book to. It has become my favorite cookbook. The ckn parm was amazing. I want to make everything in that book!
Carolyn
January 19, 2021 at 6:30 amMost Whole30 meatballs I’ve tried to make are dry and not so good. These meatballs are moist and delicious. Even if I wasn’t following Whole30 these will be my go to recipe for meatballs.
Ellie
January 18, 2021 at 11:52 pmMade these as part of whole30 and they are by far one of the favorite things I’ve made! I ate it with spiralized butter nut squash noodles and Muir Glenn tomato sauce and it was AMAZING. 100% will become part of my regular rotation when W30 is done.
Cass
January 18, 2021 at 8:55 pmHi, I cant wait to try! Do you have suggestions for egg substitute? My son cant have any dairy or eggs. Thanks!
Alex
January 24, 2021 at 9:15 pma “flax egg” should work here!
Elizabeth
January 14, 2021 at 8:47 pmI do not have basil on hand, but do have Italian parsley. Do you think that would work in its place? Looking forward to trying these!
Alex
January 15, 2021 at 12:39 pmYou can use parsley– it’ll change the flavor quite a bit, though.
Jessica
January 12, 2021 at 2:04 pmThese were amazing!
Shelby Borghardt
January 12, 2021 at 1:24 amThese meatballs were a big hit! I used a mixture of lean ground Turkey and Italian pork sausage. Unfortunately didn’t have any bacon on hand, but we’re still delicious! Love the flavor from the basil cashew mixture. Don’t leave out the lemon zest- provides such a yummy brightness!
Andrea
January 11, 2021 at 10:35 pmThis is one of those recipes that shocks you that it’s whole30 since it’s so delicious! I put them over butternut squash noodles, would highly recommend!
Dom
January 11, 2021 at 6:20 pmExcited to make these! Can you cook faster than 45 min at a higher temp?
Kristy
January 11, 2021 at 5:27 pmThanks for making Whole30 so delicious. I couldn’t find unroasted and unsalted cashews. Will roasted and salted work well? Or should I omit altogether?
Alex
January 12, 2021 at 11:44 pmthat should be fine!! i would just cut back a tad on the salt added.
LB
January 8, 2021 at 3:00 pmHi Alex! Can’t wait to make these! Any idea about how much pesto this makes? (Looking to make that part in advance for easily adding when it’s time to construct!) Thank you!
Alexandra
January 6, 2021 at 12:31 amYUM! Doubled this recipe and I’m so excited to have these in our freezer and ready to eat again soon. Awesome taste and good texture.
Courtney
January 5, 2021 at 10:57 pmDo these freeze well?
Alex
January 6, 2021 at 2:33 pmyes, for sure! I prefer to roll the meatballs and freeze prior to cooking. but both ways work.
Jane
January 3, 2021 at 11:24 pmI just made these meatballs (Whole30, day 3) and this recipe is simply amazing! I was a bit skeptical about the cashews and lemon zest but I made the recipe exactly as written and wouldn’t change a thing! This will go into the rotation for sure, whole30 and beyond. Thank you, thank you for sharing!
Alex
January 4, 2021 at 1:35 pmThank you, Jane!
Reagan
October 5, 2021 at 1:42 amWhat are the instructions to cook from frozen? Still the same?
Alex
October 5, 2021 at 9:51 pmIt would take an extra 10+ minutes before they get browned.
Kara
December 12, 2021 at 10:26 pmI can’t wait to make these! Do you think after they bake fully I could put them in the crockpot on warm for serving? I only have one oven and have lots of other things that need to go in for a holiday party!
Alex
December 13, 2021 at 5:12 pmyes absolutely! Would be great this way!
Kathryn Jones
December 21, 2020 at 3:09 amThese are the best meatballs I’ve ever eaten! I used Jimmy Dean sausage (natural style) vs ground pork and omitted the bacon because it’s what we had. SO good! Thank you for this delicious recipe! I will try making them again W30 style (with the ground pork and s/f bacon) in January.
Katie
January 6, 2021 at 2:20 amExcellent meal! Omitted the bacon and they were still great!
Abby
December 20, 2020 at 1:37 pmI know you address the cashew allergy above. My husband is allergic to all nuts. Would this recipe work without the nuts? These look so delish and would love to try them!!
Alex
December 21, 2020 at 12:07 pmyes, it will work without the nuts for sure! It does add a creaminess to the bite; but they’ll still be delightful without. If you are ok with dairy– I suggest adding 1/2 cup ricotta
Carolina
January 17, 2021 at 3:19 pmIf we want to use a pesto we’ve already made, would you also suggest a 1/2 cup?
Alex
January 18, 2021 at 3:54 pmyes 1/2 cup should be good
Bridget
December 8, 2020 at 9:07 pmSubstitution for ground pork and beef? Will ground turkey or chicken work? And turkey bacon to substitute regular bacon?
Alex
December 9, 2020 at 1:23 pmIf you opt to use turkey or chicken– I’d definitely go for dark meat (ground chicken or turkey thigh) to ensure the meatballs don’t dry out.
Emily
January 15, 2021 at 2:18 amSO. GOOD. My husband says they’re the best meatballs I’ve made!!! Thanks Alex!
K.
November 15, 2020 at 1:35 amCan’t wait to try these!! Have you tried freezing them?
Alex
November 16, 2020 at 1:59 pmyes!! I freeze them raw and just thaw + bake them when ready to cook!
Melissa Carpenter
November 9, 2020 at 12:30 amThe best meatballs I’ve ever had, hands down! Thank you!
Alex
November 9, 2020 at 12:53 pmyippee!!
Lauren
October 22, 2020 at 3:07 pmShould the bacon be cooked before it is added?
Alex
October 22, 2020 at 5:02 pmNo, it will cook while in the meatballs
Nikki
October 22, 2020 at 3:31 amIs there a substitution you recommend for the cashews. My daughter is allergic
Alex
October 22, 2020 at 1:23 pmThe best sub would be pine nuts, if she is allowed to have those. I would just chop them up really finely.
Jenny
January 23, 2022 at 9:45 pmWould almonds be ok to substitute for cashews or should I just omit? My husband doesn’t eat cashews or pine nuts.
Alex
January 26, 2022 at 1:33 pmI wouldn’t use almond here– they won’t give it the creamy texture. You can omit! they’ll still be good.
Kyle Bee
February 8, 2023 at 6:06 amThese sound amazing and based on the hundreds of comments, they are just as good as they sound! Unfortunately, I have a cashew, pistachio, and pine nut allergy. I can have any other nut (walnuts, macadamia, hazelnuts …). Sorry to keep asking, but would you recommend any other nuts?
Alex
February 8, 2023 at 1:59 pmHi Kyle!!
If you’re allergic to all nuts– I would recommend swapping in some ricotta in place– to keep it Dairy free, Kite Hill has a dairy-free ricotta if you need!
Amy
January 6, 2021 at 6:57 amIs there a substitution for the arrowroot? Would almond flour work?
Alex
January 6, 2021 at 2:31 pmAlmond flour will be okay to use here. I prefer tapioca or arrowroot as it’s not as grainy.
Julie Dalton
October 19, 2020 at 11:17 pmO.M.G.!!! I made these tonight, and I think I’m going to be dreaming about them! They were the BEST! I’ve made several meatball recipes at home… and this is definitely my GO TO recipe. Thanks for an awesome meatball recipe! It’ll be in my bi-weekly rotation! 🙂
Jan
August 6, 2022 at 1:52 pmIf I don’t have either should I use regular flour or corn starch? Same amount? Thank you!