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How do you make the perfect meatball? With the right Meatball Seasoning! My seasoning for meatballs is simple, but elevates the flavor of your favorite meatball recipe, from beef meatballs to pork, turkey, or chicken meatballs. Mix up the perfect meatball spice blend in just 5 minutes following my recipe!
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Seasoning Meatballs
My family and I are big fans of meatballs, so they've been a staple in our household for many years. I've tried making many types of meatballs, from meatballs in the air fryer and juicy Italian meatballs to cocktail meatballs, Korean Meatballs, pressure cooker meatballs, and chicken meatballs; out of all of them, I come back to my Italian meatballs most often, and it's because of this meatball seasoning.
My recipe for meatball seasoning combines the perfect blend of savory Italian spices to add to any type of meatball you like best, whether it's a classic beef meatball or turkey meatballs. It's easy to make ahead, store in the pantry, and then simply sprinkle into your meat mixture for perfectly seasoned meatballs. It saves so much time!
Keep my meatball seasoning recipe on hand for when you need a quick weeknight meal; I bet it will become your go-to seasoning for meatballs, like it is for me!
Spices for Meatballs
- Salt: I recommend using kosher salt or sea salt flakes.
- Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper is my favorite in seasoning recipes.
- Onion powder: Adds a sweet, onion-y flavor you can only get from onion powder. It's so good!
- Garlic powder: The pungent and delicious flavor of garlic without using fresh garlic, so you don't have to worry about burning.
- Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning is generally a blend of Italian spices like ground oregano and basil; personally, I make my own Italian seasoning. Give it a try!
For the best meatballs, pair my meatball seasoning recipe with Italian breadcrumbs for Italian meatballs. But, you can also use whatever binder the meatball recipe you're using calls for, like eggs, cheese, or another type of breadcrumb.
For a kick of spice, add red pepper flakes. Fresh parsley will add a bit of vibrancy to the taste.
How to Season Meatballs
- Add salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to a small bowl.
- Mix together using a whisk, fork, or spoon, then use immediately or add to an airtight container in your pantry for up to 6 months.
- This seasoning pairs well with 1 cup Italian Breadcrumbs, or breadcrumbs of your choosing when ready to use. If you need a meatball recipe to follow, try my easy Italian Meatball recipe.
Gluten-Free Meatball Seasoning
Using only spices, my recipe is for a gluten-free meatball seasoning. However, usually, meatballs also need a binding agent like breadcrumbs to hold them together, which contains gluten.
To make gluten-free meatball seasoning, you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for the breadcrumbs called for in your meatball recipe. They're readily available at most grocery stores, or found online!
How to Store Seasoning for Meatballs
Store meatball seasoning in an airtight container. You can leave it in the pantry or an other cool, dark area of your kitchen. Meatball seasoning lasts for up to 6 months when stored properly before it starts to lose flavor. There is no need to refrigerate it.
Personally, I keep my seasoning for meatballs in a mason jar. It's much easier for stacking and storing. Label it with the date and name so you know what it is for future reference.
Freezing Seasoned Meatballs
You can season your meatballs, then freeze them cooked or uncooked, by placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe container such as a zip-top freezer bag. If your meatballs are cooked, make sure to let them cool to room temperature before freezing.
Meat to Seasoning Ratio for Meatballs
Follow the simple ratio of 2 Tablespoons of seasoning mix for every 1 pound of ground meat for perfectly seasoned meatballs. Generally, 1 pound of meat will make around 18 meatballs.
Other Uses for Meatball Seasoning
- Add a squeeze of lemon and olive oil for an easy Italian marinade to use with any cut of meat; this is great with chicken
- Use meatball seasoning for meatloaf or hamburgers
- Add buttermilk to create a brine for extra juicy roasted chicken
- Use it as a rub for pork chops
Meatball Seasoning FAQ
For good meatballs, be sure to season the meat generously. Pair it with a binding agent like eggs, breadcrumbs, or Parmesan (or all of the above). This will help keep the meatballs moist and flavorful while binding together well.
After seasoning meatballs, they can be either fried or baked depending on your personal preferences. Pan fried meatballs have a crispier texture, but baked meatballs are perfect for cooking directly in a sauce like my Sunday Gravy.
Meatballs typically bind together using a mixture of eggs and breadcrumbs. Each variation will be a little different, but other binding options include panko, yogurt, or certain cheeses like Parmesan.
Easy Seasoning Recipes
Meatball Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 2 Tablespoons Italian Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons pepper
Instructions
- Add 1 Tablespoon garlic powder, 1 Tablespoon onion powder, 2 Tablespoons Italian Seasoning, 2 teaspoons Kosher salt, and 2 teaspoons pepper to a small bowl.
- Mix to combine completely. Store in an airtight container until ready to use. Seasons up to 2 pounds of meat.
Notes
- Use approximately 2 Tablespoons of meatball seasoning per pound of ground meat. One pound of meat usually makes about 18 meatballs.
- Store seasoning in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months in an airtight container such as a jar.
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