Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (2024)

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Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (1)

Cheryl MalikPosted: 01/01/19Updated: 05/15/22

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This post was generously sponsored by Sprouts Farmers Market but all opinions are my own.

This Indian meatballs recipe with a creamy sauce makes tender, perfectly spiced meatballs in a rich sauce inspired by butter chicken. Whole30, paleo, gluten, and dairy free, the Indian meatballs include shredded zucchini to keep them moist and tender! They’re a quick Indian dinner and are perfect for meal prep.

Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (2)

How many Indian meatballs with that creamy tomato sauce can I eat off the Indian lunch buffet?

Like way, way too many. You know what I’m talking about, right? Those little chicken tikka masala-inspired meatballs that show up at the lunch buffet and escape before the dinner menu takes over, the meatballs that fill an entire plate for me and disappear just as quickly.

There’s something about that rich, creamy tomato sauce that I just can’t get over, and the tender little meatballs are irresistible!

These Indian meatballs with a creamy sauce were inspired by the Indian flavors we love, along with the perfect little meal prep or dinner method:meatballs! I used my Indian Butter Chicken recipe as a guide, along with my Best Ever Paleo Italian Meatballs to create a beautiful marriage: moist and veggie-heavy little meatballs along with a rich, spiced sauce to simmer it all in.

Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (3)

Why we love this recipe

  • These Indian meatballs are super flavorful, loaded with fresh aromatics and herbs.
  • The sauce is perfectly spiced with Indian spices, ginger, and cinnamon, and it’s balanced with coconut cream.
  • Ghee provides a rich base, like butter but without the lactose or milk solids. It’s also Whole30 compliant and paleo! My absolute favorite is 4th & Heart Original Ghee.
  • Sprouts Coconut Cream is my hands-down favorite, and I keeptons of this stuff in my pantry. This coconut cream is super heavy on the actual solid, white coconut cream, and it’s perfect for this recipe.
  • This recipe makes a big skillet full of meatballs, so they’re perfect for meal prep!
Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (4)

Tips

  • I use a disher to scoop out the meatballs mixture then round them in between my palms. This method means making these meatballs is super easy and a quick process.
  • Use 2 pounds of ground pork if you prefer, or 2 pounds of ground chicken. Any combination of these will work, and you can use ground turkey, too!
  • If you prefer a super creamy sauce, use an 8-oz. can of tomato sauce, rather than a 15-oz. can.
  • “Coconut cream” means just the white, solid part of a can of coconut milk or coconut cream. I recommend using Sprouts Coconut Cream, which has about 1 cup of coconut cream per can. I always have at least 5 or 6 cans in our pantry!
  • Don’t overcrowd the meatballs; this will actually make the process go faster since you’ll be able to push them around with a spatula once they’re browned on one side.
  • Serve over steamed cauliflower rice or regular basmati rice (if you’re not paleo or on a Whole30) and top with plenty of fresh chopped cilantro.
Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (5)

Other recipes you’ll love:

  • Best Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe (Restaurant Style, Whole30 and Paleo Options)
  • Whole30 Chicken Curry (Low Carb, Paleo)
  • Whole30 Indian Butter Chicken
  • Whole30 Indian Saag Chicken
  • The Best Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala (Whole30, Paleo)
  • Paneer Tikka Masala

Hey – you’ve made it this far, so now we’re basically best friends! If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below. Make sure you follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook, too!

Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (6)

5 from 22 votes

Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo)

Prep:15 minutes minutes

Cook:25 minutes minutes

Total:40 minutes minutes

Perfectly spiced, tender Indian meatballs with a creamy sauce. Whole30, paleo, and dairy free, this Indian dinner recipe has hidden veggies that keep the meatballs moist.

6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 pound ground chicken or 1 more pound ground pork
  • 2 cups shredded zucchini
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • coconut oil or ghee for frying

Indian Butter Sauce

  • ¼ cup Fourth & Heart Original Ghee
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 15- ounce can tomato sauce or for a creamier sauce, use an 8-ounce can
  • 1 tablespoon coconut aminos or coconut sugar if desired and not on Whole30
  • 2 cups coconut cream only the solid white part from about 2 cans of Sprouts Coconut Cream
  • 1 ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Combine all meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Using a small disher or tablespoon, scoop out uniformly sized balls of the mixture and place on baking pans. Roll between your palms to smooth and form round balls.

  • Heat a thin layer of refined coconut oil or ghee in a large skillet, preferably cast-iron, over medium heat. Working in batches, fry meatballs, taking care not to overcrowd, until browned. Meatballs will finish cooking in a later step, so you do not need to cook them through in this step. Transfer to a plate, and fry remaining meatballs.

  • Once meatballs are cooked, clean out skillet. Add 1/4 cup ghee to skillet and melt over medium-low heat. Add garam masala, paprika, coriander, cayenne pepper, ginger, and cinnamon stick. Stir fry 1 minute until fragrant and a smooth, incorporated paste.

  • Increase heat to medium and add tomato sauce and coconut aminos or sugar (Do not use the coconut sugar if on a Whole30). Simmer for 5 minutes or until sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.

  • Add coconut cream, lemon juice, and meatballs and simmer for 5-10 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly and meatballs are cooked through. Add plenty of salt to taste; using enough will cut the heavy spice flavor and round out the entire dish. Serve over cooked cauliflower rice with chopped fresh cilantro.

Notes

If you prefer a creamier sauce, use an 8-oz. can in the sauce, rather than a 15-oz. can.

If you’re on a Whole30, donot use the coconut sugar in the sauce. You must use the coconut aminos, which I prefer in the sauce anyway!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 681kcal, Protein: 31g, Fat: 58g, Saturated Fat: 37g, Cholesterol: 138mg, Sodium: 1517mg, Potassium: 1265mg, Total Carbs: 14g, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 4g, Net Carbs: 9g, Vitamin A: 780IU, Vitamin C: 17.6mg, Calcium: 60mg, Iron: 4.5mg

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (7)

Meet Cheryl Malik

In addition to being a certified health coach, certified yoga instructor, and mom of 3, Cheryl is also the recipe developer, editor-in-chief, food photographer, and passionate foodie behind 40 Aprons. Having spent the last 10+ years as a food blogger, she's become known for her flavorful recipes, detailed instructions, gorgeous photography, and down-to-earth approach to food and cooking in general.

Read more...

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  1. Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (11)Briana says

    This is so good.
    I added a bag of chopped onions and bell pepper blend to the butter before I added the seasonings. I also added frozen spinach towards the end and used half and half instead of coconut milk. Added an egg and about 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs to the meatball blend and made mine w chicken and turkey because I dont eat pork. Used some smoked paprika and chili powder in the sauce along with garlic and onion powders. Seriously so so good.Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (12)

    Reply

    • Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (13)Jessica | 40 Aprons Team says

      Ooh, your additions sound delicious! Thank you for sharing, Briana! 😊

      Reply

  2. Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (14)Erin says

    The whole family loved these! I used 2 lbs of ground turkey because that’s what I had on hand. Otherwise, I followed the recipe as written until Step 5 when I put it all in the slow cooker for 4 hours on low and seasoned with salt just before serving. Thank you for a healthful and satisfying make-ahead meal!Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (15)

    Reply

    • Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (16)Megan | 40 Aprons Team says

      Thank you, Erin! Love your slow cooker variation!

      Reply

  3. Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (17)Wilma says

    Can coconut milk be used instead of the coconut cream

    Reply

    • Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (18)Molly | 40 Aprons Team says

      Hi Wilma. You could, the sauce just won’t be as thick.

      Reply

  4. Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (19)Zoe says

    This recipes looks and sounds amazing. Is there a substitute for coconut aminos that would work in this recipe? Fish sauce, maybe? Or tamari?

    Reply

    • Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (20)Megan | 40 Aprons Team says

      Depending on your dietary needs, you could try coconut sugar, soy sauce, or lite tamari.

      Reply

  5. Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (21)Beck and Bulow says

    This is a fantastic recipe! We love them as is or we slice a few & put in low carb wraps with red onion, lettuce, cucumber & tzatziki… amazing.Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (22)

    Reply

    • Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (23)Anna Claire | 40 Aprons Team says

      Yum! So glad you enjoyed it!Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (24)

      Reply

  6. Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (25)TK says

    I have made this many times. It is so easy and delicious. Making it again tonight for friends.Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (26)

    Reply

    • Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (27)Anna Claire | 40 Aprons Team says

      So glad you enjoyed this recipe!Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (28)

      Reply

  7. Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (29)Ranji Bhimji says

    Hiya….and thank you ever so much for posting this incredible Indian meatball receipe…I am of Indian origin but Canadian born….I find this recipe a perfect blend of the east palate meeting the western influence.
    Most excellent and thank you for sharing and yes, definitely the zuchini adds the much needed moistness. At first I thought oh no, zuchinni is not my favorite vegetable but I trusted your judgment ….well done!
    Actually going to make batches of the meatballs as Xmas presents for several friends.Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (30)

    Reply

    • Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (31)Anna Claire | 40 Aprons Team says

      We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed this recipe, Ranji! Thanks for sharing your experience. 🙂Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (32)

      Reply

  8. Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (33)Lisa says

    Tastes as good as the restaurant if not better! Definitely a family favorite!Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (34)

    Reply

    • Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (35)Anna Claire | 40 Aprons Team says

      So glad to hear this, Lisa! Thanks for sharing.Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (36)

      Reply

  9. Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (37)Janice Lacy says

    Making this FABULOUS recipe for the 4th time…tripling it for the first time! My family and I would eat it every night if given the choice!Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (38)

    Reply

    • Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (39)Anna Claire | 40 Aprons Team says

      What a stellar compliment, Janice! Thank you! Glad you and your family enjoy this recipe.Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (40)

      Reply

Older Comments

Indian Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Sauce (Whole30, Paleo) (2024)

FAQs

How much meat do I need for meatballs for 30 people? ›

Based on the rule of thumb regarding 6 ounces of meat per person, you will need 2 meatballs per person or 100 meatballs for 50 people. If you are serving meatballs as appetizers you probably want to make small co*cktail meatballs. The best size for appetizers are usually 1-inch meatballs.

Can I put raw meatballs in sauce? ›

Although the meatballs are not browned first, they still cook though in the sauce and it is safe to add them to the sauce raw, as long as the sauce is kept at a simmer until the meatballs are cooked through. Cooking the meatballs this way means that they stay quite tender even when cooked.

What country is famous for meatballs? ›

1. Italy: Basic Italian Meatballs. Get the recipe here. Basics first: the classic Italian meatball calls for a mix of beef and pork plus plenty of tomato sauce and Parmesan to gussy it up.

What is kjøttkaker made of? ›

So what makes a kjøttkake? In Norway, they are traditionally made from minced cattle, pork, lamb, or game meat, and shaped into thick, flat patties and fried. The dish is served with delicious brun saus (brown gravy). Kjøttkaker are usually served with boiled potatoes and carrots, and sauerkraut or mashed peas.

Is it better to pan fry or bake meatballs? ›

Baking will result in meatballs with a crunchy exterior, though the caramelisation achieved from frying will be superior. Baked meatballs take the least amount of effort, as you'll only need to turn them once or twice throughout the cook and you can make a larger batch at once.

What does adding milk to meatballs do? ›

When it comes to adding liquid to meatball mixtures, milk is often used for its versatility, depth of flavor, and richness. Without the use of milk, you may be faced with a plate of dry meatballs. Milk adds a certain level of moisture that helps produce perfectly tender meatballs.

What not to do when making meatballs? ›

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Meatballs
  1. Not seasoning the meat.
  2. Not adding any moisture to the meat.
  3. Over-mixing the meat.
  4. Not shaping the meatballs correctly.
  5. Not forming evenly-sized meatballs.
May 1, 2019

How many meatballs do I need for 12 people? ›

(So helpful if you're serving a huge crowd and doing the math about how many frozen meatballs for 50 or more people!) Here's how many meatballs per person you'll need: One serving = 4 meatballs. Party of 12 = 2 pounds.

How many meatballs will feed 100 people? ›

The number of meatballs needed for 100 people depends upon their size and the manner in which they are served. A standard main course serving size is 6 ounces of meat per guest, or approximately 600 1-ounce meatballs, 400 1 1/2-ounce meatballs, 300 2-ounce meatballs and 200 3-ounce meatballs.

Is 80 20 ground beef good for meatballs? ›

Pork gives the meatballs extra flavor, and veal helps keep them moist and tender. But all-beef meatballs taste great too, as long as you choose an 80/20 blend, which has enough fat to keep the meatballs from drying out. If there are other types of meat in the mix, choose 90/10.

Is it better to bake meatballs at 350 or 400? ›

After all of the Italian meatballs I've been making lately, I consider myself a meatball expert. A good rule of thumb is to bake meatballs for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees fahrenheit.

Do meatballs get more tender the longer they cook in sauce? ›

As the collagen in the meat dissolves over time, it transforms into gelatin, which not only adds a silky texture to the sauce but also contributes to the overall richness and depth of flavor. The longer the simmer, the more tender and succulent the meatballs become.

Is it better to cook meatballs in the sauce or the oven? ›

The best meatballs are tender, baked and browned in a hot oven to seal in all the juices. Simmered in robust sauce for a couple of minutes ensures they soak up all of those saucy flavours, this is an easy dinner recipe that will be a hit with your family!

What are traditional meatballs made of? ›

Best meat for Italian meatballs

This old-school meatball recipe uses an equal mixture of beef and pork. Ground beef chuck: We're not talking generic ground beef here. Look for ground chuck, which has 15-20 percent more fat than lean beef and makes the best meatball.

What cultures make meatballs? ›

Around the World in... Meatballs
  • Italian Meatballs. Meatballs in Italy never touch pasta. ...
  • American Meatballs with Pasta. Well, I do. ...
  • Turkish Meatballs: akçaabat Kofta. ...
  • Swedish Meatballs: Kottbullar. ...
  • Spanish Meatballs: Albondigas. ...
  • Polish Meatballs. ...
  • Dutch Meatballs.
Feb 12, 2016

What ethnicity is meatballs? ›

Many places will claim that meatballs originated in Italy, while others say that they were an American creation. The answer to this question is actually neither! The earliest known origins of meatballs can be traced back to ancient Rome, with several meatball-like recipes originating in a very old cookbook.

What are homemade meatballs made of? ›

Combine beef, veal, and pork in a large bowl. Mix in cheese, eggs, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add bread crumbs and slowly mix in water, 1/2 cup at a time, until mixture is moist but still holds its shape (I usually use about 1 1/4 cups of water); shape into meatballs.

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