Low FODMAP meatballs – 24 recipes (+ shop bought options)

Are you embarking on a quest to discover that perfect low FODMAP meatballs recipe? Look no further; your journey begins here.

Nothing is more comforting than settling down to a warm bowl of humble meatballs on a bed of spaghetti or nestled within a sandwich. 

Don’t allow your commitment to the low FODMAP diet to deprive you of the homey comfort dishes you cherished as a child.

We’ve taken the time to compile a variety of meatball recipes into this article to save you time looking around, enjoy!

Low FODMAP meatball recipes by type of meat  

The beauty of low FODMAP meatball recipes lies in their versatility to be created by any meat and can be tailored to suit your tastes and budget.

We have also included vegetarian and vegan recipes, that can be enjoyed whether you are on a plant-based diet or you just fancied trying something a little bit different. 

These recipes can all be paired with your favorite marinara or low FODMAP-friendly sauces such as Fody’s Original BBQ Sauce.

Low FODMAP beef meatballs

Beef is the traditional main ingredient when you first think of meatballs. However, traditional variations typically contain a high amount of FODMAPs.

Here are 4 low FODMAP beef meatball recipes for you to try, including the internationally loved Swedish meatballs;

1. Low FODMAP Meatballs 
2. Beef & Feta Meatballs with Kale Pesto Pasta
3. One-Pan Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
4. The Best Low FODMAP Swedish Meatballs

Low FODMAP chicken meatballs

If you’re not fond of red meat or prefer leaner options, low FODMAP chicken meatballs are a great choice for you.

Here are 5 low FODMAP chicken meatball recipes for you to try;

1. Low FODMAP Saucy Chicken Meatball
2. Chicken Romano Meatballs (low FODMAP+Gluten Free)
3. Spinach and Herb Chicken Meatballs
4. Low FODMAP Chicken Parm Meatballs
5. Low FODMAP Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs

Low FODMAP turkey meatballs

Turkey doesn’t have to just be eaten at Christmas! Lower in fat and richer in protein than chicken, it’s a great option.

Here are 3 low FODMAP turkey meatball recipes to get you started;

1. Low FODMAP Turkey Meatballs 
2. Baked Spinach & Feta Turkey Meatballs
3. Low FODMAP Instant Pot Turkey Meatballs

Low FODMAP pork meatballs

Pork, beloved for its rich flavor and succulent texture, stands as the most consumed meat globally (1). 

Below are 3 mouthwatering low FODMAP pork meatballs, perfectly showcasing why it’s number one; 

1. Low FODMAP Lemongrass & Cilantro Pork Meatballs 
2. Herby Chicken and Pork Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce 
3. Italian Meatball Bake (Low FODMAP)

Pork has been used in many traditional dishes throughout the history of Asian cuisine due to its ability to be paired well with Asian spices and sauces. 

So if you were looking for something a little different to tingle your taste buds, here are 4 Asian inspired low FODMAP pork meatballs:

1. Low FODMAP Sweet and Sour Pork Meatballs 
2. Low FODMAP Vietnamese-style Meatballs 
3. Korean BBQ Meatballs (Low FODMAP)
4. Low FODMAP Satay Pork Meatballs

Low FODMAP lamb meatballs

Lamb may not be the first meat that comes to mind when you think of meatballs, but it shouldn’t be overlooked

These 3 low FODMAP lamb meatballs recipes pair beautifully with spices to warm you up;

1. Low FODMAP Lamb Meatball Stew 
2. Juicy Cumin-Spiced Lamb Meatballs (in 30 Minutes!)
3. Low FODMAP Moroccan Lamb Meatball

Low FODMAP vegetarian & vegan meatballs

If you’re like me, you’re regularly keeping an eye out for exciting dishes to expand your culinary repertoire while trying to reduce your meat intake, and these recipes can do just that!

A fantastic aspect of low FODMAP vegetarian or vegan recipes is that they can accommodate various dietary requirements, making them perfect to share with others.

Here are 4 meat-free low FODMAP vegetarian and vegan meatball recipes;

1. Vegan Low FODMAP ‘meatballs’
2. Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs
3. Vegan Sweet & Spicy Meatballs 
4. Low FODMAP Vegetable Balls

Ready to go Low FODMAP meatballs by brand

Sometimes you’re in the mood for a comforting meal after a long hard day at work, but find you don’t have the energy or time to make anything from scratch.

Ready to cook low FODMAP meatballs are great in a pinch or even if you just don’t feel like cooking. 

In the US, many of the common ready-made meatball brands such as Cooked Perfect or Trader Joe’s, are unfortunately not low FODMAP.

Common ingredients that are found in these pre-made meatballs that make them high FODMAP are:

• Bread crumbs
• Onion or onion powder
• Garlic or garlic powder

However, we did find that Kroger Jumbo Mild Italian Style Meatballs do not contain any high FODMAP ingredients, and therefore, are safe to eat on a low FODMAP diet.

If you are looking for a low FODMAP meal delivery service then ‘Epicured’ provides dishes such as Turkey Meatballs with Basil Pomodoro Sauce.

If you live in the UK, then there is a wider choice of low FODMAP ready-made meatballs available in some supermarkets.

UK ready to go low FODMAP meatballs;

• Marks and Spencer’s: M&S Select Farms 24 Aberdeen Angus Beef Meatballs 
• Ocado: Ocado Organic 12 Beef Meatballs
• Lidl: Birchwood Beef Meatballs 
• Sainsbury’s: Sainsbury’s Beef Meatballs, Taste the Difference

Furthermore, the brand Field Doctor creates low FODMAP meals designed by their in-house dietitian, including Smokey Chipotle Meatballs. 

Finally, another option would be to check with your local butcher or meat counter if they make any meatballs that only contain low FODMAP ingredients. 

Low FODMAP meatball accompaniments 

Our low FODMAP meatball recipes can be enjoyed with any side dish of your choice, but to give you a starting point, we have a low FODMAP pasta guide with low FODMAP spaghetti brands. 

Or if you fancied making a low FODMAP meatball sub, have a look at our low FODMAP bread blog. 

Summary

Following a low FODMAP diet will certainly not stop you from enjoying meatballs, and incorporating them into your weekly meals is perhaps not as daunting as you imagined.

Low FODMAP meatballs are easy to batch cook and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next dinner party.

Ensure to read the labels of the packaging carefully if you are opting for ready-made meatball brands to avoid accidentally consuming high FODMAP ingredients.

Enjoy experimenting with the various low FODMAP meatball recipes and brands available!

Written by Stella Gordon, student dietitian, reviewed by Kirsten Jackson, Consultant Dietitian BSc Hons, RD, PG Cert