Juicy, High-Protein, Low-Fat Meatballs (No Bread!)

Bored with plain ground beef?

If you’ve been searching for a healthy meatball recipe that’s still juicy, flavorful, and satisfying, you’ve just found it. These are lean, high-protein meatballs with no breadcrumbs, no unnecessary fillers, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients.

The best part? They’re cooked in the air fryer so you get that perfect outer crisp while keeping the inside moist and tender.

Whether you’re serving them with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, your favorite tomato sauce, or simply enjoying them on their own, these meatballs are a game-changer for meal prep, fat loss goals, and anyone wanting to eat delicious food without the extra calories.

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Why You’ll Love These Meatballs

• High in protein, low in fat — Each bite is packed with lean beef and cottage cheese for a satisfying protein boost.
• No bread or fillers — Great for low-carb, gluten-free, or primal-style eating.
• Juicy & flavorful — Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy depth without the dairy overload, and herbs bring them to life.
• Air fryer perfection — Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside in just 20-25 minutes.
• Meal-prep friendly — Make a batch and store for quick, healthy meals all week.

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Ingredients

• 3 lbs lean ground beef (93% lean)
• 1 tsp sea salt (I love Redmond Real Salt)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 1/2 cups nutritional yeast
• 1 1/2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
• 3 large organic pasture-raised eggs
• (Optional) Oregano, parsley, rosemary, or any herbs you love!

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Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 425 degrees F. Or oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Mix it up — In a large bowl, mash ground beef
3. In another bowl add cottage cheese and eggs and blend until smooth
4. In another bowl combine all the spices
5. Add the wet mixture and spices to the ground beef and combine until well incorporated. Don’t overmix, just enough so everything blends together.
6. Shape your meatballs — Use your hands or a scoop to form evenly sized balls (about 1.5-2 inches in diameter). 28 to 30 meatballs total
7. Cook — Place in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
8. Cool & enjoy — Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

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Serving Ideas

• Over zucchini noodles with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of goat cheese
• With spaghetti squash for a light, nutrient-packed dinner
• On their own for a protein-rich snack
• As a meal prep protein with roasted veggies

Meatball Macros Per Serving

28 Meatballs | 1 Serving: 1 Meatball

• 120 Calories
• 16g protein
• 4g healthy fats
• 4g carbs
  • 3 meatballs = one meal with a whopping 48g of total protein to support your body re-composition goals! You have about 9+ meals ready for the week!!

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Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the nutritional yeast, it gives these meatballs a rich, cheesy flavor without extra dairy.
• Want more moisture? Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for brightness.
• Cooking for later? Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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Nutrition at a Glance

These meatballs are perfect for anyone looking to eat high-protein, low-calorie meals without sacrificing taste. You’ll be amazed at how juicy they are — especially for such lean meat.

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If you want more recipes like this, plus tips for eating delicious food that also supports your health goals, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter or check out my 12-Week Coaching Program where I teach you how to create balanced meals that fuel your body and taste amazing.