Buffalo Ranch Meatballs (Gluten Free)

These buffalo ranch meatballs are easy and convenient, making them a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner menu. When I first went gluten free I had a lot of stress and just wanted dinner to be as easy as possible, which this recipe is! With minimal ingredients, quick preparation time, and a one-pan recipe, these meatballs offer a stress-free and delicious meal solution for busy night…which is every night in my house! All you need for these Buffalo Ranch Meatballs is the chicken meatballs, buffalo sauce, ranch of choice and feta cheese.

These buffalo ranch meatballs are gluten free and also make for the perfect nut free recipe and have a dairy free option. They are low fat and can be made low carb.

Give me more meatballs!!! I love how easily these meatballs are for delicious lunches on the go for work, just like my gluten free buffalo meatballs and my gluten free pesto meatballs.

why you’ll love this recipe

• Fast and simple: This buffalo ranch meatballs recipe is designed for busy weeknights. With minimal prep work and a quick 15-minute bake time, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time…which is exactly what I need for a busy weeknight!
• One-pan wonder: Dirty dishes are a nightmare! I literally would rather do any other chore. This recipe utilizes just one skillet for both baking the meatballs and tossing them in the flavorful buffalo-ranch sauce. Cleanup is a breeze!
• Weeknight hero: Whether you’re short on time or aiming for quick meal prep, these meatballs are your answer. Whip up a batch and enjoy them throughout the week for a satisfying and hassle-free lunch or dinner.
• Dietary friendly: Gluten-free breadcrumbs and dairy-free parmesan cheese make this recipe accessible to everyone. You can even use ground turkey or a leaner protein to create a fat-free version.
• Customizable flavors: Don’t like spicy? Neither does my family. Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your liking. Craving more vegetables? Add chopped carrots or celery to the meatball mixture. The options are endless!
• Effortless and delicious: These Buffalo Ranch Meatballs are packed with flavor and offer a complete meal in one pan. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and satisfying picky eaters…aka me!

ingredients & substitutions

Ground Chicken: Lean ground chicken forms the base of these buffalo ranch meatballs. You can also use ground turkey or ground beef! Basically whatever is in your house and is ground meat can be used!!

Oat Milk or any plant based milk: Oat milk adds moisture and binds the other ingredients together in a dairy free way. If you are not dairy free you can use any milk you want!

Gluten-free Seasoned Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs add texture and bulk to the buffalo ranch meatballs, contributing to their satisfying bite. Use regular seasoned breadcrumbs if gluten isn’t a concern. Crushed crackers, oats, or even mashed potatoes can be used as substitutes.

Another low carb hack I’m absolutely obsessed with is replacing the gluten free breadcrumbs with pork rind breadcrumbs. Pork rind breadcrumbs are easy to find in your local grocery store. Such as easy swap!

Dairy-free Parmesan Cheese: While optional, the parmesan cheese adds a touch of salty cheesy flavor to the buffalo ranch meatballs. It makes them crunchy on the outside and moist in the inside (yuck I hate the word moist but you get the point! They don’t dry out!)

Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show, buffalo sauce provides the signature spicy kick. Choose your favorite brand or adjust the amount to control the level of heat. For a completely homemade approach, you can even whip up your own buffalo sauce using hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and spices.

Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing adds a creamy balance to the spiciness of the buffalo sauce. Choose a dairy-free option or make your own with dairy-free buttermilk, mayonnaise, herbs, and spices. For a lighter touch, you can even use plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty and creamy element to the finished dish. It helps balance the spicy buffalo sauce! You can choose any cheese like you such as blue cheese, gorgonzola, or even goat cheese. For the dairy free recipe I like to use dairy free feta cheese. For the low fat recipe I like to use low fat or fat free feta cheese.

taste & texture

The buffalo ranch meatballs are juicy and tender on the inside. The outside has a slightly crispy texture from the breadcrumbs…and of course the parmesan cheese! Duh! The buffalo sauce adds a spicy flavor, while the ranch dressing adds a creamy balance. The crumbled feta cheese adds a salty element.

directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, oat milk, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined. Form the meat mixture into 9-12 meatballs.

Step 2

Place the meatballs in an oven-safe skillet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Step 3

Once the meatballs are cooked, top them with the buffalo and ranch sauces.

Step 4

Top with crumbled feta cheese, sliced green onions, and arugula.

expert tips & tricks

• I like to use a cookie scoop to portion the buffalo ranch meatballs. This will help ensure they are all the same size and cook evenly.
• Make a double batch and freeze half for later. This is a great way to have a quick and easy meal ready to go on busy weeknights.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. You can add other spices to the meatballs, such as cumin, paprika, or garlic powder.
• To make this a low carb buffalo ranch meatball recipe I like to use pork rinds intead of breadcrumbs!
• Use low-fat or fat-free ranch dressing. Choose low-fat cheese crumbles or omit them altogether. Super easy!

how to serve, store and meal prep

Serving and Storage:

Serve the buffalo ranch meatballs warm with your desired dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing… or if you’re me I even like some honey mustard on the side. Don’t just me! They can also be enjoyed on their own as a finger food.

Refrigerator:

For storing leftover buffalo ranch meatballs, first let them cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezer:

For longer storage, you can freeze the buffalo ranch meatballs. Allow them to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to an airtight freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

To reheat frozen buffalo ranch meatballs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or defrost them quickly in the microwave. You can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat them in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Meal Prep:

I love these meatballs for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners. I can easily meal prep these buffalo ranch meatballs in individual portions. I simply bake the meatballs according to the recipe, then let them cool completely. Divide them into individual containers, top with any desired sauce and toppings, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, I have a delicious and convenient meal ready to enjoy whenever I’m short on time.

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