Toddler Meatballs with Hummus (Iron Rich BLW Recipe)

Medically reviewed by Abbey Sharp, Registered Dietitian (RD), BASc.

These *NEW AND IMPROVED (UPDATED RECIPE)* Gluten Free Toddler Meatballs with Hummus are perfect for BLW because they’re iron rich, dairy free and egg free for those with intolerances!

One of the biggest concerns I hear from moms and dads about starting solids is the worry that their baby isn’t getting enough iron. Beef is hands down one of the best sources of iron with a high absorption factor, so for that reason I recommend that parents try to incorporate it into baby’s menu. Steak can be a bit tough so ground beef is often ideal, so toddler meatballs were actually one of baby E’s first foods.

These gluten-free hummus toddler meatballs are awesome for BLW because they’re easy to pick up, tender enough to chew (even without teeth), but are also dairy-free, and egg-free for babies with intolerances or restrictions.

Why This Recipe Works

These toddler meatballs are always a hit for my little ones and I bet they’ll be for yours as well!

• They’re meal prep friendly.
• You can double the recipe and freeze half.
• They’re dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free.
• They’re as easy as pie!

Key Ingredients

Hummus — I like to make homemade salt-free hummus using chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil. The hummus not only adds flavour and moisture but also acts as the “binder” in place of an egg. I often make my own hummus because chickpeas and tahini are so inexpensive, but you can easily swap in store-bought as well. I would just compare labels to try to find one with the least amount of sodium. If you’re going that route, you’ll need about a cup.

Ground Beef — Ground beef has a ton of iron in them. I strongly suggest using higher fat ground beef for this, because dry meat is a choking hazard for babe. I also prefer to cut these toddler meatballs in half for Baby E. This not only makes them a bit safer but is also a little easier for them to get into and eat.

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: In a food processor or blender, puree the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, oil and lemon zest until smooth.

Step 2: In a bowl, mix the hummus with the ground beef, pepper and salt if using.

Step 3: Grease a baking sheet. Roll into about 35-40 one-tablespoon balls and place them on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, flipping the toddler meatballs halfway through. Serve as is or drizzled with tahini and topped with sesame seeds.

Expert Tips

These toddler meatballs are meant to be moist for baby led weaning so your little one can easily suck on the juice of the meatball. If you’re having trouble forming the meatball shapes, you can wet your hands beforehand.

Simmer the meatballs in marinara or a pasta sauce for even more tender and flavorful meatballs.

Avoid packing the meatballs too tightly or the meatballs will come out dense after they bake.

Recipe FAQs

More Recipes You Might Like

Want more toddler meatballs like these hummus meatballs? Try these BLW recipes:

• Cheese Omelette with Veggies (Toddler & BLW Recipe)
• Mini Egg Muffins with Cheese & Broccoli (BLW & Toddler Friendly)
• French Toast Sticks for BLW (Vegan)
• Healthy Chicken Nuggets (BLW & Toddler Friendly)
• Salmon Fritters with Sweet Potato (Baby Led Weaning Recipe)

Now tell me parents, will you be trying these BLW toddler friendly meatballs?