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.
Table of contents
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
Absolutely! I usually make a huge batch and freeze a portion for when I’m in a pinch. These meatballs will last about 3-4 months in the freezer
Oh definitely. I personally like making more own hummus and always try to have a homemade batch in the fridge to throw onto the sandwich and to have as a dip. But if you’re just not feeling it and prefer to use store-bought definitely go for it. Just make sure to compare labels and look for one that is low in sodium
Leftover toddler meatballs can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Simply reheat them in the microwave when ready to enjoy.
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?
Toddler Meatballs with Hummus (Iron Rich BLW Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned salt free chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2 small cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus more for greasing
- 1 1/4 lb ground beef medium fat, if possible
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt optional for adults
Topping:
- Tahini optional
- Sesame seeds optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F and put a baking sheet into an oven to preheat.
- In a food processor or blender, puree the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, oil and lemon zest until smooth.
- In a bowl, mix the hummus with the ground beef, pepper and salt if using.
- Grease baking sheet. Roll into about 35-40 one-tablespoon balls and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes, flipping half way through.
- Serve as is or drizzled with tahini and topped with sesame seeds.
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition
Abbey Sharp is a Registered Dietitian (RD), regulated by the Ontario College of Dietitians. She is a mom, YouTuber, Blogger, award winning cookbook author, media coach specializing in food and nutrition influencers, and a frequent contributor to national publications like Healthline and on national broadcast TV shows.
JoAnne says
If I wanted to fast track & use ready-made hummus, how much hummus would I need to measure to add to the ground beef?
Abbey Sharp says
About 1 cup!
Rosie Schwartz says
So yummy!
Abbey Sharp says
thanks Rosie!
Jennifer says
It looks really yummy and I planned to cooked them for my babies.
Abbey Sharp says
Amazing. Enjoy Jennifer
Julie says
What a yummy ideas for kids! I’m saving it for the boys!
Abbey Sharp says
Amazing! enjoy 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Great idea to combine the chick peas with the beef. My husband would love these!
Abbey Sharp says
Amazing 🙂
Sarah Grace Spann says
Wow thes meatballs look like they need to be added to my make list even though I don’t have babies!
Abbey Sharp says
Do it! These babies are adult friendly as well 🙂
Audrey Bringgold says
How do you think ground turkey would do in this recipe? Besides being lower in iron?
Nicole from Fitful Focus says
I never thought to put hummus in meatballs. What a great idea!
Abbey Sharp says
It’s a game changer!