Keto Diet Friendly Meatball

This keto diet friendly meatball casserole is a comforting and satisfying dinner that fits perfectly into low carb meal plans. It blends juicy meatballs with rich cheeses and a tangy marinara sauce for a hearty dish that feels indulgent without derailing your diet.

I first made this on a weekend when I wanted something warm and filling without gluten or carbs. It quickly became a staple because it satisfies cravings and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

• One pound ground beef: combines with pork to keep meatballs tender and flavorful
• One cup shredded mozzarella cheese: adds gooeyness that melts perfectly inside and on top
• Half cup grated Parmesan cheese: brings a salty, nutty depth to the mixture
• One large egg: binds everything together for tender meatballs
• Quarter cup almond flour: replaces breadcrumbs keeping it keto and adding a subtle nuttiness
• Seasonings: like garlic powder onion powder and Italian seasoning create that classic meatball taste
• Half teaspoon salt and black pepper: balance the flavors
• Two cups low sugar marinara sauce: keep carbs low while providing a fresh tomato base
• One cup shredded cheddar cheese: melts on top for a golden bubbly crust
• Fresh basil for garnish: is optional but adds a fresh bright note

Instructions

Build The Meatballs:

In a large mixing bowl combine ground beef ground pork mozzarella cheese Parmesan cheese egg almond flour garlic powder onion powder Italian seasoning salt and black pepper thoroughly mix until evenly blended. This mixture needs to be combined gently to avoid tough meatballs.

Shape And Bake:

Form the mixture into one-inch diameter meatballs placing them on a baking sheet evenly spaced. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit then bake the meatballs for about 25 minutes until cooked through and browned on the outside which adds extra flavor.

Heat The Sauce:

While meatballs bake gently warm marinara sauce in a skillet over medium heat just until heated through. Heating the sauce separately allows better control and infusion of flavors when combined.

Combine Meatballs And Sauce:

Once meatballs are fully cooked remove from oven and transfer them into the skillet with the warmed marinara sauce. Stir very gently to coat meatballs without breaking them.

Assemble And Bake:

Pour the meatball and sauce mixture into a baking dish spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly golden and slightly crisp.

Rest And Garnish:

Remove casserole from oven letting it sit for a few minutes to set up flavors and avoid burns. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.

This casserole is one of my go to comfort meals especially when I want something fulfilling but easy to manage carb wise. I love how the cheeses blend into the meatballs creating little pockets of molten flavor. Serving it with fresh basil makes it feel a little more special and brightens the richness.

Storage Tips

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently covered either in the microwave or oven to maintain moisture. This casserole freezes well too just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Swaps

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and pork but add a bit of extra fat as these tend to be leaner. Use pecan or coconut flour in place of almond flour but reduce quantity slightly as they absorb moisture differently. Swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or gouda for a different melting quality.

Serving Ideas

Serve with a side of steamed green veggies like broccoli or zucchini noodles to keep it keto friendly. A fresh crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. For a cozy twist, add roasted garlic or caramelized onions into the marinara sauce.

This casserole comes together easily and delivers a comforting keto meal with layers of flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What meats are used in this dish?

Ground beef and ground pork are combined to create tender, flavorful meatballs.

→ Can I use a different cheese blend?

Yes, mozzarella and Parmesan provide creaminess and depth, but you can swap for similar hard and soft cheeses.

→ Is almond flour essential in the mixture?

Almond flour serves as a low-carb binder, helping hold the meatballs without traditional breadcrumbs.

→ How is the sauce prepared?

The meatballs are gently simmered in a low-sugar marinara sauce to infuse flavor before baking with cheddar on top.

→ What are good garnishes for this dish?

Fresh basil adds a pleasant aroma and color contrast, enhancing the overall palate.

→ What cooking temperatures and times are recommended?

The meatballs bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, then after adding sauce and cheese, bake another 15-20 minutes until bubbly.