Keto Meatballs [Italian Style Recipe] 🧆 (2024)

Published: Jan 12, 2018 · Updated: Dec 13, 2023 by Cast Iron Keto · 8 Comments

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Introducing our Keto Meatballs —a mouth-watering Italian meatball recipe that's low on carbs, delicious, and really easy to make. It's the complete package!

Do yourself a favor and learn how to make this delicious keto dinner with us now!

Keto Meatballs [Italian Style Recipe] 🧆 (1)

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Preparation and cooking overview
Chef's note
🧆 Ingredients for this keto meatballs recipe
🍅 Ingredients for the homemade keto marinara sauce
Ingredient substitutions
Additional ingredients
Cooking tools required
Tools substitute options
How to make Keto Meatballs: step-by-step guide
Cooking methods
Preparation steps
Cooking instructions
Homemade marinara cooking instructions
What to serve with keto Italian meatballs?
How to make it healthier
Time-saving tips
What can I prepare ahead of time?
Storage and reheating instructions
Recipe wrap-up and conclusion
Frequently asked questions
📖 Recipe

Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing these Low Carb Meatballs is a breeze — you'll have them ready in just 1 hour and 15 minutes! Simply combine all the ingredients (except the sauce) in a large bowl. Shape the meatballs and simmer them in a Dutch oven with your marinara sauce. After approximately 40 minutes, remove the meatballs, add a layer of cheese on top, and serve!

Chef's note

For an extra crispy texture, consider using crushed pork rinds as an alternative to almond flour. It's a fantastic low-carb option that adds a delightful crunch to the dish. Not only does it provide a satisfying texture, but it also enhances the overall flavor profile

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Makes 6 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Beef recipe.

🧆 Ingredients for this keto meatballs recipe

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef
2 large eggs or chia eggs for plant-based
¼ cup heavy cream or plain unsweetened almond milk
¼ cup almond flour
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
½ cup diced onion
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese divided (½ cup in meatballs, ¼ cup as topping)
1 28-ounce jar of marinara sauce (without added sugar or the recipe below)

🍅 Ingredients for the homemade keto marinara sauce

1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
Sea salt to taste

Keto Meatballs [Italian Style Recipe] 🧆 (2)

Ingredient substitutions

Don't worry if you don't have all the ingredients for this recipe; use these substitutes instead:

Ground beef:Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork instead.
Eggs:If you're out of eggs or are trying to avoid them, use chia eggs instead.
Heavy cream: If you don't have heavy cream, use plain and unsweetened almond milk instead.
Almond flour: Use flaxseed meal or coconut flour as alternatives. Keep in mind that coconut flour is more absorbent, so you'll need to adjust the amount accordingly.

Additional ingredients

Customize your dish with these optional ingredients:

Fresh basil: Chopped fresh basil adds a burst of freshness and flavor to the dish. Sprinkle some on top of the meatballs for a delightful herbal note.
Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top of the meatballs or add them to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Bell peppers: Enhance the sweetness and texture of the dish by adding colorful bell peppers to the marinara sauce while simmering the meatballs.
Baby spinach: Just before serving, sprinkle a handful of baby spinach on top of the marinara sauce.

To make this Keto Meatballs recipe, you need the following tools:

Large mixing bowl
Cast-iron Dutch oven or a deep skillet
Measuring spoons and cups
Knife
Cutting board
Spoon or spatula
Grater
Pot (if making homemade marinara sauce)

Tools substitute options

Cast iron Dutch oven or deep skillet: If you don't have a Dutch oven or a deep skillet, use a regular large pot or a deep, oven-safe casserole dish as an alternative.

How to make Keto Meatballs: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

Searing
Simmering

Preparation steps

Begin by gathering all the ingredients listed in the recipe.
Take the ground beef out of the packaging and place it in a bowl or on a clean cutting board.
Peel the fresh garlic cloves and mince them finely.
Proceed to peel the onion and dice it into small pieces.
Wash the fresh parsley and finely mince it.
If the parmesan cheese isn't already grated, grate it now. Divide the grated cheese into two portions — one for mixing into the meatballs and the other for topping.
If you're choosing to make homemade marinara sauce, make sure you have the ingredients listed under "Homemade keto marinara sauce" ready.
Measure the required quantities of olive oil, almond flour, heavy cream, sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Cooking instructions

Combine the beef, eggs, cream, almond flour, spices, fresh garlic, onion, and ½ cup of parmesan in a large bowl. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Form the mixture into meatballs, shaping them to your desired size.
Heat the oil in a Dutch oven, preferably a 5-quart or larger, over medium heat.
Carefully place the meatballs in the hot oil and sear them for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
Once the meatballs are seared, add the marinara sauce to the Dutch oven.
Bring the sauce to a low simmer, cover the Dutch oven, and let it continue cooking for about 30-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to cook through.
When ready to serve, top the meatballs with ¼ cup of parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Homemade marinara cooking instructions

Heat the oil in the Dutch oven over medium heat until it is adequately heated.
Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and cook it for about one minute, allowing it to become fragrant.
Stir in the Italian seasoning and onion powder, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Add salt to taste, adjusting the quantity according to your preference.
Once all the ingredients are combined and seasoned, carefully remove the mixture from the Dutch oven and set it aside for later use in the recipe.

Chef's pro tip

To prevent dense and tough meatballs, pay attention to the mixing process. Mix the ingredients until evenly combined and well incorporated, but avoid over-mixing. This ensures the meatballs remain flavorful and tender.

What to serve with keto Italian meatballs?

Low-carb pasta or zucchini noodles
Mashed cauliflower or cauliflower rice
Keto-friendly bread or rolls (to make our delicious Keto Meatball Sliders)
Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
Side salad with fresh greens and keto-friendly dressings
Cauliflower mash or Roasted Brussels Sprouts

How to make it healthier

Here are a couple of tweaks you can consider:

Opt for leaner meat: Use extra-lean ground beef or a combination of lean ground beef and ground turkey as a substitute for regular ground beef in this recipe. This reduces the overall fat content while still providing protein.
Reduce the sodium content: Select low-sodium or no-salt options for the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.
Use organic ingredients: Choose organic ground beef, eggs, and vegetables for this recipe.
Increase vegetable content: Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or grated zucchini to the meatball mixture to addmore fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish.

Time-saving tips

Cook in bulk:Cooking in bulk will help you with meal prep. Make a big batch so you can easily prepare the dish again for the rest of the week without starting from scratch.
Buy pre-made marinara sauce: Use a good quality keto marinara sauce for this recipe so you don't spend time making one on your own.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

Prepare the ingredients: Prepare all ingredients required for this recipe in advance.This includes mincing the garlic, dicing the onion, and measuring out the spices, almond flour, and grated parmesan cheese.
Make meatball mixture in advance: Prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to cook.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight or freezer-safe container.
Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Reheating best practices

Microwave: Place a desired portion of meatballs in a microwave-safe dish. Then, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, and warm it up on high heat for 1-2 minutes (or until heated through).
Oven: Preheat the oven to an internal temperature of 350°F (180°C). Then, arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet, cover them with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Saucepan: Place the meatballs in a saucepan with a small amount of marinara sauce to prevent sticking. Now, warm it up over medium-low heat while stirring occasionally.

Note: Don't reheat the meatballs multiple times, as doing so will ruin their texture and flavor.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

And there you have it, our delightful and satisfying Keto Meatballs are ready to go! These low-carb wonders are packed with flavor, simmered in saucy marinara goodness, and guaranteed to become a staple on your dinner table.

So gather your family and friends and flaunt your cooking skills with these exceptional meatballs. And don't forget to share a picture of your plate with us on Facebook and Instagram! We can't wait to see how this turns out for you.

Frequently asked questions

Almond flour or crushed pork rinds are excellent keto-friendly substitutes for bread crumbs in meatballs.

Yes, it's completely alright to have meatballs on aketo diet as they are typically low in carbs and high in protein. Just be mindful of the other ingredients you use in this recipe and ensure they're keto-friendly.

Yes, you have the option to store the meatballs in a freezer. However, it's not recommended since thawing ruins the texture of the meat.

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground beef in this recipe.

Serve your keto meatballs with low-carb pasta, mashed cauliflower, or lettuce wraps for a well-rounded meal.

Check out these other low-carb Meatball recipes:

📖 Recipe

Keto Meatballs

These Keto Meatballs are simmered in a low-carb marianara sauce creating the perfect comfort food meal.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb ground beef or a beef substitute like Beyond Meat
2 large eggs or chia eggs for plant-based
¼ cup heavy cream or plain unsweetened almond milk
¼ cup almond flour
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
4 cloves garlic minced
½ cup diced onion
2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese divided (½ cup in meatballs, ¼ cup as topping) or a vegan substitute such as Violife Parmesan
1 28-oz jar marinara sauce, without added sugar OR the recipe below

Homemade Keto Marinara Sauce:

1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
Sea salt to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the beef, eggs, cream, almond flour, spices, fresh garlic, onion, and ½ cup of parmesan. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Form the mixture into meatballs, shaping them to your desired size.
Heat the oil in a Dutch oven, preferably a 5-quart or larger, over medium heat.
Carefully place the meatballs in the hot oil and sear them for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
Once the meatballs are seared, add the marinara sauce to the Dutch oven.
Bring the sauce to a low simmer, cover the Dutch oven, and let it continue cooking for about 30-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to cook through.
When ready to serve, top the meatballs with ¼ cup of parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Homemade Marinara (optional)

Heat the oil in the Dutch oven over medium heat until it is adequately heated.
Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and cook it for about one minute, allowing it to become fragrant.
Stir in the Italian seasoning and onion powder, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Add salt to taste, adjusting the quantity according to your preference.
Once all the ingredients are combined and seasoned, carefully remove the mixture from the Dutch oven and set it aside for later use in the recipe.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Keto Meatballs

Amount Per Serving

Calories 444Calories from Fat 315

% Daily Value*

Fat 35g54%

Saturated Fat 12g75%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 16g

Cholesterol 128mg43%

Sodium 477mg21%

Potassium 623mg18%

Carbohydrates 11g4%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 22g44%

Vitamin A 1567IU31%

Vitamin C 22mg27%

Calcium 238mg24%

Iron 3mg17%

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.

Keto Meatballs [Italian Style Recipe] 🧆 (2024)

FAQs

What can you use instead of breadcrumbs in meatballs? ›

Pretzels. Pretzels are a great all-purpose substitute for bread crumbs. You can pulse them in a food processor until they're super-fine and use them as a binder for meatballs or meatloaf.

Keep Reading ›

How many carbs are in keto meatballs? ›

How many carbs are in keto meatballs? These meatballs have 2.6g of carbs and 1g of fiber per serving. That comes to 1.6g net carbs per serving of 5 meatballs.

Explore More ›

Can you substitute almond flour for breadcrumbs in meatballs? ›

Almond flour is the perfect gluten-free breadcrumbs substitute. It adds even more protein to the meatballs. Seasonings: This recipe calls for Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper, parsley, and garlic. If you don't have fresh garlic or parsley, feel free to substitute garlic powder and dried parsley.

Is it better to fry or bake Italian meatballs? ›

Baking will result in meatballs with a crunchy exterior, though the caramelisation achieved from frying will be superior. Baked meatballs take the least amount of effort, as you'll only need to turn them once or twice throughout the cook and you can make a larger batch at once.

Keep Reading ›

What can you use instead of breadcrumbs on keto diet? ›

Keto Substitute for Breadcrumbs: 4 Tasty Options

#1: Panko Breadcrumbs.
#2: Pork Rinds.
#3: Almond Meal.
#4: Coconut Flour.

Nov 18, 2019

Discover More ›

What is the healthiest alternative to breadcrumbs? ›

Quinoa flakes are a fantastic replacement for breadcrumbs, particularly for those seeking a gluten-free option. Quinoa is packed with essential amino acids, protein, and fibre. To use quinoa flakes as a breadcrumb substitute, pulse them in a food processor until they resemble breadcrumbs.

How many net carbs will kick you out of keto? ›

Eating more than 50 grams of carbs may disrupt ketosis.

Some people can eat more and still stay in ketosis, whereas others may need to restrict their carb intake more in order to stay in ketosis.

Show Me More ›

Can you eat unlimited meat on keto? ›

If you're embarking on a ketogenic lifestyle, you should know that you actually can't eat a ton of meat on the keto diet. In fact, eating too much protein can kick you out of ketosis, so while meats are definitely okay in moderation on a keto diet, they shouldn't be its number one staple.

Read The Full Story ›

Why are meatballs not keto? ›

Typically, meatballs contain bread or breadcrumbs as the main ingredient. This helps the balls maintain their shape. The presence of bread is a direct Keto violation, but all is not lost.

Find Out More ›

What happens if you use almond flour instead of all purpose? ›

Almond flour is a little more moist than wheat flour, and doesn't have quite the same binding qualities. You'll do best to substitute 1:1 to begin with, as many recipes respond well to this direct replacement. But be prepared to add more almond flour as you go to compensate for the wetter batter.

Get More Info ›

Can I use panko instead of breadcrumbs? ›

Panko and breadcrumbs can certainly be used interchangeably. Both items are used to serve the same purpose — a crispy topping for baked casseroles, breaded coating for fried foods, and binder for meatballs and veggie burgers.

Learn More ›

What happens if you don't add breadcrumbs to meatballs? ›

Will meatballs fall apart without breadcrumbs? No. In fact, if you add too many breadcrumbs, you risk them becoming too dry and falling apart. But when you make them with just ground beef and seasonings, they are perfect.