Keto Meatballs

These Keto Meatballs are a delightful twist on the classic dish, perfect for any occasion. Packed with flavor and rich in cheesy goodness, they make a superb main course for family dinners or gatherings. Whether you serve them with pasta, on a sub, or simply topped with extra sauce, these meatballs will impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavorful Combination: The blend of ground beef and Italian sausage creates a deliciously savory meatball that’s bursting with taste.
  • Cheesy Delight: Topped with mozzarella and Italian cheese blend, these meatballs offer a satisfying cheesy pull in every bite.
  • Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from prep to table, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them alone, as part of a hearty sandwich, or over zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: These meatballs can be made in advance and stored for later, making them an ideal choice for meal prepping.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your keto meatballs, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Frying pan
  • Baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven

Importance of Each Tool

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without spilling.
  • Frying pan: Perfect for searing meatballs to enhance their flavor before baking.
  • Baking dish: Keeps the meatballs together while they bake in the flavorful sauce.
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Ingredients

These are the ingredients you need to create these delectable keto meatballs:

For the Meatballs

  • 16 ounce 85/15 ground beef
  • 16 ounce ground Italian sausage
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Sauce

  • 14 ounce pizza sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup Italian cheese blend
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make Keto Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the meatballs cook evenly and achieve that perfect brown crust.

Step 2: Sear the Meatballs

In a frying pan over high heat:
1. Add a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Form your meat mixture into balls and sear them in batches; avoid crowding the pan.
3. Sear each side until browned but not fully cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

After removing the meatballs from the pan:
1. Add tomato paste to the pan and cook it for about 10 seconds.
2. Pour in the pizza sauce and stir well.
3. Toss in the Italian cheese blend until combined.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

  1. Return the seared meatballs back into the sauce mixture in the frying pan.
  2. Cover each meatball generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  3. Transfer everything to a baking dish and place it uncovered in your preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.

With these simple steps, you’re set to enjoy delicious Keto Meatballs that are sure to satisfy!

How to Serve Keto Meatballs

Keto meatballs are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Zucchini Noodles

  • Zucchini noodles are a fantastic low-carb alternative to pasta. Toss them with olive oil and garlic for an extra flavor boost.

As a Meatball Sub

  • Use a low-carb bread or lettuce wrap to create a delicious meatball sub. Top with additional cheese and sauce for a hearty meal.

On a Salad

  • Serve keto meatballs over a bed of mixed greens. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite keto-friendly dressing for a refreshing dish.

With Cauliflower Rice

  • Pair the meatballs with cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal that keeps carbs low. Season the rice with herbs for added taste.

As Appetizers

  • Serve small meatballs on skewers as appetizers at parties. They are easy to eat and full of flavor, making them a crowd-pleaser.

In a Keto Bowl

  • Create a keto bowl by layering meatballs with avocado, cheese, and fresh vegetables. Drizzle with dressing for extra zing.

How to Perfect Keto Meatballs

To achieve the best texture and flavor in your keto meatballs, consider these helpful tips.

  • Choose quality meat: Select high-quality ground beef and sausage for richer flavor and better texture.
  • Don’t overmix: Mix ingredients just enough to combine. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
  • Sear before baking: Searing the meatballs helps lock in juices and enhances flavor through caramelization.
  • Use cheese wisely: Integrating cheese into the mixture adds moisture and flavor while keeping carbs minimal.
  • Check doneness carefully: Ensure the center reaches 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
  • Experiment with herbs: Adding fresh or dried herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the overall taste of your meatballs.

Best Side Dishes for Keto Meatballs

Pair your keto meatballs with delicious side dishes that complement their flavors while keeping the meal low in carbs.

  1. Garlic Butter Broccoli
    Steamed broccoli sautéed in garlic butter makes for a nutritious side packed with flavor.
  2. Creamed Spinach
    This rich dish combines spinach with cream cheese, providing both creaminess and fiber.
  3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
    Roasting Brussels sprouts caramelizes their natural sugars, creating a tasty side that’s easy to prepare.
  4. Cauliflower Mash
    A creamy mash made from cauliflower is a perfect substitute for traditional mashed potatoes, keeping it keto-friendly.
  5. Stuffed Bell Peppers
    Fill bell peppers with seasoned veggies or cheese for an attractive side that’s also filling.
  6. Keto Coleslaw
    A crunchy coleslaw made from cabbage, mayonnaise, and vinegar offers freshness alongside meatballs.
  7. Avocado Salad
    A simple salad of diced avocados mixed with lime juice provides healthy fats and bright flavors.
  8. Zucchini Fritters
    Crispy zucchini fritters add texture to your meal while being light on carbs, making them an excellent pairing option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making keto meatballs, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

  • Using the wrong meat: Selecting low-fat meats can lead to dry meatballs. Opt for a mixture of ground beef and sausage for the best moisture and flavor.
  • Overmixing the ingredients: Overmixing can make meatballs tough. Gently combine ingredients until just mixed to ensure tenderness.
  • Skipping the searing step: Searing adds flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste of your keto meatballs.
  • Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can spoil the recipe. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure proper ratios of spices and cheese.
  • Ignoring the cooking time: Cooking too long can dry out your meatballs. Keep an eye on them while baking to achieve perfect doneness.
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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store in an airtight container.
  • They will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Keto Meatballs

  • Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag.
  • They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Keto Meatballs

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15 minutes until heated through.
  • Microwave: Heat in short intervals, checking frequently until warmed throughout.
  • Stovetop: Add to a skillet with sauce over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about keto meatballs, here are some common questions answered.

What are Keto Meatballs?

Keto meatballs are a low-carb version of traditional meatballs, made with flavorful meats, cheeses, and spices without using breadcrumbs or high-carb fillers.

Can I customize my Keto Meatballs?

Absolutely! You can add different herbs, spices, or even vegetables like finely chopped spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.

How do I cook Keto Meatballs?

You can sear them on the stovetop before baking them in the oven for a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

How do I know when my Keto Meatballs are done?

They should be browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F for ground beef or turkey.

Final Thoughts

These keto meatballs offer incredible flavor and versatility, making them perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or spices. Try this recipe today for a delicious low-carb meal option!

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Keto Meatballs

Keto Meatballs


  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x

Description

Enjoy these delicious Keto Meatballs packed with flavor! Perfect for meal prep or dinner. Try this easy recipe today!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz ground beef
  • 16 oz ground Italian sausage substitute (turkey or chicken)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 14 oz pizza sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup Italian cheese blend
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage substitute, eggs, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese; mix until just combined without overmixing.
  3. Form the mixture into meatballs.
  4. Heat oil in a frying pan over high heat; sear meatballs until browned on all sides but not fully cooked.
  5. In the same pan, add tomato paste and cook briefly before stirring in pizza sauce and Italian cheese blend.
  6. Return meatballs to the sauce; top generously with mozzarella cheese.
  7. Transfer everything to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking/Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 meatballs (150g)
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 170mg

Keywords: Customize your meatball mixture by adding herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor. For added moisture, consider mixing in finely chopped vegetables like spinach or zucchini.

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