Keto Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

This Keto Meatballs recipe is a delicious low-carb meal perfect for satisfying your comfort food cravings without the extra carbs. Juicy meatballs made from a blend of beef and Italian sausage are baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese. It’s simple, hearty, and ideal for a keto-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

• 16 ounce ground beef (85/15)
• 16 ounce Italian sausage (ground)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated finely)
• 14 ounce pizza sauce
• 2 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (grated)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, eggs, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Shape the mixture into meatballs by hand.
3. Step 3: Heat a little oil in a pan over high heat. Carefully sear the meatballs on one or two sides without overcrowding the pan. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage as they will finish cooking in the oven.
4. Step 4: Remove the meatballs from the pan and reduce heat to medium. Add tomato paste to the pan and cook for about 10 seconds, then stir in the pizza sauce. Return the meatballs to the pan, coating them in the sauce, and turn off the heat.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the tops of the meatballs evenly with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Place the pan uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is browned and the meatballs are cooked through. Each serving should provide approximately 4 ounces of meat.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of pork and beef sausage for a richer flavor or substitute with turkey sausage for a leaner version.
• For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the meat mixture.
• If you prefer a softer texture, bake the meatballs covered with foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncover to brown the cheese.
• Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to keep the meal low-carb.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze meatballs in their sauce for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs dairy-free?

Yes, you can omit the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese or substitute with dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.

Can I cook the meatballs entirely on the stove instead of baking?

While you can cook the meatballs fully on the stove, baking with the cheese topping helps achieve a golden, melted finish and ensures even cooking. If you prefer stovetop only, simmer the meatballs covered in sauce over low heat until cooked through and then add cheese on top to melt.

Keto Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 99 reviews

These Keto Meatballs combine ground beef and Italian sausage seasoned with classic spices and cheeses, seared for a flavorful crust, then baked in a rich tomato sauce topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This low-carb, high-protein recipe is perfect for a satisfying and delicious keto-friendly meal.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Keto

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

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

Sauce and Topping

• 14 ounce pizza sauce
• 2 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (grated)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for finishing the meatballs with cheese.
2. Prepare Meatballs: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix ground beef, Italian sausage, eggs, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs by hand, sized for approximately 4 ounces each per serving.
3. Sear Meatballs: Heat a skillet over high heat and add a small amount of oil. Sear the meatballs on a few sides without overcrowding the pan; this helps create a flavorful crust. The meatballs will finish cooking in the oven.
4. Prepare Sauce: Remove seared meatballs from the pan and set aside. Reduce heat to medium and add tomato paste to the skillet, cooking for about 10 seconds. Then stir in the pizza sauce, combining well.
5. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them evenly in the sauce. Turn off the heat once the meatballs are coated in the sauce.
6. Add Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan cheese over the tops of the meatballs.
7. Bake: Place the skillet or transfer the meatballs with sauce and cheese onto an oven-safe dish if needed, then bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted and browned and the meatballs are cooked through.

Notes

• For even cooking, ensure meatballs are approximately equal in size, about 4 ounces each.
• Searing the meatballs before baking adds a tasty caramelized crust and helps them hold shape.
• You can use store-bought low-carb pizza sauce to keep this recipe keto-friendly.
• If you do not have a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet, transfer meatballs and sauce to a baking dish before adding cheese and placing in the oven.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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