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Keto Meatballs Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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.

Keywords: keto meatballs, low carb meatballs, Italian sausage meatballs, keto dinner, low carb dinner, baked meatballs