Keto Meatball Casserole

Keto Meatball Casserole

Keto | Low Carb | Italian-Inspired
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp almond flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp blacker pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For the Casserole

• 2 cups low-carb, no-added-sugar marinara sauce
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
• 1 tbsp olive oil, for greasing

Instructions

1. Prepare the meatball mixture:
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, Parmesan, almond flour, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Shape the meatballs:
   Form the mixture into about 16–20 small meatballs, keeping them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
3. Brown the meatballs:
   Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Brown the meatballs for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet.
4. Add the marinara:
   Spread about half of the marinara sauce into a lightly greased baking dish. Arrange the meatballs on top, then spoon the remaining sauce around and over them.
5. Add the cheese:
   Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the meatballs. Finish with a little Italian seasoning.
6. Bake:
   Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Broil for a golden top:
   If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese becomes lightly golden.
8. Rest and serve:
   Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Keto Tips

• Choose a marinara with no added sugar and check the carbohydrate amount on the label.
• Almond flour and Parmesan replace breadcrumbs while keeping the meatballs low-carb.
• Serve with zucchini noodles, cauliflower mash, or roasted broccoli instead of regular pasta.

Tip: Don’t overmix the meatball mixture—gentle mixing helps keep the meatballs tender.