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Home / Keto Meatballs [Italian Style Recipe] 🧆

Keto Meatballs [Italian Style Recipe] 🧆

Published: Jan 12, 2018 · Updated: Jul 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 in a cast iron dutch oven with marinara sauce
Jump to:
  • 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

🧆 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
Meatballs in a cast iron dutch oven with marinara sauce

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.

Cooking tools required

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

  1. Begin by gathering all the ingredients listed in the recipe.
  2. Take the ground beef out of the packaging and place it in a bowl or on a clean cutting board.
  3. Peel the fresh garlic cloves and mince them finely.
  4. Proceed to peel the onion and dice it into small pieces.
  5. Wash the fresh parsley and finely mince it.
  6. 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.
  7. If you're choosing to make homemade marinara sauce, make sure you have the ingredients listed under "Homemade keto marinara sauce" ready.
  8. Measure the required quantities of olive oil, almond flour, heavy cream, sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Cooking instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Form the mixture into meatballs, shaping them to your desired size.
  3. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven, preferably a 5-quart or larger, over medium heat.
  4. Carefully place the meatballs in the hot oil and sear them for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
  5. Once the meatballs are seared, add the marinara sauce to the Dutch oven.
  6. 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.
  7. When ready to serve, top the meatballs with ¼ cup of parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Homemade marinara cooking instructions

  1. Heat the oil in the Dutch oven over medium heat until it is adequately heated.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and cook it for about one minute, allowing it to become fragrant.
  3. Stir in the Italian seasoning and onion powder, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  4. Add salt to taste, adjusting the quantity according to your preference.
  5. 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 add more 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.

Note: Don't freeze the meatballs, as their texture gets ruined upon thawing. 

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 a keto 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:

Keto Breakfast Meatballs on plate with eggs and blueberries
Keto Enchilada Meatball Skillet in skillet with avocado and sour cream on top
Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs in a skillet
meatball sliders on white parchment paper with fresh basil scattered around
Keto Chicken Tikka Masala Meatballs in a cast iron skillet
Keto Meatballs in a cast iron dutch oven with marinara sauce

📖 Recipe

Keto Meatballs in a cast iron dutch oven with marinara sauce

Keto Meatballs

These Keto Meatballs are simmered in a low-carb marianara sauce creating the perfect comfort food meal.
4.80 from 5 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: italian meatballs, low carb meatballs
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour hour
Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 444kcal

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 444 Calories 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 Cheeseburger Casserole Skillet 🥘
Keto Brownies »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sara says

    August 02, 2018 at 12:27 am

    Can I do this in a skillet or do I need a deep dutch oven? Do you use a lid while it cooks?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Alex Lester says

      August 02, 2018 at 3:04 pm

      The skillet would need to be a bit deep because of the sauce. No, no cover is needed because the steam created would make the sauce too watery. If splattering is a concern you can use a splatter screen.

      Reply
  2. Sarah says

    November 14, 2018 at 3:50 am

    I read that the recipe is for 6 servings, but how many meatballs does it make? How many is considered a "serving" according to the macros.

    Reply
    • Alex Lester says

      November 16, 2018 at 11:39 am

      It depends on how big you make your meatballs, it's really a personal preference. I made about 12 meatballs here which would be 2 per serving.

      Reply
  3. Catherine says

    February 25, 2019 at 7:18 pm

    Mixed all the ingredients and ended up with a mix that did not look what i reckon it was not to look like, so its gone in the oven as a meatloaf. lol. Hope it tastes nice

    Reply
  4. Dotty says

    June 07, 2020 at 7:24 pm

    5 stars
    These were amazing. Thank you so much for the recipe.

    Reply
  5. Alex says

    March 22, 2022 at 2:26 am

    Do I use the oven or the stove?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Cast Iron Keto says

      March 29, 2022 at 5:06 pm

      Hi Alex, you'll use the stovetop! I've edited the recipe to be more clear 😊

      Reply

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