Low Carb Meatballs Recipe

This Low Carb Meatballs Recipe is a juicy and flavorful recipe, which is made with ground beef and grated parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect meal prep protein, ready in about 30 minutes.

Low Carb Meatballs Recipe Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 fat ratio for juiciness)
• 1/2 lb ground pork (adds flavor and tenderness)
• 1/2 cup superfine almond flour (replaces breadcrumbs)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How To Make Low Carb Meatballs Recipe

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, ground pork, almond flour, parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley.
3. Mix Gently: Use your hands to mix the ingredients together. Crucial Step: Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated. If you overwork the meat mixture, the proteins will bind too tightly, resulting in rubbery, tough meatballs.
4. Shape the Meatballs: Using a medium cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1.5-inch balls (about the size of a golf ball). If the mixture sticks to your hands, wet them slightly with cold water or oil.
5. Arrange: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them so they are not touching. This ensures they roast and brown rather than steam.
6. Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
7. Serve: Remove from the oven. You can serve them immediately, or toss them in a low-carb marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to marry the flavors.

Recipe Tips

• The Binder: Traditional meatballs use breadcrumbs soaked in milk. To keep this keto, we use almond flour and parmesan cheese. The almond flour absorbs moisture and keeps the meatballs tender, while the cheese adds savory umami flavor and helps bind the meat.
• Meat Ratio: Using a mix of beef and pork is the secret to Italian-style meatballs. The higher fat content in the pork keeps the meatballs moist. If you use lean beef or turkey, you must add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mix to prevent dryness.
• Baking vs. Frying: Baking is easier, cleaner, and uses less oil. However, if you prefer a crustier exterior, you can pan-fry them in olive oil over medium heat for 10 minutes, turning frequently.
• Nut-Free Option: If you have a nut allergy and cannot use almond flour, substitute it with an equal amount of crushed pork rinds. This adds zero carbs and amazing flavor.
• Uniform Size: Using a cookie scoop ensures all meatballs are the same size, which means they will cook evenly.

What To Serve With Low Carb Meatballs Recipe

These meatballs are versatile enough for any Italian keto meal.

• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Toss with marinara and meatballs.
• Spaghetti Squash: A classic pasta alternative.
• Provolone Melt: Top meatballs with marinara and provolone in a skillet.
• Appetizer: Serve on toothpicks with a sugar-free BBQ sauce dip.

How To Store Low Carb Meatballs Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1 minute or simmer in sauce on the stove.
• Freeze: These are arguably the best keto freezer food. Freeze cooked meatballs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They last up to 3 months. You can reheat them directly from frozen in simmering sauce.

Low Carb Meatballs Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 260
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 2g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 22g
• Net Carbs: 1g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving (approx 3 meatballs).

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