Keto Meatballs

Name: Keto Meatballs (Juicy And Tender)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion (finely diced (70g)); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1.1 lb ground beef (500g, fatty is best); 2 tbsp dried oregano (10.8g); 2 tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce); 1 egg (large); 1/3 - 1/2 tsp salt; 1/3 tsp pepper; 3 tbsp pecorino (15g, grated, or parmesan cheese); 21 oz chopped tomatoes (600g / 1.3lb); 2 tbsp tomato puree (30g); 1 cup grated mozzarella (113g)

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These Italian inspired keto meatballs are pure comfort food. Tender low carb meatballs in a rich tomato sauce topped with melty cheese - a tasty, easy family dinner that is ready in just 30 minutes!

Baked meatballs in tomato sauce topped with melted cheese.

You say meatballs and I say I AM IN.

Meatballs are one of those dishes that are almost universally liked. They are hearty comfort food, fuss free and ridiculously easy to make.

Of course, they feature in all kinds of cuisines. I am partial to these keto Swedish meatballs. But I LOVE to prepare them as the Italians do - in a rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese.

This recipe is gluten-free and keto friendly, but the non keto members of your family are going to love it as well.

Also try my air fryer chicken meatballs.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Variations
Serving Suggestion
Recipe FAQs
Related Recipes
Recipe

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you need:

Ground meat. I used ground beef, but ground turkey, ground pork or ground chicken also work well. Or use a combination of ground beef and pork!
Onion and garlic. In my opinion, fresh is best. The onion also helps with a softer texture. However, you could use 1 teaspoon each onion powder and garlic powder instead.
Oregano. Other herbs that work are Italian herbs such as basil, parsley or thyme.
Coconut aminos. My secret ingredient. As an alternative, Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can also lend additional flavor.
Egg. Helps with a better texture.
Pecorino. This is a lovely salty Italian cheese. Parmesan cheese is also an option.

For the marinara sauce and the topping you'll also need:

Canned chopped tomatoes
Tomato puree
Mozzarella

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Instructions

It is surprisingly easy to make keto meatballs. Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions.

Here are the basic steps:

diced white onions frying in a pan and a spatula

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and fry the onion over medium heat until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and sauté briefly.

Remove from the pan and wipe out the pan ready for the meatballs.

beef mince, egg, onions and herbs in a bowl

Step 2: Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add dried oregano, half of the cooked onion and garlic mixture, coconut aminos, egg, a good pinch of salt and pepper and 1 tablespoon pecorino or parmesan cheese. Mix to combine.

forming meatballs out of raw beef mince in a bowl

Step 3: Using wet hands, roll into meatballs. Heat oil in a skillet and fry over medium heat until browned all over.

Step 4: To a clean pan, add the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, remaining garlic, onion and oregano. Season to taste and bring to the boil. Then, reduce to a simmer and cook until the sauce is thicker in consistency.

Step 5: Coat the meatballs in the tomato sauce. Top with mozzarella, pecorino and bake in the oven until the cheese has fully melted.

Katrin's Top Tips

Here are my super simple low carb hacks for soft, juicy meatballs.

Use fatty meat. The fat is where the taste is and it will make the end result nice and juicy.
Don't squash. Be gentle when you form the balls. This way, they'll be tender and light. The egg and the cheese ensures that they don't fall apart.

Variations

Here are some ideas how you can change up the meatballs. I have tried all of these myself!

Keto breadcrumbs. Add ¼ cup of almond flour or ⅓ cup pork rinds. Both of these options are replacements for Panko breadcrumbs. Creates a fluffier texture.

(If you go for this option, also add an equal amount of additional liquid or moisture such as heavy cream or almond milk.)

Cheesy. Add ¼ cup grated parmesan and ¼ cup mozzarella cheese to the mix. Or try using some crumbled Feta for a Greek version.

Veggie. Add ⅓ cup finely grated zucchini to the meatball mixture. Perfect when you're feeding people who think they don't like vegetables! This also adds tenderness.

Serving Suggestion

Top with fresh oregano or fresh basil and cracked black pepper. Fresh parsley also works well.

We like to eat keto meatballs with a crunchy green salad or with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. They also work exceedingly well with keto mashed cauliflower or this keto garlic bread, which is perfect for mopping up additional sauce.

And they even taste good cold!

Meatballs in a round casserole in tomato sauce topped with cheese.

Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to brown meatballs?

I like to pan-fry meatballs because I think they caramelise better that way. Use a large pan and space them out. This ensures they brown evenly.

Can I grill low carb meatballs?

Yes. Broiling is the hands-off, grease-free technique and it takes around 15 minutes. Turn the meatballs once the tops are browned.

Can I bake keto meatballs?

Yes. Preheat the oven to 200C / 400F and bake on a parchment paper lined baking sheet for 18-20 minutes. You can also air fry them.

How long do meatballs keep fresh?

Keto meatballs keep fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I meal prep this dish?

This is a great recipe for meal prepping. You can freeze the meatballs separately or combined with the marinara sauce.
I like to make a triple batch and freeze portions for later. That way, I have a complete dinner ready in without breaking a sweat.
Store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To defrost: Thaw in the fridge overnight. Alternatively, microwave or reheat in the oven.

Can I serve them without the sauce?

Of course! You can enjoy these meatballs without the tomato sauce or cheese topping. They are delicious on their own hot or cold or dipped in sugar free ketchup or homemade mayonnaise.

Here are more Italian inspired keto recipes: