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Why You’ll Love These Low Carb Meatballs
Low carb meatballs are the ultimate comfort food without the guilt—tender, juicy, and swimming in rich marinara sauce with melted mozzarella on top. Imagine biting into perfectly seasoned Italian meatballs no breadcrumbs, where every forkful delivers pure meaty goodness instead of filler. These keto meatballs pack 25g of protein per serving while keeping net carbs under 6g, making them perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep Sundays.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for moisture)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup almond flour (finely ground)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Assembly:
- 2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce (check labels for 4-6g carbs per serving)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Substitution tip: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, but add 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent dryness.
Timing Overview
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 35 min | Serves: 4 (5 meatballs each)
How to Make Low Carb Meatballs
Mix the Meatball Base
Combine ground beef, Parmesan, almond flour, eggs, garlic, and seasonings in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix until just combined—overworking makes tough meatballs. The mixture should hold together when squeezed but remain slightly sticky.
Pro tip: Wet your hands with cold water before rolling to prevent sticking.
Shape and Sear
Form into 20 evenly-sized balls (about 2 tablespoons each). Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown—they won’t be cooked through yet, and that’s intentional.
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches to achieve proper caramelization.
Bake with Sauce and Cheese
Pour marinara sauce over seared meatballs, ensuring they’re mostly submerged. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top. Transfer skillet to a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until meatballs reach 160°F internal temperature and cheese is bubbly and golden.
Pro tip: Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra cheese browning.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (5 meatballs): Calories: 425 | Protein: 38g | Fat: 27g | Net Carbs: 5g | Fiber: 2g
Variations, Tips & Storage
Make It Your Own:
- Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes for spicy keto meatballs
- Use ground pork for richer flavor
- Try coconut flour instead of almond flour (use half the amount)
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Don’t skip the searing step—it locks in moisture and adds flavor depth
- Avoid using extra-lean meat; you need fat for juiciness
- Don’t overbake or meatballs become dry and crumbly
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze without sauce for up to 3 months. Reheat in microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Italian meatballs no breadcrumbs over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or shirataki noodles for a complete low-carb dinner. They also shine nestled in roasted spaghetti squash or alongside a crisp Caesar salad. For dessert, try our low-carb chocolate mousse to keep the carb count low all evening.
More Low-Carb Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more satisfying low-carb comfort food? Check out our low-carb chocolate mousse dessert for the perfect sweet ending to your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make low carb meatballs without eggs?
Yes, use 3 tbsp of cream cheese or 2 tbsp of ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tbsp water as a binder. Let the flax mixture sit for 5 minutes before adding. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Why do my meatballs fall apart?
This usually happens from too little binder or overmixing. Make sure you’re using eggs and Parmesan, and mix just until combined. Chilling the formed meatballs for 15 minutes before cooking also helps them hold together better.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Then transfer to a baking dish, add sauce and cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
Are these meatballs keto-friendly?
Yes, with only 5g net carbs per serving, these fit perfectly into a ketogenic diet. Just verify your marinara sauce contains no added sugars—brands like Rao’s are excellent low-carb options.
How do I prevent dry meatballs?
Use meat with adequate fat content (80/20 beef is ideal), don’t overbake, and make sure not to overmix the raw meat mixture. The Parmesan and eggs also add moisture retention.
Ready to Dig In
These low carb meatballs prove you don’t need breadcrumbs for tender, flavorful results. Make a double batch tonight—they’re perfect for meal prep and even better as leftovers. What’s your favorite way to serve them?
Meta Title: Low Carb Meatballs: Easy Italian Recipe in 35 Minutes
Meta Description: Low carb meatballs with marinara and melted mozzarella deliver 38g protein and just 5g net carbs. This tender Italian-style recipe needs no breadcrumbs—ready in 35 minutes!
URL Slug: low-carb-meatballs
External Links Section (Add after FAQs):
For more information on low-carb eating, check out the USDA FoodData Central nutritional database. Learn about the benefits of ketogenic diets from Harvard Health Publishing. Find quality almond flour nutrition facts at Medical News Today.