Keto Italian meatballs are a go-to recipe if you’re looking to make meatballs without bread crumbs. Whether you follow a keto diet or not, it’s nice to have low-carb options, and this keto meatballs recipe is perfect if you’re watching your carbs but still want a good, old-fashioned pasta night!
Pair these keto meatballs with zucchini noodles or low-carb pasta and your favorite pasta sauce for the ultimate spaghetti dinner, minus the carbs!
why this recipe works
I have a slight obsession with meatballs, which has only grown since having children.
My kids will eat these, and if your kids are like mine, you know that the healthy foods they approve of are few and far between.
So here's to meatballs! A kid-friendly, low-carb food and a favorite way to add protein to a meal. (By the way, these keto turkey meatballs in a creamy curry sauce are also a win in our house).
Here’s why you'll love them:
- I swap the breadcrumbs in traditional meatballs for low-carb flour (you can choose coconut flour or almond flour) and ground flax seed meal for a gluten-free, low-carb substitute for traditional breadcrumbs.
- This is a baked keto meatball recipe which means they're easier to cook since you completely skip the pan-frying process.
- They're super versatile and work with a number of dishes, including a classic tomato sauce, marinara sauce or low-carb "spaghetti" made with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash or shiritaki noodles.
- You can make a big batch to freeze for later, which is ideal for meal prep and quick dinners.
- These low carb meatballs work for many diet types and are gluten free, grain free, low glycemic and keto-friendly.
the ingredients
Homemade meatballs call for simple ingredients and this low-carb version is no different!
Italian-style meatballs have the best flavor for Italian-inspired pasta dishes, and the great thing about this recipe is you can change it up based on what you have in your spice cabinet.
If you don't have Italian seasoning, you can double the amount of fresh parsley or add fresh basil, or use any combination of Italian herbs that you prefer.
Here's a look at what you will need but be sure to check out the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page for all of the details.
- Ground beef.I like to use a grass-fed ground beef that's 85/15. Anything leaner will make the meatball a bit more dry. Feel free to mix in half ground pork if you like, too.
- Parmesan cheese. A little bit of Parmesan adds a nice flavor to the meatballs and helps bind the meat together.
- Eggs. A classic meatball add-in that holds everything together. You'll need two for this recipe.
- Breadcrumb substitute. Breadcrumbs help keep everything together and create a lighter meat mixture that results in more tender meatballs. You have a couple of different options when it comes to low-carb substitutes. I've made these with a mixture of flaxseed meal and almond flour or flaxseed with coconut flour. If you have a breadcrumb substitute you prefer, like a store-bought kind or crushed pork rinds, feel free to use that instead.
- Seasonings. Black pepper, onion powder, salt and a little bit of fresh parsley add a great savory flavor to the meat.
low carb meatball recipe
These meatballs only require a few minutes of prep (combining it all in a large mixing bowl), and the oven does the rest of the work!
I've outlined the steps below but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view the printable recipe card for all of the details.
Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well, using your hands to make sure everything is well incorporated.
With a cookie dough scoop, spoon out portions of the meat and drop them onto a prepared baking tray.
Bake the meatballs at 450°F for 10-13 minutes, then transfer them to a plate lined with a paper towel.
Tip: If you want extra browned tops, you can remove the meatballs after 10 minutes and then brush the tops with olive oil using a pastry brush. Return them to the oven for another 2-4 minutes or until the tops are browned.
tips for the best results
- I like to use a cookie dough or ice cream scoop to ensure that each meatball is the same portion and bakes evenly. If you don’t have one, you can use a standard tablespoon to scoop the meat mixture- just make sure to try and get each meatball the same size.
- Depending on the type of ground beef you use, fat from the ground beef may pool in the form of oil at the bottom of the pan. If your meat has a higher fat percentage, you’re more likely to see more oil. This is fine, and you’ll make the keto meatballs the same way, but just be careful as you’re lifting the tray out of the oven.
- For an extra crisp crust on the meatballs, brush them with olive oil after 10 minutes of baking, then return them to the oven so the tops can get browned and more crisp.
- How to tell meatballs are done: The internal temperature of the meat, measured with an instant-read thermometer, is the best and most precise way to tell that the ground meat is fully cooked. It should register 160°F. If you make extra large meatballs, they may need a few minutes of extra cooking time.
keto meatball variations
ground beef substitutes
You don't have to use ground beef to make delicious meatballs! This recipe works with both ground chicken sausage, ground bison or ground turkey. Another favorite tip is to mix half ground beef with half ground pork for a meatball with the perfect flavor and fat ratio.
flavor variations
Looking for a simple protein to add to soups, curries or other dishes? You can skip the Italian seasonings and opt for your own blends (curry powder, shawarma spices, etc.).
dairy-free
The Parmesan cheese is optional and you can omit it entirely, substitute it with mozzarella cheese, or use a dairy-free Parmesan if you like.
other cooking methods
To air fry them, cook the meatballs at 400°F for 8-11 minutes in the air fryer.
If you prefer cooking the meatballs in a frying pan on the stovetop, pan fry them in a little bit of avocado oil over medium heat. Cook them for 2-3 minutes, turn, then repeat until they're cooked through.
meatball storage and making ahead
To prep these meatballs ahead of time, you can mix the meat mixture up to one day in advance.
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
how to freeze meatballs
You can also freeze any leftover meatballs, as well as freeze both cooked and uncooked meatballs.
To freeze cooked meatballs, let them come to room temperature after baking. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe, airtight glass storage container or a large Ziplock bag (remove as much air from the bag as possible). Store in the freezer for up to three months.
To freeze uncooked meatballs, form the meatballs from the meat mixture and place it on a parchment paper-lined baking tray or plate. Freeze for at least 2-3 hours. Transfer the meatballs to a large Ziplock bag and remove as much air as possible. Store in the freezer for up to three months.
how to reheat meatballs
If your meatballs are cooked, simply allow them to defrost, then heat them in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also drop them directly into soups, slow cooker stews or sauces and let them simmer to cook.
If they're uncooked, you can cook them from frozen by adding a few minutes of baking time to the overall cook time. Make sure the meat registers 160°F when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
how to serve them
You can enjoy these in a number of ways! There’s always the classic plate of spaghetti and meatballs (with traditional noodles or a healthier, low-carb option). Eat them plain or with your favorite dipping sauce (I have a tzatziki or this delicious chimichurri on my mind).
Do up a dinner of fun apps and serve low carb meatballs alongside some veggie tots. Or how about some low-carb bread and a low-carb spaghetti sauce for an open-face meatball sub?
The options are endless– another reason to try them! This is one of my favorite keto dinner ideas and I hope you love it too.
you might also love
- You can turn marinated strips of ribeye (or use flank steak) into tender, low-carb beef bulgogi in no time! It's easier than you think to make this Korean-inspired dish at home.
- These keto peanut butter cookies are a dream! Soft and tender peanut butter cookies are always a hit but I recommend going the extra mile and piling a fluffy peanut butter cream filling in between two to make delicious pb cookie sandwiches.
- Mediterranean ground beef kabobs are another easy meal with bold flavors and a whipped feta dipping sauce.
Easy Keto Italian Meatballs
These keto Italian meatballs are perfect if you're looking for a low-carb or gluten-free Italian meatball recipe! They are juicy, crisp on the outside, and oven baked so there's no frying required.
Ingredients
- 1-½ pounds ground beef (grass-fed if possible, preferably 85/15)
- ⅓ cup shaved or grated parmesan (optional)
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup almond flour (or 2 tablespoons coconut flour)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal
- 1-½ teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced (about 1-½ teaspoons)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, dried basil and dried thyme)
- 2 tablespoons beef or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat. In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients.
- Use a fork to mix the ingredients into the meat, then finish mixing with your hands, kneading the meat mixture to incorporate all of the ingredients. Mix until well-combined.
- With a large cookie dough or ice cream scoop, spoon out 2-tablespoon-sized portions of the meat mixture into your hands. Gently roll it so it's perfectly round. Place the meatball on the baking tray, and repeat with the remaining meat.
- The meatballs should be spread evenly across the baking sheet, about 1 inch apart. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the meatballs for 10-13 minutes or until they are 160°F when checked with a meat thermometer. (See notes for browning tips).
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and allow them to cool for 2-4 minutes before serving.
Notes
If you make the meatballs smaller than about 2 tablespoons, they will not need to bake as long. Depending on their size, they should be done after about 8-10 minutes.
For browned tops: If you want more browned tops, you can remove the meatballs after 10 minutes and then brush the tops with a little bit of olive oil. Return the tray of meatballs to the oven and bake another 2-3 minutes.
Ground beef substitutes: This recipe works with both ground chicken sausage, ground bison or ground turkey. Another favorite tip is to mix half ground beef with half ground pork for a meatball with the perfect flavor and fat ratio.
To cook in an air fryer: To air fry them, cook the meatballs at 400°F for 8-11 minutes in the air fryer.
To cook on the stove: If you prefer cooking the meatballs in a frying pan on the stovetop, pan fry them in a little bit of avocado oil over medium heat. Cook them for 2-3 minutes, turn, then repeat until they're cooked through.
To store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can freeze both cooked and uncooked meatballs. Store them in a Ziplock freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 25 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 131Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 259mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 12g
This nutritional information is approximate and is provided for convenience as a courtesy.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!