Why Make This Keto Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
Keto Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce are a tasty twist on a classic dish, reimagined with low-carb ingredients. If you’re following a ketogenic lifestyle or simply looking to cut down on carbs, these meatballs are a delightful option. They combine savory ground beef and pork, blended with almond flour and rich cheeses, providing a moist and flavorful bite. Plus, when topped with a fresh, sugar-free marinara sauce, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings without derailing your diet.
The delicious, herb-infused aroma that wafts through your kitchen while cooking these meatballs is just the beginning. You’ll enjoy a meal that’s not only healthy but also comforting and satisfying. Bring the flavors of Italy into your home and enjoy them guilt-free!
How to Make Keto Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
Making Keto Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce is a straightforward process that allows you to create something extraordinary right in your kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty meal that everyone will love. Here’s a brief overview of how to put these delightful meatballs together.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 small onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan for garnish
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, almond flour, Parmesan, grated onion, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat.
- Take a scoop of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, wrap the meat around it, and form it into a ball. Repeat until all meatballs are formed.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning to get color on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.
- Transfer meatballs into a saucepan or baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over them, covering completely. Simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes until fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra grated Parmesan. Serve hot.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Keto Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce (approximately 2 meatballs with sauce) contains:
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 28g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands of ingredients used.
How to Serve Keto Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
These meatballs are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can serve them on a bed of zucchini noodles, as a topping on cauliflower rice, or simply enjoy them on their own with extra marinara for dipping. Pair your dish with a light salad dressed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a complete meal.
They also make a great appetizer for gatherings, just set a platter with toothpicks for easy eating. Don’t forget to sprinkle with fresh basil and additional Parmesan for an extra touch that looks fabulous and tastes even better!
How to Store Keto Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
If you have leftovers (which are perfectly manageable), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Expert Tips for Perfect Keto Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mixing too much can make the meatballs tough. A gentle mix is all you need for a tender texture.
- Uniform Size: Try to keep the meatballs roughly the same size for even cooking. Using a scoop can help.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to add more Italian seasoning or fresh herbs for a personalized flavor profile.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or oregano can elevate flavors. Mix them in the meat as well as in the garnish for freshness.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a spicy version!
- Herbed Twist: Experiment with different cheeses, like goat cheese or feta, in the center for a unique flavor.
- Asian Flare: Substitute the marinara sauce with a low-carb teriyaki sauce for an exciting Asian-inspired dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use turkey instead of beef and pork?
Yes, ground turkey works well. Just keep in mind that turkey can be drier, so a bit more fat or moisture may be needed. -
Is almond flour necessary?
Almond flour helps bind the meatballs and keeps them low in carbs. If you don’t have it, you can use coconut flour, but start with a smaller amount as it’s more absorbent. -
Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying?
Absolutely! Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the meatballs on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20 minutes, then add the marinara sauce for another 10 minutes.
Conclusion
Keto Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce offer a wonderful combination of mouthwatering flavors and hearty satisfaction, making them perfect for both keto followers and lovers of Italian cuisine alike. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this dish for dinner, family gatherings, or meal prep with ease. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe, and share your delicious results with friends and family! We’d love to hear how they turned out for you!
Print
Keto Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto, Low-Carb
Description
A healthy twist on classic Italian meatballs, made low-carb for a keto-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 small onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, almond flour, Parmesan, grated onion, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat.
- Take a scoop of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, wrap the meat around it, and form it into a ball. Repeat until all meatballs are formed.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning to get color on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.
- Transfer meatballs into a saucepan or baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over them, covering completely. Simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes until fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra grated Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
For more flavor, add fresh herbs or adjust seasonings to taste. These meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Keto meatballs, Italian recipe, low-carb meal, healthy dinner, sugar-free marinara
