Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole (Low Carb)
Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole — Low Carb Comfort Food
This keto meatball Parmesan casserole is all the flavor of chicken Parm without the breading or pasta — seasoned beef meatballs baked in marinara and smothered with bubbly mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s low carb (just 5g net carbs per serving), incredibly satisfying, and ready in 35 minutes.
Why This Works
- Keto friendly — ~5g net carbs per serving
- No breading needed — meatballs hold together without breadcrumbs
- 35 minutes — bake meatballs, add sauce, melt cheese
- Family approved — even non-keto eaters love this
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper
Casserole:
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce (check for low sugar)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh basil
How to Make It
Step 1 — Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix all meatball ingredients gently. Roll into 1.5-inch balls (about 18). Place in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2 — Bake meatballs 15 minutes until browned.
Step 3 — Pour marinara over meatballs. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 4 — Let rest 5 minutes. Top with fresh basil. Serve as-is or with a side salad or zucchini noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What marinara is keto-friendly?
Rao’s Homemade is the gold standard (3g net carbs per ½ cup). Avoid brands with added sugar — check the label.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes — add 1 tbsp olive oil to the mix for moisture since lean meats dry out faster.
How do meatballs hold without breadcrumbs?
The egg and Parmesan bind them. Don’t overmix — gently combine until just together.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes — check the carb count. Place frozen in the dish, add 5 minutes to baking time before adding sauce.
What to serve with it?
Zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, a Caesar salad, or garlic bread (non-keto guests). It’s filling enough on its own.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes — assemble without cheese, freeze up to 2 months. Add cheese and bake from frozen at 375°F for 40 minutes.
How many net carbs per serving?
About 5g net carbs per serving (with Rao’s marinara). Serves 6.
Can I add vegetables?
Spinach, sliced mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers work under the cheese layer. Add before the sauce step.
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Indulge in This Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole Recipe Today!
A delicious and comforting casserole that combines the flavors of Italian cuisine with the health-conscious principles of the ketogenic diet. This dish features juicy meatballs, gooey melted cheese, and zesty marinara sauce, creating a symphony of tastes that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, almond flour, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form the meatball mixture.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs of equal size.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce. Place the browned meatballs on top of the sauce.
- Cover the meatballs with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Enjoy your flavorful Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole!
