Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
- 1/4 cup almond flour (or coconut flour)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Casserole:
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (sugar-free or homemade to keep it keto)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Make the meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C). If you want to save time, you can also pan-fry the meatballs in a bit of olive oil until golden brown.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the prepared casserole dish.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake the casserole:
- Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips:
- Sauce: Ensure the marinara sauce is sugar-free, or you can make your own low-carb marinara sauce at home by simmering crushed tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
- Cheese: Feel free to mix in other cheeses, like provolone or cheddar, for added flavor.
- Add-ins: You can also add sautéed spinach or zucchini slices to the casserole for extra vegetables.
Serving Suggestions:
- Vegetable Sides: Serve the casserole with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or a simple green salad with a low-carb dressing.
- Keto Bread: Pair the casserole with keto-friendly bread or garlic bread for a comforting meal.
This Keto Meatball Casserole is a perfect low-carb dinner option that the whole family will enjoy. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for meal prep. Enjoy!
