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Keto Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

Keto Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

Keto Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce offer a comforting, low-carb meal featuring juicy, tender meatballs infused with Italian herbs and spices, simmered in a rich, sugar-free marinara sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this recipe is flavorful, versatile, and fits seamlessly into any keto lifestyle.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp Italian herb blend (dried oregano, basil, parsley)
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Cooking and Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups no-sugar-added marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, almond flour, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to avoid dense meatballs and keep them tender and juicy.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This ensures even cooking and easy serving.
  3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches without crowding the pan to allow a proper crust to form. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown but not fully cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
  4. Simmer in Marinara Sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour marinara sauce into the skillet. Nestle browned meatballs into the sauce and cover. Let them simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through and flavors meld beautifully.
  5. Serve Warm: Spoon meatballs and sauce into bowls or plates. Optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves or additional grated parmesan. Enjoy your flavorful keto meal!

Notes

  • Don’t skip the binder; almond flour helps meatballs stay together without adding carbs like breadcrumbs.
  • Mix ingredients by hand gently to avoid tough meatballs.
  • Give meatballs room in the skillet for even browning and optimal flavor development.
  • Simmer slowly over low heat to keep meatballs juicy and sauce thick.
  • Meatballs freeze well, cooked or uncooked, making this recipe ideal for meal prep.

Nutrition

Keywords: keto, low-carb, Italian meatballs, marinara sauce, gluten free, easy dinner, meal prep