Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole: A Low-Carb Comfort Food Favorite

Why Make This Recipe

Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole is a delicious low-carb dish that is great for anyone following a keto diet or simply looking for a comforting meal. This recipe combines flavorful meatballs, savory marinara sauce, and gooey cheese. It’s an easy one-dish meal perfect for family dinners and meal prep. Plus, it’s low in carbs, making it a guilt-free comfort food that everyone will love.

How to Make Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup crushed pork rinds or almond flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, crushed pork rinds or almond flour, egg, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
4. Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.
5. Bake the meatballs for 15–20 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
6. Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
7. Add the baked meatballs in a single layer over the sauce.
8. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs.
9. Top with shredded mozzarella and sprinkle with additional parmesan.
10. Bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Optionally, broil for 2–3 minutes to brown the top.
12. Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

How to Serve Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole

Serve the Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole hot from the oven. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables. It’s a hearty dish that can be satisfying for lunch or dinner.

How to Store Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole

You can store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through or place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed.

Tips to Make Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole

• Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
• For extra flavor, you can add diced onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.

Variation

You can use ground chicken or pork instead of beef or turkey. Additionally, you can substitute the marinara sauce with any low-carb sauce of your choice or even a creamy garlic sauce if you want a different twist.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. To freeze before baking, prepare the casserole up to the point of adding cheese, cover, and freeze. To freeze after baking, cool it completely, then store in an airtight container.

2. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
You can replace the meat with plant-based meat alternatives or make meatballs using lentils or chickpeas, combined with the same spices and ingredients.

3. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of pork rinds or almond flour?
No, using regular breadcrumbs will increase the carb count and is not suitable for a keto diet. Stick to pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb alternative.

Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole

A delicious low-carb casserole featuring flavorful meatballs, savory marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, perfect for family dinners and meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup crushed pork rinds or almond flour Use almond flour for a nut-free option.
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Casserole

• 2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese For topping.
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley Optional, for garnish.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, crushed pork rinds or almond flour, egg, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
• Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Baking

• Bake the meatballs for 15–20 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
• Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
• Add the baked meatballs in a single layer over the sauce.
• Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs.
• Top with shredded mozzarella and sprinkle with additional parmesan.
• Bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Optionally, broil for 2–3 minutes to brown the top.

Serving

• Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g

Keyword Casserole Recipe, Comfort Food, Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole, Keto Recipe, Low-Carb Meal

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