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For a tasty Keto Meatball Casserole, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and sausage) - 1 cup almond flour - 1 large egg - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil for garnish (optional) These ingredients work well together. The ground beef gives a hearty base, while almond flour keeps it low in carbs. Garlic and onion powder add great flavor. The marinara sauce brings moisture and a nice tomato taste. The cheeses melt beautifully, making this dish rich and creamy. Fresh basil adds a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy gathering these ingredients! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, almond flour, and egg. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it well with your hands. Then, form small meatballs about 1 inch wide. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Cook the meatballs in batches. Turn them often to brown all sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes for each batch. Once they are browned, place them in a baking dish. Now, pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs. Make sure they are fully covered. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. This will create a cheesy layer. Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. This means it’s ready. When the casserole is done, take it out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes. If you like, add fresh basil on top for a nice touch. Now, it’s time to serve and enjoy your hearty meal! To get the best meatballs, use a mix of ground beef and sausage. This blend adds flavor and moisture. Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. It keeps the meatballs low-carb and helps bind them. Make sure to mix your ingredients well. Overmixing can make them tough. Form them into 1-inch balls for even cooking. Choose a sugar-free marinara sauce for keto. Look for brands with simple ingredients. Homemade sauce is also an option. Just puree tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a fresh taste. This will keep your dish healthy and tasty. Mozzarella is classic, but you can try other cheeses. Cheddar adds a sharp flavor. Goat cheese gives a creamy touch. Experiment with different types to find your favorite blend. Always use high-quality cheese for the best results. Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your casserole. If your oven runs hot, check it a bit earlier. If it runs cool, you may need to bake longer. Look for bubbly cheese and a golden brown top. Use a meat thermometer to check that meatballs reach 165°F. This ensures they are cooked all the way through. Pro Tips Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatballs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Experiment with Spices: Don't hesitate to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding red pepper flakes can give your casserole a nice kick! Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different cheeses! Adding gouda or cheddar can enhance the flavor profile of your casserole. Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. Just thaw and bake when you're ready to enjoy! {{image_2}} You can make a vegetarian version of this dish. Use plant-based ground meat instead of beef. Almond flour works well as a binder. Mix in some chopped mushrooms for a hearty texture. Use your favorite sugar-free marinara sauce. Top it with the same cheeses or try a vegan cheese alternative. This dish is still rich and filling. Adding veggies boosts nutrition and flavor. You can include zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Chop them finely and mix them into the meatball mixture. You can also layer them in the casserole. This adds color and crunch. The veggies soak up the marinara sauce, making every bite tasty. If you love spice, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mix. You can also use spicy sausage for more heat. Another option is to add jalapeños to the sauce. This gives the dish a kick. Don't forget to adjust your cheese to balance the spice. This spicy twist makes the casserole exciting and bold. After you make the Keto Meatball Casserole, let it cool down. Cover it with plastic wrap or a tight lid. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. The meatballs and cheese keep well. You can enjoy the flavors even after a few days. To freeze, cool the casserole completely. Use an airtight container or freezer bag. Label it with the date. You can freeze the casserole for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, it stays fresh and tasty. Reheat the casserole in the oven for the best results. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot. If you’re in a hurry, use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the meatballs juicy and the cheese melted. Enjoy every bite! A keto diet is low in carbs and high in fats. It helps your body burn fat for energy. You eat foods like meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and healthy oils. You avoid sugar and most grains. This diet can help with weight loss and improve health. Yes, you can use store-bought meatballs. Just make sure they are keto-friendly. Look for options with low carbs and no added sugars. Check the label to avoid hidden carbs. Store-bought ones save time but might not taste as fresh. You can make this casserole dairy-free by skipping the cheese. Use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast is a great option to add a cheesy flavor. You can also increase the herbs and spices to keep it flavorful without dairy. This recipe has about 350 calories per serving. It has around 20 grams of protein and 25 grams of fat. Each serving contains about 5 grams of net carbs. Always check the exact values based on your ingredients. This will help you stay on track with your keto goals. Yes, you can add more cheese if you want. Increase the mozzarella or Parmesan for a cheesier taste. Just remember that this will also add more calories and fat. Balance the cheese with your dietary needs for the best results. This blog post covered a tasty keto meatball casserole recipe that anyone can make. We explored the ingredients needed, such as ground beef and almond flour. I gave you step-by-step instructions to build and bake the dish. We also shared tips for perfecting your meatballs and ideas for variations. Lastly, we discussed how to store your casserole leftovers. Remember, cooking should be fun and simple. With these guidelines, you can create a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Keto Cheesy Meatball Casserole

A delicious low-carb casserole featuring cheesy meatballs in marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Keto
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • optional Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, almond flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning to brown all sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a baking dish.
  • Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well covered.
  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Use sugar-free marinara sauce for a true keto dish.
Keyword casserole, cheesy, keto, meatballs