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Easy Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole Recipe for Quick Low-Carb Meals

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A quick and easy keto-friendly casserole featuring cheesy meatballs baked in a savory marinara sauce, perfect for low-carb weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) shredded mozzarella cheese (fresh is best)
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) almond flour
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce (no-sugar-added preferred)
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, almond flour, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into about 16 small meatballs, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter. Keep a bowl of water nearby to wet your hands if needed.
  4. Optional: Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side. They will finish cooking in the oven.
  5. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish.
  6. Nestle the meatballs into the sauce, spacing them evenly.
  7. Pour the remaining 1 cup marinara sauce over the meatballs, coating them well.
  8. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella evenly over the casserole.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Cover loosely with foil if cheese browns too quickly.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking.
  11. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. Use almond flour for keto and gluten-free compliance; do not substitute with regular breadcrumbs or flour. Browning meatballs before baking adds extra flavor but can be skipped for juicier meatballs. If mixture feels dry, add a splash of unsweetened almond milk. Cover casserole loosely with foil if cheese browns too fast. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: keto, low-carb, meatball casserole, cheesy, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/easy-cheesy-keto-meatball-casserole-recipe-for-quick-low-carb-meals/