Keto Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

Keto Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

(Low-Carb, Paleo & Whole30 Friendly)

Key Info:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary: Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo, Whole30-compatible

Equipment Needed:

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet or non-stick pan
• Meat thermometer
• Measuring cups/spoons

Alternative tools:

• Parchment paper (instead of non-stick pan)
• Cookie scoop (instead of meatball scoop)

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 450g/1lb ground beef
• 450g/1lb ground pork
• 1 large egg
• 60g/1/4 cup grated Parmesan (omit for dairy-free)
• 60g/1/2 cup crushed pork rinds or almond flour
• 60ml/1/4 cup heavy cream or water
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Marinara:

• 800g/28oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F.
2. Combine all meatball ingredients in a large bowl.
   Mix gently with hands until just combined – DO NOT OVERMIX.
3. Form mixture into 1-inch balls.
   (Should yield approximately 24 meatballs)
4. Place meatballs on lined baking sheet.
   Bake for 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 71°C/160°F.
5. While meatballs bake, prepare marinara:
   • Heat oil in large pan
   • Sauté onions until translucent (5 mins)
   • Add garlic, cook 1 minute
   • Add remaining sauce ingredients
   • Simmer 20 minutes
6. Combine meatballs with sauce and serve.

Crucial Tips:

• Don’t overwork the meat mixture.
• Keep meatballs uniform in size.
• Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
• Let meatballs rest 5 minutes before serving.

Storage:

• Refrigerate: up to 5 days
• Freeze: up to 6 months
• Reheat: in sauce over low heat

Scaling:

• Recipe doubles easily.
• Freeze uncooked meatballs for later use.

Common Mistakes:

• Overmixing (makes tough meatballs)
• Overcrowding the pan
• Cooking at too high temperature

Variations:

• Turkey/chicken for leaner option
• Add mozzarella centers for cheese-stuffed version
• Spice up with red pepper flakes
• Use zucchini noodles for complete keto meal

This recipe delivers perfectly seasoned, juicy meatballs that stay true to Italian flavors while keeping carbs low. The key is handling the meat mixture gently and monitoring temperature carefully for the perfect result.