Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: this keto diet friendly meatball casserole with cheese and sauce! Seriously, it’s a game changer for anyone sticking to keto. You get these tender, juicy meatballs drenched in marinara and bubbling with gooey mozzarella cheese—oh, the flavors are just out of this world! I discovered this recipe on a busy Tuesday when I wanted something satisfying but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for meal prep. Plus, the best part? It’s totally guilt-free! Trust me, you’ll want to keep this dish in your rotation, whether you’re on a keto journey or just craving a comforting meal.

Ingredients List

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cups marinara sauce (sugar-free)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare a keto diet friendly meatball casserole with cheese and sauce

Alright, let’s dive into how to whip up this mouthwatering keto diet friendly meatball casserole! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar when it’s done.

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because you want everything to bake evenly and come out perfectly bubbly!
While the oven is warming up, grab a large mixing bowl. Here, you’ll combine the ground beef, almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, the large egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. I usually just dive in with my hands—it’s the best way to mix everything together thoroughly!
Once everything is nicely blended, it’s time to form the meatballs! I like to make mine about the size of a golf ball, but feel free to adjust based on your preference. Place each meatball into a greased baking dish, giving them a bit of space to spread out as they cook.
Now for the fun part—pour that rich, sugar-free marinara sauce all over the meatballs! Make sure they’re covered well, as this will help keep them moist and add tons of flavor.
Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top. I mean, who doesn’t love a cheesy finish? The more, the merrier!
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is bubbling and golden. Keep an eye on it—your kitchen will smell amazing, and you won’t be able to resist peeking!
Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to settle and makes it easier to scoop out those delicious meatballs.

And there you have it! A hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation—perfect for weeknight dinners!
Keto-friendly ingredients that fit perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle.
Rich, flavorful marinara sauce combined with gooey mozzarella cheese creates a mouthwatering experience.
One-pan meal that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor.
Great for meal prep—make it ahead and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices for added flair.
Family-friendly dish that even non-keto eaters will love!

Tips for Success

To ensure your keto diet friendly meatball casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my best tips and tricks!

Meatball Size: Aim for meatballs that are about the size of a golf ball. This size cooks evenly and gives you that perfect balance of meat to sauce and cheese. If you prefer smaller meatballs, just adjust the baking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Baking Techniques: Make sure to grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking. If you have parchment paper, lining the bottom can make cleanup a breeze! You’ll also want to check on the casserole a few minutes before the timer goes off; ovens can vary, and you don’t want to overbake the meatballs.
Ingredient Variations: Don’t be afraid to mix it up! You can add chopped herbs like basil or parsley into the meat mixture for an extra burst of flavor. If you want to spice things up, consider adding some red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the marinara sauce.
Cheese Choices: While I love mozzarella, feel free to use other cheeses like provolone or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just remember, the creamier, the better!
Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can prepare the meatballs and assemble everything a day in advance. Just cover it well and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be going in cold.
Serving Suggestions: Serve this casserole with a side salad or some steamed veggies to balance it out. And don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving—it makes all the difference in presentation!

With these tips, you’ll be a meatball casserole pro in no time! Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying a hearty meal without the guilt, this keto diet friendly meatball casserole with cheese and sauce is a fantastic choice. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values you can expect per serving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Calories: 350
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Cholesterol: 90mg

This casserole not only satisfies your cravings but also fits seamlessly into your keto lifestyle. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats while keeping carbs low—what’s not to love?

FAQ Section

Got questions about this keto diet friendly meatball casserole with cheese and sauce? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my answers to help you whip up this delicious dish with confidence.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be a bit lighter, so you might want to add some extra seasonings to amp it up.

How can I make this casserole dairy-free?
No problem! You can substitute the cheese with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or use plant-based cheese that melts well. Just double-check that your marinara sauce is also dairy-free!

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warm.

What type of marinara sauce should I use?
For this keto diet friendly meatball casserole, I recommend using a sugar-free marinara sauce to keep those carbs low. You can find plenty of great options at the store, or you can make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer—you’re looking for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have a thermometer handy, just cut one open to make sure it’s no longer pink inside. Trust me, you want them cooked properly!

I hope these answers help you feel ready to tackle your keto diet friendly meatball casserole with cheese and sauce! If you have more questions, just ask—I’m here to help!

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions

When it comes to making this keto diet friendly meatball casserole with cheese and sauce, it’s great to know that you can easily adapt some ingredients based on what you have in your pantry! Here are a few notes and substitutions that might come in handy:

Ground Beef: While I love the rich flavor of ground beef, you can swap it out for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. Just remember that turkey tends to be milder, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning!
Almond Flour: If almond flour isn’t available, you can use coconut flour, but be cautious because it’s more absorbent. You’ll only need about 1/4 cup of coconut flour instead of 1/2 cup of almond flour. Another option is to use crushed pork rinds, which also keep it keto-friendly!
Parmesan Cheese: For a different flavor kick, consider using Pecorino Romano cheese. It has a sharper taste and works just as well in the meatball mixture. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can give you that cheesy flavor without the dairy!
Marinara Sauce: If you can’t find sugar-free marinara, you can make a quick sauce using canned tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. Just simmer them together for about 15 minutes, and you’ll have a delicious alternative!
Cheese: Mozzarella is my go-to because it melts beautifully, but you can also use provolone or gouda for a nice twist. If you’re avoiding dairy, there are plenty of plant-based cheese options that melt well too!
Egg: If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes). This works well to bind the meatballs together!

These substitutions can help you create a delicious casserole using what you have on hand, without sacrificing any of the flavor or comfort this dish is known for. Get creative, and enjoy the cooking process!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve whipped up this delicious keto diet friendly meatball casserole with cheese and sauce, and now you might be wondering how to store those tempting leftovers. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite!

First off, let the casserole cool completely before storing it. This step is crucial because it prevents condensation from forming, which can make things soggy. Once cooled, you can transfer the casserole to an airtight container. If you used a baking dish you want to keep intact, just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the casserole! Just portion it into smaller containers to make reheating easier later. Wrap each container tightly in plastic wrap and then with foil to prevent freezer burn. It should hold up well for about 2–3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just move the container from the freezer to the fridge to thaw overnight.

Now, onto reheating! If you’ve got leftovers straight from the fridge, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish if it’s not already in one, and pop it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is nice and melty again. If you’re in a rush, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just cover them with a damp paper towel to keep the moisture in, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

And there you have it! Keeping those leftovers delicious and ready for round two is easy-peasy. Enjoy your tasty meal again and again!

Keto diet friendly meatball casserole with cheese and sauce Bliss

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Keto

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious keto diet friendly meatball casserole with cheese and sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cups marinara sauce (sugar-free)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, combine ground beef, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Form the mixture into meatballs and place them in a baking dish.
Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through and cheese is bubbly.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Use sugar-free marinara sauce to keep it keto-friendly.
Feel free to add your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
This dish can be made ahead and reheated.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: keto diet friendly meatball casserole with cheese and sauce

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