This Keto Meatball Casserole is the ultimate low-carb comfort food! Juicy homemade meatballs are baked in a rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese, and finished in the oven until bubbly and golden. It’s hearty, satisfying, and ready in under an hour, without the carbs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-carb & keto-friendly – All the flavour of classic Italian comfort food without the pasta.
- Super cheesy – Mozzarella + Parmesan makes the perfect golden topping.
- Easy to prep ahead – Make the meatballs and assemble the casserole in advance.
- Family-friendly – Even non-keto eaters will love this one!
Ingredients to make Keto Meatball Casserole
- Ground beef – Use 80/20 for flavour and moisture. You can also mix in ground pork for extra richness.
- Almond flour – Keeps the meatballs keto while adding structure. Crushed pork rinds work too!
- Sugar-free marinara – Be sure to use a low-carb sauce with no added sugars.
- Mozzarella – Use whole milk for the best melt and flavour.
- Parmesan – Adds salty richness and helps create that golden, bubbly top.
Substitutions & Variations
- Spicy version – Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage to the mix.
- Dairy-free – Use dairy-free cheese substitutes to keep it keto and non-dairy.
- Add veggies – Layer in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini under the sauce.
Keto Meatball Casserole
Course: Lunch, DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy5
servings15
minutes35
minutes1
9×9 panThis Keto Meatball Casserole is the ultimate low-carb comfort food! Juicy homemade meatballs are baked in a rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese, and finished in the oven until bubbly and golden. It’s hearty, satisfying, and ready in under an hour, without the carbs!
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
1 egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup almond flour
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the casserole:
1½ cups sugar-free marinara sauce (Rao’s or homemade)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until just combined. Roll into 1½-inch balls (about 20). Place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until browned and mostly cooked through.
- Transfer baked meatballs to a greased 9×9 baking dish. Pour marinara over the top, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Return to oven and bake another 15–18 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil the last 2–3 minutes for a golden top, if desired.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve as-is or with a side of roasted veggies or zoodles.
