Irresistible Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole – Cheesy Low-Carb Comfort Food
Introduction
Craving a hearty dish that satisfies your comfort food needs without the carbs? The Irresistible Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole is here to save the day! Bursting with cheesy goodness and flavorful meatballs, this low-carb recipe takes the hassle out of meal prep while keeping you on track with your keto diet. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this mouthwatering casserole that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Each step is straightforward, making this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday ingredients, easily found at your local grocery store.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family meals or gatherings; everyone loves cheesy meatballs!
- Unbelievably Delicious: Savory meatballs smothered in sauce and melted cheese are pure comfort food.
- Keto-Friendly: Enjoy a satisfying dish without the carbs, perfect for your dietary needs!
This casserole stands out because it combines tender meatballs with a rich tomato sauce and a beautifully melted cheese topping, all coming together for a dish that’s both filling and guilt-free.
Ingredients Needed
To prepare your delicious casserole, gather the following ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 2 pounds ground turkey (or you can substitute with ground beef or pork)
- 1 egg (for binding)
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (adds creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for depth)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (adds an aromatic kick)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to enhance flavors)
For the Sauce and Topping:
- 1 cup low-carb tomato sauce (make sure it has no added sugar)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for the cheesy topping)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (adds richness)
Garnish (optional):
- Fresh basil or parsley (for a pop of color and freshness)
How to Make Irresistible Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This sets the stage for perfectly cooked meatballs.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey (or your choice of meat), egg, ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined—avoid overmixing for tender meatballs.
- Shape the Meatballs: Use your hands to form 1.5-inch meatballs and place them onto a lined baking sheet. This size ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
- Assemble the Casserole: Once baked, transfer the meatballs to a casserole dish. Pour the low-carb tomato sauce over the meatballs and top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
- Final Bake: Slide the casserole back into the oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Let Rest and Serve: Allow the dish to cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
How to Serve Irresistible Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole
Serve the casserole warm, directly from the oven, for maximum flavor. Pair it with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a wholesome meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top elevates the dish, while a side of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice can help soak up the delicious sauce!
How to Store Irresistible Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers where it can last for about 2–3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Irresistible Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole
- Don’t Overmix: Combine ingredients for meatballs gently to avoid tough meatballs.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in diced bell peppers or mushrooms into the meatball mix for added nutrition.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of freshness to the flavor profile.
Variations
If you want to mix things up, try substituting the ground turkey with chicken or beef. You could also experiment with different herbs or add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works great and will provide a slightly different flavor while remaining low-carb.
How do I make this gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it does not contain bread or breadcrumbs. Just ensure your tomato sauce is gluten-free.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! The casserole freezes well. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container and let it cool before freezing.
Conclusion
The Irresistible Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole is a winning dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to your table. With its cheesy goodness and easy prep, it’s sure to become a favorite for your family and friends. Don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating if you try this recipe, and share it on social media so others can enjoy it too! What variations did you try? Let us know below!
Print
Irresistible Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto
Description
A hearty, low-carb casserole featuring cheesy meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for anyone on a keto diet.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey (or ground beef or pork)
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup low-carb tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix gently.
- Form 1.5-inch meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for about 25 minutes, until cooked through.
- Transfer meatballs to a casserole dish. Pour tomato sauce over meatballs and top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden top.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.
Notes
Avoid overmixing the meatball ingredients to keep them tender. You can also add diced vegetables into the meatball mix for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 80mg