Keto Meatballs in Marinara
Tender, herby beef meatballs simmered in a rich low-sugar marinara. Bound with parmesan and almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a fully keto classic.
Meatballs without the breadcrumbs
Classic meatballs rely on breadcrumbs for tenderness, but almond flour and grated parmesan do the same job while keeping them keto. The result is juicy, well-seasoned, and every bit as satisfying simmered in a good marinara.
Make a big batch and freeze half; these reheat beautifully and turn any night into a comfort-food night. Serve over zoodles or spaghetti squash for a complete low-carb plate.
- Do not overmix or the meatballs turn dense
- Sear before simmering for deeper flavor
- Let them finish cooking in the sauce
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (net carbs →)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (net carbs →)
- 1/3 cup almond flour (net carbs →)
- 1 large egg (net carbs →)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (net carbs →)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (net carbs →)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (net carbs →)
- 3 cups low-sugar marinara sauce (net carbs →)
- Fresh basil, for serving (net carbs →)
Instructions
- 1In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, parmesan, almond flour, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Do not overmix.
- 2Roll the mixture into 20 meatballs about 1 1/2 inches across.
- 3Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the meatballs on all sides until browned, about 6 minutes total.
- 4Pour the marinara over the meatballs and bring to a gentle simmer.
- 5Cover and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
- 6Garnish with fresh basil and serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Nutrition (per serving)
Recipe FAQ
Can I bake the meatballs instead of searing?
Yes. Bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, then transfer to the simmering marinara to finish. Searing gives a deeper crust, but baking is more hands-off.
What is the best low-carb pasta substitute?
Zucchini noodles and spaghetti squash are the most popular. For a firmer bite, try hearts of palm noodles or shirataki noodles, both of which are very low in carbs.
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What should I eat today?
Turn the ingredients you like or already have into a keto breakfast, lunch & dinner — net carbs counted.