This Italian Meatball Casserole is a super simple dinner that has your crockpot doing all the hard work. All you need to do is combine the ground beef, coconut flour, cheeses, and spices, and in just a few hours, you’ll have a hearty but low carb keto meatball casserole. It’s perfect for any time of year.
HOW TO MAKE THIS KETO MEATBALL CASSEROLE
I love this Italian meatball casserole because it’s really simple to make. I had made BBQ meatballs before, so I knew it would be easy to make a couple of changes to the recipe to make keto/low carb Italian Meatballs. Usually, Italian Meatballs are served over noodles, but instead of making a noodle substitute, we just ate them right out of the casserole dish with a side of buttery broccoli.
If you’d like to eat with a keto/low carb noodle substitute, you could serve it over spaghetti squash (how to roast a spaghetti squash here) or with zucchini zoodles.
If you like this low carb meatball recipe, make certain to check out this Lazy Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole {low carb} as well. It’s another easy casserole recipe that packs in the taste.
Ingredients:
- Ground Beef – I used 80/20 ground beef, but you could also sub ground turkey instead
- Cheeses– Parmesan and mozzarella cheese make this taste amazing.
- Coconut flour – Binds the ingredients together. You can sub almond flour instead.
- Eggs – Mix with the coconut flour to make the meatballs form properly
- Low Carb Spaghetti Sauce – Make certain it’s sugar-free as well.
- Seasonings– Use as directed and then taste test.
Steps to make Keto Italian Meatball Casserole:
Step 1: Combine all ingredients except the last three ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
Step 2: Heat a cast-iron skillet on medium on the stove.
Step 3: Cover the bottom of the skillet with ¼ inch coconut oil. You could also use olive oil or lard.
Step 4: When the oil gets hot, scoop meatballs with a cookie scoop into hot oil and brown. If you prefer, you can form the meatballs into balls by hand, but I have found that using a cookie scoop or ice scoop is easier.
Step 5: Once the meatballs are browned, place in the bottom of a crockpot.
Step 6: Pour a low carb spaghetti sauce on top of the meatballs. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low 4-5 hours.
Low Carb Marinara Sauce Options without any added sugars:
- Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce – 4g net carbs per ½ cup
- Rao’s Homemade Tomato Basil Sauce – 3g net carbs per ½ cup
- Lucini Italia Organic Tuscan Marinara Sauce – 3g net carbs per ½ cup
- Lucini Italia Organic Rustic Tomato Basil – 3g net carbs per ½ cup
- Mezzetta Napa Valley Homemade Sauce Marinara – 6g net carbs per ½ cup
- ALDI Simply Selected Premium Marinara – 5g net carbs per ½ cup
Step 7: Scoop out meatballs into a casserole dish.
Step 9: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese then basil on top. Then, broil in the oven on the top rack for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese starts to bubble and brown.
Yum! This keto meatball casserole is absolutely delish! It has so much flavor after slow cooking all day in the crock-pot.
KETO MEATBALL RECIPE TIPS
- Even though this simple meatball recipe is ultimately cooked in the crockpot, there is a portion to cook in a cast-iron pan as well. You’re going to fry up the meatballs until the outside has a nice brown crust before adding to a casserole dish.
- Use a big cookie scoop or ice cream scoop and pack the meatball tightly against the side of the bowl before dropping it into the oil to fry. This makes is so much easier and it’s not as messy.
- If you’re worried that they have a lot of grease on them after cooking in the oil, you can place them on a napkin to soak some of it up.
CAN YOU MAKE THESE ITALIAN MEATBALLS AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes. If you’re wanting to save a little bit of time and meal prep for later, you can make the meatballs and cook them up in your skillet and have them waiting in the fridge to add to the slow cooker. Slow cooker meatballs can be cooked later after you’ve done minimal prep.
WHAT DO I SERVE WITH IT?
This is such a simple and easy meal in itself and
- Serve as is with a simple leafy garden salad and Keto Cheesy Garlic Chaffle Bread.
- Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or keto air-fryer roasted green beans all make wonderful low carb side dishes.
- Serve over steamed riced cauliflower or zucchini zoodles for more of a pasta dish feel.
WHAT KIND OF TOPPINGS GO WELL WITH THIS KETO MEATBALL CASSEROLE?
Fresh parmesan is always a big hit. But you can also add diced onions, fresh jalapenos, and even some cilantro and chives too. As long as the toppings are low carb, they should be fine to add.
MORE LOW CARB DINNER RECIPES:
If you love our simple keto meatball casserole, then I know you will enjoy checking out all of my family’s favorite recipes in my Keto Recipes Index. With tons of delicious sweet and savory options perfect for the keto diet, you will love this tool. I’ve shared a few more favorites below for a quick start to your menu!
How to Make Keto Meatball Casserole
Italian Meatball Casserole {Keto/Low Carb}
Ingredients
- 1¼ lb Ground Beef 80/20
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 2 eggs
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp minced onion
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 24 oz jar low carb spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon basil to sprinkle on top of cheeses
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the last three ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
- Heat a cast iron skillet on medium on the stove.
- Cover the bottom of the skillet with ¼ inch coconut oil.
- When the oil gets hot, scoop meatballs with a cookie scoop into hot oil and brown.
- Once the meatballs are browned, place in the bottom of a crock pot.
- Pour spaghetti sauce on top of the meatballs.
- Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low 4-5.
- Scoop out meatballs into a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese then basil on top.
- Broil in the oven on the top rack for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese starts to bubble and brown.
Notes
Low Carb Pizza Sauce Options without any added sugars:
- Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce – 4g net carbs per ½ cup
- Rao’s Homemade Tomato Basil Sauce – 3g net carbs per ½ cup
- Lucini Italia Organic Tuscan Marinara Sauce – 3g net carbs per ½ cup
- Lucini Italia Organic Rustic Tomato Basil – 3g net carbs per ½ cup
- Mezzetta Napa Valley Homemade Sauce Marinara – 6g net carbs per ½ cup
- ALDI Simply Selected Premium Marinara – 5g net carbs per ½ cup
Nutrition
Josh says
Nutrition on this? I’m keeping a carb count a day so I want to know how many carbs and the serving size. If it’s not too much trouble
Kasey says
Nutritional info is included on the recipe card.
Stephen Revier says
This is not very clear. So the net carbs in the notes is per single serving based on the type of sauce you use?
Kasey says
The nutritional info is provided for the recipe as written. The sauces listed at the bottom of the recipe card are low carb options to look for along with their carb count.
Corrie says
Just wanted to say how delicious this was!! Also, is the nutritional information for the entire recipe or per serving. Fitness pal says 1 recipe so i just wanted to clarify!!! Thank you!!!
Kasey says
Glad you enjoyed! Nutritional information is per serving.
FamgirlShay says
I absolutely LOOVVEE this recipe, family asks for it multiple times a month!! I add fresh chopped onions and usually make larger portions because they devour it! Thankyou for sharing this!
Kasey says
Perfect! So glad everyone loves it.
Tracy says
I’m gonna try it this soooo excited!!!! Wish me luck ladies
Shawna B says
I made this tonight and should have already though comments. I had forgotten this was a crockpot recipe so into the pressure cooker mine went to get the same outcome in less time. I cooked for about 20 mins on medium heat and it was all good and tender! GREAT recipe! Thanks for sharing!
Kasey says
Glad you enjoyed it!!
Tracy says
Did you still brown the meatballs in the stove? And then just combine everything in the instapot, I’m gonna do it that way.
Tiffany says
Do you brown the meatballs until completely done in the center or until they’re just brown?
Kasey says
No, just the outside.
Michelle Bolden-Butler says
I am confused one part of the recipe says coconut flour the other says coconut oil is it both?
Kasey says
Coconut flour is in the recipe, coconut oil is used in the pan before cooking the meatballs.
Penny says
Love this- I make it all the time! I brown the balls and then cook it all in the oven.
Kasey says
Glad you enjoyed!
Shari says
How long do you cook it in the oven
Kasey says
I’m not sure. I’ve only made this recipe as is.
Renee says
I just baked this in the oven at 350° for about 30 min, then topped with the cheese and broiled as directed. The family loved it! Browning the meatballs first is key 😉
I should note that I more than doubled the recipe, though — I used 3lbs ground beef and adjusted the recipe accordingly — so your cooking time may vary.
Thanks so much for this recipe!
Kirsten says
How long do you cook them in the oven for and at what temp?
Peggy says
This recipe has become a staple in my house. Perfect. No noodles required.
Kasey says
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed!
Leslie says
I didn’t read all of the instructions before beginning to make the meatballs that it was a crockpot recipe. Not having hours to spend – I decided to make it in my foodi ninja instead. I followed the instructions up to putting in the crock pot, I instead put them in my foodi. I also didn’t have spaghetti sauce so I used pizza sauce. I set the foodi to pressure cook on high for 15 mins. After it finished I did a quick release on the pressure. Then sprinkled the cheese (a mixture of provolone and mozzarella) and the basil on top and used the air fryer lid to broil it for 3 mins. It turned out PERFECT. Thank you for the recipe. The meatballs are great on their own but served over some zucchini noodles would probably make it that much better 🙂 DELICIOUS!
Kasey says
Awesome! I love the Foodi Ninja!! Glad it turned out so good!
Lisa says
This recipe is amazing! The entire family enjoyed it! I think it’s now my new favourite! Thanks for posting such great recipes!
Kasey says
Thanks so much!! Glad your family enjoyed it!!
Pauline says
Can you use frozen meatballs?pauline
Kasey says
I haven’t tried them but that would be your call.
Ann says
Can I use almond flour instead of coconut flour?
Mary Trenum says
Sure
Tami says
Definitely a keeper! Even the hubs who is not Keto loved it and wants it again🙌🏻🥰
Dena says
Thanks I love this recipe
.Kasey says
You’re welcome. I’m glad you love it!
Jenny says
Do you think I could just mix and roll the meatballs and leave in the fridge until ready to cook? I am meal prepping for the week and wanted to make them on Tuesday night.
Thanks!
Kasey says
I would think they would be fine but I’ve never personally tried making them in advance.
Karen says
What spaghetti sauce do you use?
.Kasey says
Rao’s or Mezzetta. Can fine both at Walmart.
Leslie says
Recipe did not disappoint!! How many meatballs in one serving?
.Kasey says
The nutritional info is for six servings. You will just need to do the math, according to how many meatballs you make.
Kathy H says
This is in the crock pot right now but I can already tell this will be a keeper, smells so good I can’t wait until dinner! Thanks for all the great recipes you provide us, they are appreciated!
Nancy KB says
Can you use almond flour?
Kasey says
Yes, you can sub almond flour or pork rinds.
Sherri says
Excellent!! My son doesn’t like much that I cook these days but he loves this and told me this was a keeper! High praise, Kasey!
I wasn’t totally prepared to make this so this shows that you can still turn out a delicious dinner in a shorter period of time. I followed the recipe for ingredients but did season a little heavier. Since it was close to dinner time, I made the meatballs and baked in the oven. They did spread a little bit but nothing noticeable to my family. I used two jars of low carb spaghetti, adding basil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a couple drops of ezsweet. Simmered the sauce while the meatballs baked, then added the meatballs to the sauce to gently simmer for a little bit. (Note I cleaned off the meatballs – foamy stuffy). I served over angel hair pasta for family and palmini pasta for me. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. So delicious! Will definitely make the casserole version next time. My son loved the cheese in the meatballs!!
Sherri says
Please note that I used minimal sauce on mine. Changing amounts does change carb count so adjust accordingly.