These keto meatballs are moist, tender, juicy, perfect without any breadcrumbs or flour. Learn how to make low carb meatballs that are perfect for meal prep, served as appetizers and great to take to work. I provide instructions for oven baking meatballs, pan-frying or air-fryer.
Try some of the best keto meatballs and turn them into your favorite flavourful dish. Use your preferred method to cook the meatballs and then create great recipes around them. I like to serve them with marinara sauce and zucchini noodles.
Ingredients for the Keto Meatballs :
The ingredients you’ll need for the keto meatballs are effortless to find and delicious. This recipe is versatile and basic. You can enhance the flavors by adding red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or oregano.
I stick with the more basic Italian version of these meatballs and used: ground beef, parmesan, eggs, garlic, onion, heavy cream (instead of milk), salt, and pepper.
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground meat, 85 % lean such as beef, pork, chicken, turkey, veal or mix
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 small onion finely grated onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Keto Meatballs ?
It’s so easy to make these meatballs. All you have to do is to combine all the ingredients with your hands and form beautiful meatballs.
How to cook meatballs? Well, that’s up to you! Whether you chose to oven bake, fry them or use the Airfryer, I give detailed instructions for all the methods.
- In a bowl combine the beaten egg, salt, pepper, minced garlic, chopped onion, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, parsley. Whisk to combine.
- Add the ground meat to the egg mixture. Use your hands to incorporate the egg mixture into the meat. Try not to overwork the meat.
- Form about 12 meatballs. I use a scale (not mandatory!) and weigh my meatballs to make sure they are equal. This step helps the meatballs cook evenly.
To Bake Meatballs
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with foil or use a silicone baking mat.
- Place the meatballs onto the sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. The meatballs are ready when the outsides are brown.
- Serve the meatballs warm, topped with mozzarella or with Rao’s Marinara Sauce. Garnish with more freshly chopped parsley and enjoy!
How to Make Meatballs in the Air Fryer?
- Start by lightly greasing the basket of the Air Dryer. Combine all the ingredients and form meatballs using your hands.
- Set the Airfryer at 350F and cook for about 13-14 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. I manage to fit all the meatballs in this recipe into my 6 QT Air Fryer.
- Serve the meatballs warm, topped with mozzarella, low carb tomato sauce, and zucchini noodles.
Fry the Keto Meatballs Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat add a few tablespoons of oil or bacon grease.
- Add meatballs and cook, occasionally turning until golden on all the sides (about 8-10 minutes).
- Remove from the skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels.
More Ground Beef Recipes For You to Try:
Ground beef is such a versatile ingredient. I have so many favorite recipes using it as a main ingredient. Here are a few of them may love:
The Best Keto Meatballs Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground meat 85 % lean such as beef, pork, chicken, turkey, veal or mix
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 small onion finely grated onion
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Serving Suggestions
- Zucchini noodles
- Mozarella
- Rao’s Marinara Sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl combine the beaten egg, salt, pepper, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic. Whisk to combine.
- Add the ground meat to the egg mixture. Use your hands to incorporate the egg mixture into the meat. Try not to overwork the meat.
- Form about 12 meatballs. I use a scale (not mandatory!) and weigh my meatballs to make sure they are equal. This step helps the meatballs cook evenly.
Bake in the Oven Meatballs Method:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C. Line a baking sheet with foil or use a silicone baking mat.
- Place the meatballs onto the sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. The meatballs are ready when the outsides are brown.
- Serve the meatballs warm, topped with mozzarella or with Rao’s Marinara Sauce. Garnish with more freshly chopped parsley and enjoy!
Air Fryer Method
- Start by lightly greasing the basket of the air fryer. Combine all the ingredients and form meatballs using your hands.
- Set the Airfryer at 350°F/180°C and cook for about 13-14 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. I manage to fit all the meatballs in this recipe into my 6 QT Air Fryer.
- Serve the meatballs warm, topped with mozzarella, low carb tomato sauce, and zucchini noodles.
Fry the meatballs
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat add a few tablespoons of oil or bacon grease.
- Add meatballs and cook, occasionally turning until golden on all the sides (about 8-10 minutes).
- Remove from the skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels.
Notes
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
READER FAVORITES
The full recipe is in the recipe card below. Readers that love this aslo made these recipes:
These were really good and very easy to make. Silly me I forgot the onion but still great. I made a big batch and put some in the freezer.
Can you tell me how many are one serving?
The macros are calculated for one meatball, so you can choose to eat as much as you think you need to feel satisfied. Hope this helps! Keep up the good work!
These meatballs are incredibly delicious. I have made tons of meatballs and these are by far the best- keto or non keto. I baked mine and stuffed them with mozzarella- so you got a surprise centering served with a homemade marinara.
The meatballs are SO good. I made some for dinner last night and my husband ate 8 of them!!! I’m making more for meatball sandwiches tonight.
I used this recipe for stuffed peppers. Delicious and did not miss the breadcrumbs or rice which I normally would have used