Looking for a delicious, satisfying, and easy-to-make low-carb dinner that the whole family will love? This Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole is exactly what you need! Packed with savory meatballs, a rich tomato sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheese, this recipe delivers all the comfort food vibes without the carb overload, making it perfect for your keto lifestyle. It’s a fantastic solution for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and flavorful that aligns with your dietary goals.
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Key Ingredients for Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole
To create this delectable Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole, gather these ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean, for optimal flavor and moisture)
- 1/4 cup almond flour (or pork rind crumbs, for a gluten-free binder)
- 1 large egg (helps bind the meatballs and adds moisture)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a salty, umami kick)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for maximum flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground, for best results)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the meatballs)
For the Sauce & Casserole:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (ensure no added sugar for keto)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (for texture)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth, adds depth)
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (adds creaminess and richness)
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided, for layers of melty goodness)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole:
This Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole is a simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying dish that comes together with minimal fuss. Featuring juicy, seasoned meatballs smothered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce and topped with a glorious blanket of melted cheese, it’s comfort food perfected for your low-carb lifestyle. Expect about 20 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes of cooking, making it an ideal weeknight option.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, almond flour, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Using your hands, gently mix until just combined (do not overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough).
- Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs.
Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (like a cast iron skillet) or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the meatballs to the hot skillet in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Sear the meatballs for 3-4 minutes, turning frequently, until browned on all sides. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same skillet (add a little more olive oil if needed), reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Simmer the Sauce:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add Creaminess and Meatballs:
- Uncover the sauce and add the softened cream cheese. Whisk or stir vigorously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
- Carefully nestle the browned meatballs back into the sauce. Ensure they are mostly submerged.
Assemble and Bake:
- If your skillet is oven-safe, you can proceed directly. If not, transfer the meatballs and sauce to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and all of the cheddar cheese evenly over the meatballs and sauce.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole:
This Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole isn’t just another low-carb meal; it’s a culinary hug in a dish! The main highlight is undeniably the luxurious combination of tender, flavorful meatballs enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, all crowned with a golden, bubbly cheese crust. Making this at home saves you a significant amount compared to takeout, providing a gourmet experience without the gourmet price tag.
The secret to its irresistible flavor lies in the blend of Italian seasonings and the glorious melt of mozzarella and sharp cheddar, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. If you loved our Keto Chicken Alfredo Bake, this meatball casserole offers a similar comforting yet keto-friendly satisfaction! Don’t wait – try making this incredible casserole tonight and discover your new favorite low-carb dinner!
What to Serve Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole With:
This hearty Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole is perfectly satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a few complementary sides can elevate your meal even further.
- Fresh Green Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. Think mixed greens, cucumber, and a few cherry tomatoes.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Non-starchy vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or zucchini make excellent companions. A drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper is all you need.
- Cauliflower Rice: For those who miss a grain base, a side of fluffy cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb alternative to absorb that delicious sauce. You can even stir in some fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Keto Garlic Bread: Whip up some homemade keto garlic bread using almond flour or fathead dough for dipping into the savory sauce.
- Sparkling Water with Lemon: A crisp, refreshing drink to cut through the richness and cleanse your palate.
Top Tips for Perfecting Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole:
- Don’t Overmix Meatballs: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix gently until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough meatballs. A light hand keeps them tender and juicy.
- Brown for Flavor: Don’t skip browning the meatballs! This step creates a delicious crust and locks in moisture, adding a deeper, richer flavor to the overall casserole.
- Quality Canned Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality crushed and diced tomatoes with no added sugar for the best sauce flavor and to keep it truly keto-friendly. San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice if available.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the sauce. This helps it melt smoothly and fully incorporate, preventing lumps and creating a silky, creamy sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the meatballs and adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as needed. Remember, flavors can intensify a bit during baking.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, block cheese grated at home melts much better and often has a superior flavor and texture without anti-caking agents.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Overbaking can dry out the meatballs and make the sauce too thick.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and even simmer the sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then combine and bake when ready to serve. This is a great meal prep hack!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
This Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole is fantastic for leftovers and meal prep, tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For individual portions, store in separate containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully!
- To Freeze Unbaked: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe baking dish, but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil. Label with the date. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, potentially adding an extra 10-15 minutes to account for its initial chill.
- To Freeze Baked: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely. You can freeze it as a whole casserole in its baking dish (covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil) or portion it out into individual freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating (From Refrigerator):
- Oven: For best results, reheat in the oven. Place individual portions or the entire casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil (to prevent cheese from browning too much), and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: For quick reheating of individual portions, microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, until hot. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the meatballs dry.
Reheating (From Frozen):
- Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat using the oven or microwave methods described above. If reheating directly from frozen, it will take significantly longer (e.g., 45-60 minutes in the oven for a whole casserole, covered).
Final Thoughts:
This Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s a testament to how flavorful, satisfying, and utterly delicious low-carb eating can be. With succulent meatballs nestled in a rich, creamy tomato sauce and a golden crown of melted cheese, it’s a dish that genuinely delights. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for company. We encourage you to whip this up and experience the comfort and joy it brings to your table. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!
try also :
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Crockpot Beef Fajitas
- Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- Cheesy Pumpkin Stuffed Pretzel Bites
- Find more in Pinterest
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Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole FAQs:
Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for the meatballs?
A1: Yes, you can! Ground turkey or chicken will result in a leaner meatball. To keep them moist, consider adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil or a bit more cream cheese to the meatball mixture. The cooking time might also vary slightly.
Q2: Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
A2: Absolutely! This Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole is excellent for meal prep. You can bake it in advance and divide it into individual portions for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. It also freezes well.
Q3: Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
A3: Making it entirely dairy-free would significantly alter the “cheesy” aspect. You could try substituting the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and the shredded cheeses with dairy-free shredded mozzarella or cheddar. However, the texture and flavor will be different.
Q4: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A4: To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite keto-friendly hot sauce when serving.
Q5: What if I don’t have almond flour? Can I use something else?
A5: Pork rind crumbs (finely crushed pork rinds) are an excellent keto-friendly alternative to almond flour for binding the meatballs. You’ll use the same amount.
Q6: Can I add vegetables directly to the casserole?
A6: Yes, you can! Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would be great additions. Sauté them with the onion and garlic before adding the crushed tomatoes to the sauce. This will add more nutrients and flavor.
Q7: My sauce seems too thick/thin. How can I fix it?
A7: If your sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little extra beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, or stir in a small amount of an additional softened cream cheese.
Q8: What kind of crushed and diced tomatoes should I use?
A8: Look for crushed and diced tomatoes with no added sugar or artificial ingredients to keep the casserole keto-friendly. Brands like Muir Glen, San Marzano, or other quality organic options are usually good choices.