Keto Meatballs
Keto Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Made with ground beef, Italian sausage, and Parmesan cheese instead of breadcrumbs, they’re naturally low carb, gluten-free, and packed with Italian flavor.
Serve them with marinara, zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or as an easy appetizer. This keto meatball recipe freezes beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep and busy weeknight dinners.
Be sure to try my Meatball Casserole and Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs next!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in protein and low in net carbs
- No breadcrumbs needed
- Juicy, flavorful meatballs every time
- Great for meal prep
- Freezer friendly
- Perfect for dinner or appetizers
- Simple ingredients and easy cleanup
Before You Get Started
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture or the meatballs can become tough.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs.
- Leave a little space between the meatballs on the baking sheet for even browning.
- Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef – I like using lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture.
- Italian Sausage – Sweet or hot Italian sausage both work. You can also substitute ground pork if preferred.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Adds moisture and helps bind the meatballs. Part-skim or whole milk mozzarella will both work.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Replaces traditional breadcrumbs while adding rich flavor.
- Large Egg – Holds everything together.
- Dried Minced Onion & Garlic – Save prep time while adding plenty of flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder also work.
- Dried Parsley – Fresh parsley, basil, or Italian seasoning can also be used.
- Salt – A little goes a long way since the parmesan is naturally salty.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Keto Meatballs
First Step: Preheat the oven and lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Second Step: In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients until just mixed.
Third Step: Scoop the mixture into approximately 24 meatballs using a large cookie scoop or your hands. Arrange them in a single layer with a little space between each one.
Fourth Step: Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Top Tip💡
Mix the meat gently and only until everything is combined. Overmixing compresses the meat and results in dense meatballs instead of tender, juicy ones.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or simmer them in marinara sauce until heated through.
Variations
- Different Meats – You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, pork, or veal in Italian meatballs.
- Spicy Meatballs – Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Herbs – Add fresh basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning.
- Pan-Seared – Brown the meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil, then finish them in the oven.
- Creamy – Simmer the baked meatballs in a sauce made with marinara and a splash of heavy cream for an easy creamy Italian dinner.
- Dairy-Free – Replace the cheeses with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to help bind the meatballs.
- Swedish Style – Try my Keto Swedish Meatballs for another creamy variation.
Common Questions
Can I make keto meatballs without breadcrumbs?
Yes! Parmesan cheese and egg provide plenty of structure, so breadcrumbs aren’t necessary.
Should I bake or pan fry meatballs?
Baking is the easiest method and produces evenly cooked meatballs with beautifully browned outsides.
Can I freeze keto meatballs?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months and reheat whenever you need a quick meal.
What should I serve with keto meatballs?
They’re delicious with Keto Marinara Sauce and zoodles, spaghetti squash, cauliflower mash, cauliflower rice, salads, or served as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.
Missing pasta? Try these Keto Raviolis.
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Keto Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/3 cup grated or shredded parmesan
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp dried minced onion
- 2 tsp dried minced garlic
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400. Spray a sheet pan or casserole dish with cooking spray
- Combine all the ingredients for the meatballs and mix thoroughly.
- Make about 24 meatballs and put them on the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Notes
Nutrition
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Originally Published Jun 3, 2019. Revised and Republished July 10, 2026.
Question: my digestive system doesn’t like mozzarella cheese, so I try to avoid it at all costs. Is there a suitable substitute for it? Or can I simply leave it out without totally ruining the meatballs?
You can leave it out.
What kind of sausage ground or from casings?
Ground sausage. If you buy sausage in casings you need to remove them. That is easiest by slicing down one side with a kitchen shears and then peeling the casing off.
I tried the recipe precisely and the meatballs were good. I tried again but this time added a half cup of crushed up pork rinds and they were much lighter and tastier. This’ll be my go-to meatball recipe.
These meatballs are tender and full bodied, something I didn’t expect. Went very well with the marinara.
Thanks for the recipe. Best meatballs I’ve made.
I have tried so many low carb meatball recipes, and this one is our absolute favorite. You really don’t need pork rinds or almond flour as an alternative to breadcrumbs, in my opinion it just makes the meatballs dry, even if you add in cream with some recipes I’ve tried. These are PERFECT!
Sooo tasty and flavorful! These meatballs have earned a regular spot on our Keto friendly menu, so delicious!
Delicious meatballs with full flavor and good texture! My whole family loved them.
Just made these last night and they were great! awesome flavor and a keeper for us. Even my non-keto husband loved them. Thank you!
Meatballs are very tasty. You do need to mix well to incorporate but when you make the meatball you don’t want to squash it down and make a solid. They come out perfect.
These were sooo good! I have tried a dozen different keto meatball recipes, and these have been my favorite. I love the combo of beef and Italian sausage.
I’d rather have meaty meatballs over pasta any day! Yum!
Using the beef and sausage really makes this recipe stand out! Love it!
How informative recipe! I have learnt so much about KETO. Thank you!