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There’s a certain joy that fills the kitchen when you create a dish that marries comfort and health—enter my Cheesy Keto Meatballs, inspired by the irresistible flavors of pizzeria classics. Picture this: you pull the tray from the oven, and the golden, melted mozzarella bubbles invitingly atop each meatball, flooding your senses with those familiar scents of Italian herbs and tangy tomato sauce.

I concocted this recipe during a whirlwind week, craving something that made my taste buds dance but wouldn’t derail my keto goals. The beauty of these meatballs lies in their versatility and incredible flavor—all while being gluten-free and low-carb. Each bite bursts with savory goodness, thanks to the combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, accented by a warm, cheesy finish that feels indulgent without the guilt.

Whether you serve them over zoodles or tuck them into meal prep containers, these meatballs are destined to become a favorite. Don’t be surprised if they vanish from your table faster than you can say “delicious!” Ready to dive into the creation? Let’s get started!

Why are these Keto Meatballs a must-try?

Flavor Explosion: Each meatball delivers juicy, savory goodness, perfectly blending ground beef and Italian sausage.
Cheesy Delight: Topped with melted, gooey mozzarella, every bite feels indulgent.
Healthy Twist: Enjoy the classic pizzeria taste while staying low-carb and gluten-free.
Versatile Meal: Serve over zoodles or cauliflower rice for a quick, satisfying dinner.
Easy Cooking: With straightforward preparation, you can whip these up in no time—perfect for a weeknight treat!

Keto Meatballs Ingredients

For the Meatballs

Ground Beef – Use 80/20 for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
Italian Sausage – Infuses deep flavor; substitute with ground pork for a milder taste.
Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds richness and helps bind the meat; Pecorino provides a sharper flavor.
Egg – Essential for binding; consider a flax egg for a vegan option.

For the Sauce

Pizza Sauce – Moistens the meatballs with rich flavor; switch to marinara for a different twist.
Tomato Paste – Intensifies sauce flavor; use tomato puree if you prefer a lighter taste.

For the Topping

Mozzarella Cheese (Whole Milk) – Melts beautifully for a cheesy crust; low-fat mozzarella is a lighter choice.

For Seasoning

Salt, Black Pepper, Onion Powder – Essential for enhancing flavor; adjust to taste based on preference.

These Keto Meatballs will surprise you with their flavor while keeping things healthy! Enjoy the preparation!

How to Make Keto Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust.
Mix the ingredients in a bowl. Combine ground beef, Italian sausage, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, and onion powder until just blended. Don’t overmix; you want them tender!
Form the meatballs about the size of a quarter. This size helps them cook evenly and quickly—around 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
Sear the meatballs in a heated frying pan for 1-2 minutes on each side, until they are nicely browned. This step adds extra flavor and texture.
Prepare the sauce by adding tomato paste to the same pan, cooking for about 10 seconds, just until fragrant, then stir in the pizza sauce until blended.
Coat the seared meatballs in the prepared sauce, making sure they are well-covered. Then, remove the pan from the heat.
Top the meatballs with shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring they are generously covered for that gooey melt.
Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the meatballs are cooked through.

Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a bright finish.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Cheesy Keto Meatballs?

Transform your cozy dinner into a delightful feast with perfect pairings that enhance every mouthful of these delicious meatballs.

Zucchini Noodles: The lightness of zucchini noodles absorbs the robust sauce, creating a seamless transition from classic pasta to a keto-friendly twist.
Cauliflower Rice: This fluffy, low-carb alternative soaks up the sauce beautifully while adding a subtle crunch, making each bite satisfying.
Garlic Butter Green Beans: The crisp-tender beans tossed in garlic butter lend freshness and a pop of color to your meal, balancing the richness of the meatballs.
Mixed Greens Salad: A refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette will brighten the plate, cutting through the richness and adding a burst of flavor.
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower: This velvety side mirrors the comfort of potatoes without the carbs, offering a creamy counterpart to your hearty meatballs.
Low-Carb Breadsticks: Homemade or store-bought, these warm, cheesy breadsticks are perfect for dunking in extra sauce, enhancing the meal experience.
Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing drink that cleanses the palate, allowing the flavors of the meatballs to shine through without added sugars.
Dark Chocolate Mousse: End the meal on a sweet note with a rich, low-carb chocolate treat. A little indulgence to round out your keto dinner!

Expert Tips for the Best Keto Meatballs

Perfect Size Matters: Aim for meatballs around a quarter size. Larger meatballs may not cook evenly and can become dry.
Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip searing the meatballs before baking. This step locks in moisture and enhances the overall flavor of your Keto Meatballs.
Sauce Substitutions: If you’re out of pizza sauce, marinara works wonders too! Just make sure it’s low-carb to keep your dish keto-friendly.
Storage Savvy: Keep leftovers in airtight containers. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to a month for long-lasting yumminess.
Spice It Up: Feel free to customize your seasonings! Adding a dash of garlic powder or Italian herbs can elevate your Keto Meatballs to new flavor heights.

Make Ahead Options

These Keto Meatballs are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can mix and shape the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance; just cover them tightly and refrigerate to keep them fresh. Additionally, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately in the fridge for up to 3 days, which helps maintain the flavors. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply coat the meatballs in the sauce, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have delicious, homemade keto meatballs waiting for you with minimal effort on the day you serve them!

How to Store and Freeze Keto Meatballs

Fridge: Keep your meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This way, they’ll maintain their juicy texture and delicious flavor.

Freezer: Ideal for longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 1 month.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or microwave until heated through.

Packing Tips: If you’re meal prepping, consider portioning them into single servings to make your weeknight dinners even easier with these convenient Keto Meatballs.

Keto Meatball Variations

Feel free to get creative with these meatball variations and discover new flavors that excite your taste buds!

Ground Turkey: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner, lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
Italian Herbs: Add a teaspoon of dried oregano or basil to elevate the classic Italian flavors in your meatballs.
Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as an Italian cheese mix, for an extra depth of flavor on top.
Spicy Kick: Mix in some crushed red pepper flakes to bring a delicious heat that perfectly complements the savory meat.
Veggie Boost: Incorporate finely grated zucchini or spinach to sneak in extra veggies while keeping them moist and flavorful.
Crockpot Cooking: For a hands-off approach, cook meatballs in a slow cooker with sauce for about 4 hours on low.
Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to keep your meal plant-based and creamy.
Almond Flour: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option that maintains a delightful texture.

Keto Meatballs Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best ingredients for my Keto Meatballs?
Absolutely! For ground beef, look for an 80/20 blend for the juiciest meatballs. When choosing Italian sausage, opt for one that has a robust flavor without fillers. If you’re selecting cheese, a block of Parmesan will provide the best taste and texture, and always check for good melting properties in mozzarella.

How do I store leftover Keto Meatballs?
Very! Store your meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before refrigerating to maintain their juicy texture. For additional longevity, consider freezing them—more on that next!

Can I freeze Keto Meatballs, and if so, how?
Absolutely! For freezing, arrange the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, labeling the bag with the date. These can last up to 1 month! To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) from frozen for about 20-25 minutes or microwave until heated through.

What should I do if my meatballs turn out dry?
If your meatballs are dry, they might have been overcooked or the meat blend was too lean. Always aim for 80/20 ground beef alongside Italian sausage to keep them moist. Also, consider adding a few tablespoons of milk or broth to the mixture, as this adds moisture. If baked properly, they should have a juicy center and that gooey cheese topping!

Are these Keto Meatballs safe for those with dietary restrictions?
Yes! They’re gluten-free but always double-check your ingredients. If anyone in your family has allergies, such as dairy or eggs, you can swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flax mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Always feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your needs!

What can I pair with my Keto Meatballs for a complete meal?
For a delightful meal, serve your meatballs over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Both options are low in carbs and will complement the savory flavors beautifully. You can also add a side of steamed veggies or a fresh green salad topped with your favorite dressing for balance. The more the merrier!