If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, look no further than this Keto Meatball Casserole. This dish is perfect for family dinners, game nights, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Featuring low-carb meatballs smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese, it combines flavor and nutrition seamlessly. The best part? It’s easy to make and will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of ground turkey and Italian sausage creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Low Carb: Perfect for those following a keto diet, this casserole packs all the flavor with minimal carbs.
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish or pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making this delicious Keto Meatball Casserole, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the cooking process and ensure your casserole turns out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Cooking spray
- Broiler (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Essential for holding your meatballs as they bake and ensuring even cooking throughout.
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without mess or fuss.
Ingredients
If you need family dinner this Meatball Casserole should be it. Flavorful low carb meatballs covered in sauce & cheese for the best meatball parmesan ever.
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 shredded zucchini (about 1 cup)
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp dried minced onion
- 2 tsp dried minced garlic
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
For the Topping
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/3 cup grated or shredded parmesan
- 8 oz shredded cheese (a blend of mozzarella and provolone)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Keto Meatball Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, spray your baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the meatballs:
1. Add ground turkey.
2. Add Italian sausage.
3. Mix in shredded zucchini, egg, minced onion, minced garlic, dried basil, and salt.
4. Blend everything thoroughly until well combined.
5. Form about 24 meatballs from the mixture and place them in the prepared casserole dish.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until they are cooked through. After baking, carefully drain any excess cooking liquid from the casserole dish.
Step 4: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Spread marinara sauce evenly over the baked meatballs. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top followed by parmesan cheese. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Optional Broiling
For a crispy top, broil on high for an additional 3-4 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye on it as cheese can burn quickly under the broiler.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Keto Meatball Casserole! Serve hot and watch it disappear from your dining table!
How to Serve Keto Meatball Casserole
Keto Meatball Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Basil: Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor and vibrant color.
- Parsley Garnish: Finely chopped parsley adds freshness and a pop of green to the dish.
Over Zoodles
- Zucchini Noodles: Serve the meatballs over spiralized zucchini for a low-carb pasta alternative.
- Sautéed Spinach: A bed of wilted spinach complements the casserole beautifully and adds nutrition.
Accompanied by Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with creamy dressing pairs well with the rich flavors of the casserole.
- Greek Salad: A refreshing Greek salad offers a nice contrast with feta cheese and olives.
How to Perfect Keto Meatball Casserole
To make your Keto Meatball Casserole even better, consider these helpful tips for perfecting the recipe.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and quality meats to enhance flavor.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with spices like oregano or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your meatballs; baking times may vary based on oven performance.
- Add Veggies: Incorporating vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can boost nutrition and texture.
- Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving, which helps the meatballs hold their shape.
- Broil for Crispiness: Broiling at the end gives the cheese a delightful golden crust. Watch it closely!
Best Side Dishes for Keto Meatball Casserole
Pairing side dishes with your Keto Meatball Casserole can elevate the meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors while keeping it low-carb.
- Garlic Butter Asparagus: Tender asparagus sautéed in garlic butter adds crunch and flavor.
- Riced Cauliflower: Light and fluffy riced cauliflower serves as an excellent low-carb base.
- Creamed Spinach: Rich and creamy spinach provides a luxurious side that pairs perfectly with meatballs.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add depth and nuttiness to your plate.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad balances the richness of the casserole.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with cheese and herbs make a colorful addition to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Keto Meatball Casserole, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using the wrong meat: Choosing lean meat can lead to dry meatballs. Opt for a mix of ground turkey and Italian sausage for moisture and flavor.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough herbs and spices can make your casserole bland. Be generous with dried basil, minced onion, and garlic to enhance taste.
- Overcrowding the casserole dish: Placing too many meatballs in one dish can cause uneven cooking. Space them out to ensure even cooking and better texture.
- Not draining excess liquid: Failing to drain the cooking liquid can result in a watery casserole. Always drain before adding sauce and cheese for a perfect finish.
- Ignoring the cheese broiling step: Skipping the broil can leave your cheese undercooked. A quick broil at the end adds that delicious golden crust everyone loves.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Keto Meatball Casserole in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Make sure to let it cool before sealing the container to avoid condensation.
Freezing Keto Meatball Casserole
- Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags.
- It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- Label each container with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Keto Meatball Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warm throughout.
- Microwave: Use medium power, heating in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Keto Meatball Casserole?
Keto Meatball Casserole is a low-carb dish that combines flavorful meatballs with marinara sauce and melted cheese, making it perfect for those on a keto diet.
Can I substitute different cheeses in this casserole?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or gouda, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.
How long does it take to make Keto Meatball Casserole?
The total time for preparing and cooking this dish is about 60 minutes, including both prep and baking time.
What should I serve with Keto Meatball Casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal without added carbs.
Final Thoughts
Keto Meatball Casserole is not just delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or experimenting with various cheeses. This dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!
Keto Meatball Casserole
Keto Meatball Casserole is a hearty and delectable dish that perfectly combines the flavors of juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheese. This low-carb casserole is ideal for family dinners, game nights, or any occasion where you want to impress without the fuss. With its easy preparation and satisfying taste, this meal will leave everyone asking for seconds. Packed with protein and healthy ingredients, it’s a winning recipe for those following a keto lifestyle while still enjoying delicious comfort food.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 shredded zucchini
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp dried minced onion
- 2 tsp dried minced garlic
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, Italian sausage, shredded zucchini, egg, minced onion, minced garlic, dried basil, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Form about 24 meatballs from the mixture and place them in the baking dish.
- Bake meatballs for 30 minutes or until cooked through, then drain excess liquid.
- Spread marinara sauce over the meatballs and top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 111mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like oregano or red pepper flakes. Broil for a few minutes at the end to achieve a crispy top. Feel free to serve over zoodles or with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
