Holy Meatballs Keto Cheesy Meatball Casserole

Recipe Introduction: Cheesy Meatballs Casserole {Low Carb}

Ever get that craving for proper comfort food? Honestly, same! What if I told you that you can have that cozy feeling without all the carbs?

This Cheesy Meatballs Casserole {Low Carb} is your answer! It's savoury, cheesy, and utterly delicious. Honestly, it is the best Low Carb Recipes For Dinner Beef!

A Taste of Italy, Minus the Carbs

This dish is inspired by classic Italian American flavours. But this keto meatball casserole recipe skips the pasta. It is a nod to tradition with a modern, low-carb twist.

It's super easy. Prep takes about 20 minutes. Cooking’s around 30. You’ll be tucking in after 50 minutes. This recipe makes about 6 servings. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Meatball Bake

Each serving is packed with protein and healthy fats. This Health Dinner Ground Beef keeps you full and satisfied. Plus, it’s perfect for anyone on a keto or low-carb diet.

I always feel good after eating this. It's also a great way to get the whole family eating healthier. Think of it as your secret weapon for Dinner Ideas Carb Free .

This isn’t just any meatball bake. It's a warm, gooey, Mozzarella Meatball Casserole Low Carb hug in a dish. It’s a crowd pleaser perfect for a cozy night in or a casual get-together.

Stay tuned, as we dive into the simple ingredients that make this bake extraordinary and an Easy Keto Dinner Recipes Ground Beef .

Ready to get cooking? Next up: The shopping list!

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Cheesy Meatballs Casserole {Low Carb} Masterpiece

Alright, mate? Let's talk ingredients. We're making Cheesy Meatball Bake , so good stuff is key. This ain’t your average dish; it’s a Keto Meatball Casserole Recipe dream!

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Right, pay attention now. This bit is important.

• Ground Beef: 1 lb (454g) . 80/20 blend is the shout for flavour. You want that bit of fat! Honestly, don't scrimp here. Get some decent mince, yeah?
• Almond Flour: 1/2 cup (50g) . Finely ground. This keeps it low carb .
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) . Grated, mind you. Not that powdery stuff.
• Egg: 1 large . Lightly beaten. Give it a whisk, you know?
• Garlic: 2 cloves . Minced. Get that garlicky goodness in there.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 tbsp . Don't be shy!
• Salt: 1/2 tsp .
• Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp . Freshly ground is always better.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp for browning.

For the sauce that's part of the Meat Ball Casserole Recipes

• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp .
• Onion: 1 medium , chopped. Get in there and chop it finely.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. More garlic!
• Crushed Tomatoes: 28 oz (794g) . Tinned is fine, save yourself some hassle.
• Dried Oregano: 1 tsp .
• Dried Basil: 1/2 tsp .
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional). For a kick, innit?
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Give it a taste, add more if you fancy it.
• Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup (optional). Makes it extra lush.

Finally that Mozzarella Meatball Casserole Low Carb part:

• Mozzarella Cheese: 8 oz (227g) . Shredded. Obviously!

Seasoning Notes: Getting Saucy!

Italian seasoning is your mate here. Oregano and basil? They're must haves for that authentic taste. Red pepper flakes? Only if you’re feeling brave.

If you want a truly Ground Beef Casserole Keto , ensure you're using fresh and good quality herbs, it does make a difference!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Right, listen up. Fancy gadgets aren't needed here.

• Large Bowl: For mixing the meatballs. Obvious, I know.
• Large Skillet: For browning. Cast iron if you've got one.
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish: The star of the show.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For being precise. Ish.

Honestly, this Health Dinner Ground Beef recipe is that simple. If you don't have a fancy skillet, a normal frying pan will do.

Got no measuring spoons? Eyeball it! That's what my nan always did, and she was a bloody brilliant cook! This Dinner Ideas Carb Free and Low Carb Italian Recipes ain't difficult, don't stress it! It is one of the Easy Keto Dinner Recipes Ground Beef after all.

Cooking Method: Cheesy Meatballs Casserole {Low Carb} Like a Boss!

Alright, let's talk cooking this Cheesy Meatballs Casserole {Low Carb} ! Honestly, it’s proper easy, even if you're a bit pants in the kitchen.

I mean, who doesn’t love a good Cheesy Meatball Bake ? Especially when it fits into your Low Carb Recipes For Dinner Beef plan!

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place SOS

Time to get your ducks in a row! It's essential to measure out everything. Get your ground beef, almond flour, parmesan, egg, garlic, and spices all ready to go.

Chop that onion, mince your garlic too. Mise en place , darling, is the secret weapon of every good home cook.

I'm a big believer in chopping all my veggies beforehand. It saves you faffing about later.

step-by-step: From Bowl to Baking Dish

1. Get your meatballs mixed: Combine ground beef, almond flour, parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Don't overmix!
2. Roll 'em out: Form into 1 inch meatballs.
3. Brown those bad boys: Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown those meatballs on all sides.
4. Sauce it up: Sauté onion and garlic in the same skillet. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes. This Meat Ball Casserole Recipes uses a super simple sauce.
5. Assemble the dream: Preheat oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Layer sauce, meatballs, and then more sauce.
6. Cheese, please!: Generously sprinkle with mozzarella. This Mozzarella Meatball Casserole Low Carb is what dreams are made of.
7. Bake to perfection: Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pro Tips: Secret Weapon Time

Want a Keto Meatball Casserole Recipe that knocks it out of the park? Don’t skip browning the meatballs! It adds a ton of flavour.

Another secret is to taste and adjust your sauce. If it needs more salt, add it! And hey, if you’re really organized, you can make the meatballs ahead of time.

Store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

This Ground Beef Casserole Keto recipe is also great because you can easily adapt it. Want more spice? Add some cayenne! Want extra creamy? Stir in some cream cheese into the sauce.

This is definitely one of my favourite Easy Keto Dinner Recipes Ground Beef . You know I'm always up for Low Carb Italian Recipes , so this dish is high on my list!

Recipe Notes: Cheesy Meatballs Casserole {Low Carb}

Honestly, this Cheesy Meatballs Casserole {Low Carb} is easier than putting up shelves. I messed it up the first time, you know? Overmixed the meatballs.

They were like rubber bullets! Don’t be like me. Take it easy on the mixing. Here are some extra tips for success.

Serving Up a Storm: Ideas for Plating and Pairing

Right, let’s talk presentation. Nobody wants a beige slop on their plate, do they? I like to pile this Cheesy Meatball Bake high in a bowl.

For extra pizzazz, sprinkle fresh basil on top. It gives it a lovely fresh vibe, you know? As for sides, think green! Steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice are great choices.

A simple salad works too. To drink? A crisp dry white wine would be lovely, or even just a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.

It really depends on if you are looking for Dinner Ideas Carb Free or not!

Keepin' It Fresh: Storage Sensibly

Got leftovers? No worries! This Meat Ball Casserole Recipes masterpiece keeps well. Pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge. It'll be good for 3-4 days .

Want to freeze it? Go for it! Wrap individual portions tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months .

When you're ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until bubbly and heated through.

Honestly, I sometimes microwave it if I'm feeling lazy.

Shake It Up: Variations on a Theme

Fancy a change? Try a few tweaks to make this dish your own. Need it dairy-free? Use dairy-free mozzarella and skip the heavy cream.

Boom! For a bit of a kick, add some red pepper flakes to the meatball mix or the sauce. You get a Keto Meatball Casserole Recipe anyway!

Want to add some veggies? Toss some chopped bell peppers or zucchini into the sauce. The great thing about it is you can adjust to create Low Carb Italian Recipes .

What's Inside? A Quick Nutrition Lowdown

This Ground Beef Casserole Keto recipe is pretty decent on the nutrition front. Each serving is packed with protein from the beef and cheese.

It’s low in carbs , making it perfect for those watching their intake, it also makes a Health Dinner Ground Beef .

Just remember to use lean ground beef to keep the fat content in check. Each serving has approximately 420 calories, 35g of protein, 30g of fat, and 8g of carbs.

That's just a rough guide; it depends on the exact ingredients you use. As you have the Easy Keto Dinner Recipes Ground Beef at the ready.

So there you have it! All the tips and tricks to make this Mozzarella Meatball Casserole Low Carb a total winner.

Get in the kitchen and give it a go. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have some fun! You'll smash it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Cheesy Meatballs Casserole {Low Carb} actually low carb, or is it just wishful thinking?

Absolutely! By using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs in the meatballs and skipping the pasta, we keep the carb count way down. Just be sure to check the labels on your crushed tomatoes to avoid any sneaky added sugars.

This recipe is designed to fit comfortably within a low-carb or keto lifestyle think of it as your shepherd's pie without the mash!

Can I freeze this Cheesy Meatballs Casserole {Low Carb} for later, or am I stuck eating it all week?

Good news! This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it completely, but don't bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Alternatively, you can bake it from frozen, but it will require a longer cooking time; just keep an eye on it, mate!

I'm not a huge fan of ground beef. Can I use something else in this low carb meatball casserole?

Of course! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes for ground beef in this recipe. You could even try using a mix of ground pork and beef for a richer flavor, like you might find in a proper Italian deli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the meat is cooked through.

Variety is the spice of life, as they say!

What other veggies can I sneak into this Cheesy Meatballs Casserole {Low Carb} to make it a bit healthier?

Excellent question! Finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms would all be fantastic additions to either the meatball mixture or the sauce. You could even stir in some roasted cauliflower florets for extra texture and nutrients.

Just remember that adding more vegetables may slightly increase the carbohydrate content per serving, so keep an eye on those macros if you're being strict with your carb intake.

The sauce seems a bit bland. How can I jazz up the tomato sauce for my Cheesy Meatballs Casserole {Low Carb}?

No worries, easily sorted! A splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar can add a lovely tang. A teaspoon of sugar-free sweetener (like erythritol or stevia) can balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.

You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a bay leaf while simmering for extra depth of flavour. Taste and adjust the seasoning until it's singing!

Help! My meatballs are falling apart. What am I doing wrong with this Cheesy Meatballs Casserole {Low Carb}?

Ah, a common problem, but easily fixed! The most likely culprit is overmixing the meatball mixture. Overmixing develops the gluten in the almond flour (or any binding agent), making the meatballs tough and prone to crumbling. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.

Also, make sure your egg is well beaten before adding it, and don't skip the Parmesan cheese, as it helps bind the meatballs together. Sometimes adding a tablespoon of psyllium husk powder will also help with binding.