Name: Keto Meatball Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups marinara sauce (sugar-free); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

If you're looking for comfort food that fits your low-carb lifestyle, this Keto Meatball Casserole Recipe is a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it combines juicy homemade meatballs with bubbly cheese and a rich tomato sauce—all without any of the carbs that usually weigh you down. I love making this casserole because it’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit with family and friends.

A round white bowl filled with many golden-brown meatballs covered in bright red tomato sauce, topped with a dense layer of light yellow cheese and small green parsley leaves scattered on top, the sauce has a chunky texture lightly visible between the meatballs, the bowl is placed on a white marbled surface next to some fresh green parsley leaves and a soft light gray cloth draped nearby, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 — Keto Meatball Casserole, low-carb meatball bake, keto dinner recipes, healthy Italian casserole, low-carb comfort food

Jump to:

In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make Keto Meatball Casserole Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

🥄

In the Kitchen

This keto meatball casserole recipe combines ease and flavor into a dish that feels special without needing hours in the kitchen. It’s a perfect no-fuss way to enjoy Italian comfort food while keeping things low-carb and wholesome.

Juicy and Tender Every Time: Using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs keeps the meatballs moist but low in carbs.
Golden, Satisfying Finish: The bubbly, browned mozzarella cheese on top adds a toasty texture that’s absolutely dreamy.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Pantry staples come together quickly for a dish that feels gourmet without fuss.
Weeknight to Weekend Ready: It’s equally good for a quick dinner or a meal to impress on those cozy nights in.

Ingredients at a Glance

Keto Meatball Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image — Keto Meatball Casserole, low-carb meatball bake, keto dinner recipes, healthy Italian casserole, low-carb comfort food

Each ingredient in this Keto Meatball Casserole Recipe plays a role in balancing flavor, texture, and keto-friendly nutrition. I always pick quality beef and fresh spices to make the flavors pop.

Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for the right fat content to keep your meatballs juicy.
Almond flour: This is your low-carb alternative to breadcrumbs; it adds lightness without excess carbs.
Egg: Acts as a binder to keep everything together perfectly.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory depth with its nutty flavor.
Garlic and Italian seasoning: Fresh and aromatic, essential for that classic Italian taste.
Salt and pepper: Season generously to elevate every bite.
Sugar-free marinara sauce: Look for one without added sugars to keep it keto-friendly and tangy.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully for a golden, gooey topping.

Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Keto Meatball Casserole Recipe

Step 1 — Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, gently combine ground beef, almond flour, egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I like to use my hands here—it’s the best way to feel when just everything is evenly mixed without overworking the meat, which keeps the meatballs tender.

Step 2 — Shape and Arrange Meatballs

Form the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, about one to one and a half inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pro tip: avoid crowding them too tight, so they cook evenly and get that lovely crust on the sides.

Step 3 — Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the sugar-free marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, making sure each one gets a good coating of that tangy tomato goodness. Then, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella on top. You’ll notice the cheese melts and browns beautifully, giving your casserole that irresistible golden finish.

Step 4 — Bake Until Perfectly Cooked

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is bubbling and golden. A meat thermometer should read 160°F (71°C) at the center for safe doneness. When you pull it out, your kitchen will smell like a cozy Italian trattoria—trust me, that’s the best kind of signal that dinner’s ready!

📋

Things to Remember

Cooking keto meatballs perfectly can feel tricky, but a few simple tips will ensure you nail it every time. Don’t rush the mix or crowd your pan, and let the cheese work its magic on top.

Doneness Cue: Look for firm meatballs that have no pink inside and a golden cheese crust.
Temperature Trick: Use a meat thermometer to avoid guessing—160°F is the safe bet for beef.
Make-Ahead Move: You can prep meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate before baking for a speedy dinner.
Common Pitfall: Overmixing the meat can make the meatballs dense—mix just until ingredients are combined.

Ways to Serve It

Finishing Touches

I love topping this casserole with freshly chopped basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan to brighten the rich flavors. A drizzle of olive oil or a dash of red pepper flakes can also amp up the aroma and add a subtle heat that complements the cheesy meatballs wonderfully.

Plays Well With

This Keto Meatball Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted low-carb veggies like zucchini or asparagus. The freshness balances the richness, and the textures add interest to every bite.

Simple Plating Upgrades

For a special occasion, plate single servings in small ramekins or sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for crunch. If it’s just a weeknight, a rustic scoop straight from the casserole dish is totally fine—comfort food doesn’t need to be fancy to be loved!

Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The meatballs stay juicy, and the sauce thickens slightly, making reheated servings even more flavorful.

Freezing Tips

This casserole freezes well—either before baking or after. When freezing raw meatballs, flash freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a sealed bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating to keep the texture just right.

Reheating Keto Meatball Casserole Recipe Without Drying Out

The best way to reheat is in a covered baking dish at 325°F for 15-20 minutes to warm through without drying. If you’re short on time, use the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to maintain moisture. Air-fryer reheating works well, too, for crisping the cheese back up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other ground meats in this Keto Meatball Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work nicely. Just keep an eye on cooking times as leaner meats may dry out faster.

What’s the best marinara sauce for keto?

Look for sugar-free and low-carb marinara sauces, or make your own with canned tomatoes and herbs to control the carbs perfectly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative, though the texture and taste will change. Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top is a great umami substitute.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning?

Cover the casserole loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then remove foil to allow the cheese to brown without burning.

Final Thoughts

Making this Keto Meatball Casserole Recipe is one of those joyful cooking moments where simplicity meets deliciousness. You’ll enjoy the warm aroma filling your kitchen and the hearty, satisfying flavor with every bite. It’s a dish I return to again and again when I want comfort without carbs weighing me down. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite!

Full Printable Recipe