Irresistible Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Irresistible Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole is a perfect low-carb comfort meal. Juicy meatballs baked to perfection are smothered in rich tomato sauce and melted cheese, making it a satisfying dish for any night of the week.

A round white ceramic dish filled with a layer of thick red tomato sauce topped with about twenty evenly spaced meatballs, each covered with melted white mozzarella cheese that is browned in spots, giving a slightly bubbly texture. Fresh green parsley leaves are scattered on top, adding contrast to the rich colors. The edges of the dish show some of the sauce bubbling slightly, with a smooth, creamy cheese layer holding the meatballs together. The photo shows the dish up close on a white marbled surface, highlighting the rich texture of the gravy and cheese. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground turkey (or ground beef or pork)
  • 1 egg
  • ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup low-carb tomato sauce (no added sugar)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, ¾ cup shredded mozzarella, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Step 4: Bake the meatballs for 25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink inside.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the baked meatballs to a casserole dish. Pour the low-carb tomato sauce over them, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and the grated parmesan cheese.
  6. Step 6: Bake the casserole uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese melts and bubbles. For a golden, bubbly top, broil for 2–3 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Step 7: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and enjoy hot.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add finely chopped fresh herbs like oregano or basil into the meatball mix.
  • Use ground beef or pork instead of turkey for a richer taste.
  • Replace low-carb tomato sauce with homemade marinara to control sugar content fully.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm in an oven at 350°F until heated through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white round dish is filled with meatballs covered in melted cheese and tomato sauce. There are two main layers visible: the bottom layer is thick, red tomato sauce with some oil around the edges, and on top are brown meatballs evenly spaced over the sauce. The top layer is melted, slightly browned cheese that partly covers each meatball, with fresh, bright green herb leaves sprinkled over everything. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs for this casserole?

Yes, you can use frozen cooked meatballs. Simply thaw them before assembling the casserole and adjust baking time accordingly to ensure everything is heated through and the cheese melts nicely.

Is this recipe suitable for other low-carb diets besides keto?

Absolutely. This casserole is low in carbohydrates and free from added sugars, making it suitable for many low-carb diets like Atkins or general low-carb eating plans.

Print

Irresistible Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole Recipe

This Irresistible Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole is a low-carb, high-protein dish combining savory turkey meatballs baked to perfection, topped with rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. It’s a comforting, flavorful casserole perfect for keto dieters seeking a satisfying meal without the carbs.

  • Author: Logan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 2 pounds ground turkey (or ground beef or pork)
  • 1 egg
  • ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Casserole:

  • 1 cup low-carb tomato sauce (no added sugar)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the meatballs don’t stick and clean-up is easy.
  2. Mix Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, shredded mozzarella cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined to maintain tender meatballs.
  3. Shape & Bake Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and slightly browned.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the baked meatballs to a casserole dish. Evenly pour the low-carb tomato sauce over the meatballs, then sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese on top.
  5. Bake Casserole: Bake the assembled casserole uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheeses are melted and bubbly. For an added golden and slightly crispy top, broil the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
  6. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot for a satisfying keto-friendly meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or pork per preference.
  • Ensure the tomato sauce has no added sugar to keep the dish keto-friendly.
  • Broiling at the end enhances the cheese’s texture and color—do not leave unattended.
  • Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
  • For extra moisture, consider adding a splash of water or broth if your meat mixture feels dry.

Keywords: keto meatball casserole, low carb meatballs, keto dinner, meatball parmesan, baked meatball casserole, keto Italian casserole

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