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Published February 23, 2018 | Last Updated October 4, 2023 By Barbara Bianchi 4 Comments

Low-Carb Meatball Parmesan For A Quick Easy Dinner

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There’s so much to love about this meatball parmesan. These meatballs are so tasty you won’t believe they’re low-carb, grain-free, and nut-free. Topping them with sauce and cheese really takes them to the next level.

LOW-CARB MEATBALL PARMESAN FOR A QUICK EASY DINNER

It’s 3:00 in the afternoon, and I’m trying to decide what to make for dinner. I’m craving meatballs, and I know my family loves them too.

But since John and I have started following a low-carb diet, we stay away from meatballs because of the breadcrumbs.

But maybe we don’t have to. Maybe there’s a way to make delicious, low-carb meatballs without the breadcrumbs.

I grab my computer and start searching the Internet for recipe ideas, but nearly all of the low-carb meatball recipes contain almond flour.

Since my daughter, Nicole, seems to be allergic to almonds, I try to avoid them in my cooking. 

Perfecting the recipe: low carb meatballs

So, it’s time for me to get creative. 🙂 My goal: meatballs so tasty you won’t believe they’re low-carb, grain-free, and nut-free.

LOW-CARB MEATBALL PARMESAN FOR A QUICK EASY DINNER

After tweaking this recipe several times until it was just right (yup, my kids got to enjoy these meatballs for days 😉 ), I finally discovered the perfect blend of ingredients for tender, juicy meatballs.

Want to cut carbs with me while still enjoying tasty meatballs? You’re going to love this dinner.

I decided to try baking these meatballs in the oven covered with parmesan and mozzarella cheese. They were so tasty and satisfying, there wasn’t any need for a bowl of spaghetti.

LOW-CARB MEATBALL PARMESAN FOR A QUICK EASY DINNER

To start, I swap the breadcrumbs for grated parmesan cheese, which not only reduces the carb count but adds flavor that complements the meat. It imparts a deliciously rich and savory dimension to your meatballs.

Also, I add 4 eggs (I recommend 2 eggs per pound of meat) as a binder.

Here’s what you’ll need.

low carb meatball parmesan ingredients

Ingredients

  • Ground meat; Today, I have a blend of beef and pork for rich flavor. You can add part ground veal if you’d like.
  • Extra-virgin olive oil to caramelize the onions.
  • Onion: Dice the onions into fine pieces to ensure a pleasant texture, as people generally prefer not to bite into large onion chunks.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses aromatic flavor into the meatballs.
  • Eggs: Eggs bind all the meatball ingredients together.
  • Parmesan cheese: Add grated parmesan to the meatball mixture for a savory kick and sprinkle it atop the casserole, too.
  • Herbs: Basil, oregano, and parsley add a burst of freshness to the meatballs.
  • Seasonings: Salt and pepper enhance the taste.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Freshly grated mozzarella is the ultimate topping for our casserole. The pre-grated type that comes in a zip lock bag contains preservatives meant to keep the shreds from clumping together in the bag. It doesn’t melt quite as well. 
  • Marinara sauce: What really takes this meal to the next level is placing your meatballs and sauce in a casserole dish and topping them with cheeses.

Instructions

*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.

Begin by cooking your onions until they’re just beginning to caramelize.

cook onions until they're almost caramelized

Then add garlic and cook for one more minute.

add garlic to cooked onions

Next, combine ground beef and ground pork with the onion mixture, parmesan, herbs, seasonings, and eggs. Don’t overmix or the meatballs might get tough.

low carb meatball mixture

Roll meatballs (I use my large cookie scoop, about 3 tablespoons) and set them on a broiler pan.

Tip: But before cooking, cover your meatballs with a sheet of parchment paper and place them in your refrigerator to ensure they maintain their shape and don’t crumble.

Especially when using moist meats like pork, turkey, or chicken, chilling the meat allows the fats to solidify, preserving their form. 

Let them set for about 10 minutes.

roll low carb meatballs onto a broiler pan

When they’re ready to cook, set your oven rack so that your meatballs will be 5-6 inches from the heat source. Then preheat your broiler on high for 5 minutes.

Then broil them until golden brown for a nice depth of flavor, about 6 minutes and turn over for another 6 minutes.

And there you go, mouthwatering low carb, grain-free meatballs!

broiled low carb meatballs

Okay. We’re in the home stretch. Now, switch your oven to the bake setting at 350℉.

Transfer meatballs to your casserole dish and top with marinara sauce and grated parmesan cheese.

top with parmesan cheese

Then, top with grated mozzarella cheese.

top with mozzarella cheese

Pop in your oven on the center rack until the cheese is melty.

low carb meatball parmesan casserole

Bam! Low carb meatball parmesan for a quick easy (and tasty!) meal.

Serving suggestions

Meatball parmesan goes well with a crisp green salad, creamy cauliflower mash, or zucchini noodles.

If you’re not low carb, serve with crusty garlic bread, your favorite gluten free pasta, or as a topping for sandwiches on gluten free Against the Grain rolls.

LOW-CARB MEATBALL PARMESAN FOR A QUICK EASY DINNER

For the sauce, you can make a homemade sauce or you can use your favorite gluten free sauce from a jar. Prego says it is gluten free right on the label. And if you’re following a low-carb way of eating, choose the sauce with no added sugar.

Would you like my

quick easy Marinara sauce recipe?

In this recipe, I have recommended gluten-free products for you. When you make it homemade, you know what’s in it. 😊 

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If you’re going to make homemade sauce, I recommend starting it an hour before you begin making the meatballs and simmer it on the back burner of your stove.

Pro tips and recipe notes

  • What is the best meat to use for low carb meatballs? I used a combination of ground beef and ground pork in this recipe. You can go with any combination of ground meat that you’d like. Or just use all ground beef. 80/20 chuck is the best choice. 
  • How can I store leftovers? Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Can I freeze Low Carb Meatball Parmesan for later? Absolutely! Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce and cheese in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months.

LOW-CARB MEATBALL PARMESAN FOR A QUICK EASY DINNER

Yay! Meatballs are back on the menu. You see, if you can make a tasty meatball, you can make people happy. 

Try this tonight. You’re going to love it.

And if you have any questions, please reach out to me in the comments or shoot me an email and I’ll respond ASAP!

Have a happy and healthy week! 💕

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The Tastiest Stuffed Cabbage Whether you’re cutting out grains because of allergies, trying to lose those extra pounds, or you’re just looking for a super delicious comfort food this is just what you need!

More Low-Carb Recipes This is the link to all my low carb recipes

 

Print Pin
5 from 2 votes

Low-Carb Meatball Parmesan For A Quick Easy Dinner

Prevent your screen from going dark
With minimal prep, delicious low-carb meatball parmesan is ready in just 30-minutes.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword 30 minute meal, gluten free meatballs, ground beef recipe ideas, keto meatballs, Low-Carb Meatballs, meatball parmesan
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
Chill meatballs time 10 minutes minutes
Servings 6
Calories 423kcal
Author Barbara Bianchi

Ingredients

For meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion minced
  • 4 large garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 2 teaspoons basil
  • 4 tablespoons dried parsley or a large handful of fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 eggs

For Casserole:

  • 1 cup gluten free marinara sauce
  • 8-12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

For meatballs:

  • Begin by cooking your onions until they're just beginning to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Then add garlic during the last minute so it won't burn.
    1 onion, 4 large garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • Next, combine ground beef and ground pork with caramelized onion and garlic, parmesan, oregano, basil, parsley, salt and pepper, and eggs. Don't overmix or the meatballs might get tough.
    1 pound ground beef, 1 pound ground pork, 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons oregano, 2 teaspoons basil, 4 tablespoons dried parsley or a large handful of fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 4 eggs
  • Roll meatballs and set them on a broiler pan.
  • Before cooking, cover your meatballs with a sheet of parchment paper and place them in your refrigerator to ensure they maintain their shape and don't crumble.
    Especially when using moist meats like pork, turkey, or chicken, chilling the meat allows the fats to solidify, preserving their form.
    Let them chill for about 10 minutes.
  • When they're ready to cook, set your oven rack so that your meatballs will be 5-6 inches from the heat source. Then preheat your broiler on high for 5 minutes.
  • Then broil the meatballs until golden brown, about 6 minutes and turn over for another 6 minutes.

For casserole:

  • Switch your oven to the bake setting at 350℉.
  • Transfer meatballs to a casserole dish and top with marinara sauce and grated parmesan cheese. Then, top with grated mozzarella cheese.
    1 cup gluten free marinara sauce, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 8-12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Bake on the center rack of your oven until the cheese is melty, about 15 minutes. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • What is the best meat to use for low carb meatballs?  I used a combination of ground beef and ground pork in this recipe. You can go with any combination of ground meat that you'd like. Or just use all ground beef. 80/20 chuck is the best choice.
  • How can I store leftovers? Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Can I freeze Low Carb Meatball Parmesan for later? Absolutely! Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce and cheese in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 423kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.5g | Protein: 55.5g
did you make this recipe? We want to see! Take a pic, and tag @glutenfreehomestead on Instagram.

 

  • About the Author
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About Barbara Bianchi

Barbara loves to bring fun into the kitchen and wholesome food to the table. She also enjoys drinking robust coffee, eating a little chocolate, reading a good novel, going for walks and spending time with her family and friends.
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Filed Under: Beef, Dinner, Italian, LOW CARB, Nut free, Paleo, Pork, Recipe

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