When it comes to comforting dinners that everyone loves, meatball casserole wins every single time. Juicy, flavorful, cheesy, and totally low carb — this is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles and empty plates. Whether you’re living the keto lifestyle, trying to cut carbs, or simply looking for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner, this casserole has you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Meatball Casserole
This low carb meatball casserole is the kind of meal that saves the day for busy parents, professionals, or anyone who wants something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. You can easily prep the meatballs ahead of time, freeze them, and bake whenever you’re ready — no stress, no guilt, and definitely no boring dinners.
They’re the ultimate multitasker too — roast them in tomato sauce, bake them with melted cheese, or toss them into a creamy gravy for something different. These juicy meatballs are perfect for any craving, any night of the week.
And let’s be honest — that golden, bubbly cheese layer on top? Irresistible.
The Secret to Perfect Meatballs
The key to a tender, juicy meatball is moisture. While flavor is important — and this recipe has plenty — what really makes a great meatball is texture. The mixture of ground beef and pork gives the dish a rich, balanced flavor while ingredients like Parmesan cheese, grated onion, and cream keep things soft and flavorful.
There are no breadcrumbs in this recipe. That means fewer carbs, less filler, and more of that pure, meaty goodness. Parmesan cheese and cream work together as natural binders while keeping the mixture rich and indulgent.
The result? Perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs that are both keto-friendly and absolutely delicious.
What Is a Meatball Casserole?
If you’ve never had one before, think of meatball casserole as all the best parts of Italian comfort food baked together in one dish. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs covered in rich marinara sauce, topped with creamy ricotta, and finished with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese.
It’s like lasagna without the noodles — the same comfort, none of the carbs.
This recipe was inspired by classic Italian flavors, with a modern twist that fits into any low carb or keto diet. It’s hearty enough for family dinner night but easy enough to throw together after work.
Make-Ahead Magic — Cook Once, Eat Twice
Meal prep doesn’t have to be complicated. One of the best parts about this recipe is how easily it fits into your weekly routine. You can whip up a double batch of these meatballs, bake some now, and freeze the rest for another night.
They keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months, and all you have to do is bake and add sauce when you’re ready. This is perfect for busy families who want homemade meals without the weekday rush.
Imagine coming home after a long day and having a ready-to-bake dish that smells like an Italian restaurant the second it hits the oven. That’s the beauty of this low carb meal prep idea — it’s stress-free, satisfying, and saves you time all week long.
Creative Ways to Serve It
This keto meatball casserole is so versatile you’ll never get bored of it. You can serve it as a main dish or use it to build other meals throughout the week. Here are a few delicious ideas:
- With Zucchini Noodles – Add some spiralized zucchini for a light, veggie-packed version of spaghetti and meatballs.
- Over Cauliflower Rice – A great option for a heartier low carb meal.
- As a Meatball Sub – Make sandwiches for the kids with leftover meatballs and sauce.
- With a Green Salad – Serve alongside a simple Caesar or chopped salad for a balanced dinner.
- Meal Gift Idea – This casserole also makes a thoughtful gift for new parents or someone recovering from illness — hearty, homemade comfort in a dish.
However you serve it, one thing’s for sure — everyone will want seconds.
How to Store and Reheat
This casserole is made for leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze it for up to three months. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Pro tip: bake it in individual ramekins or small baking dishes so you can reheat single servings without thawing the whole batch.
The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making this one of those rare dishes that taste even better the next day.
Print
The Ultimate Low Carb Meatball Casserole (Family Favorite & Easy Meal Prep)
- Total Time: 50 min
Description
This low carb meatball casserole is everything you love about comfort food — juicy homemade meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese — all baked to perfection without the carbs. It’s keto-friendly, meal-prep approved, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup heavy cream
1 large egg
½ cup grated white onion
3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
Salt & pepper to taste
Garlic powder and onion powder (a light sprinkle for seasoning)
For the Casserole
1 jar (about 12 oz) low carb marinara or pizza sauce (such as Rao’s)
¾ cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Fresh basil or Italian herbs, for garnish
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray. -
Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine all the meatball ingredients — beef, pork, cheeses, cream, egg, onion, garlic, and seasonings.
Mix with your hands just until combined. Avoid over-mixing; this keeps the meatballs soft and tender. -
Form the Meatballs
Using a 2–3 oz scoop or spoon, form about 24 meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. -
Bake the Meatballs
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until browned on the outside but not fully cooked through. -
Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the meatballs to a large oven-safe dish or cast-iron skillet. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top, then dollop ricotta cheese across the surface. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over everything. -
Bake Again
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, then broil for 1–2 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly top. -
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil or Italian herbs. Serve hot with a side of zucchini noodles, salad, or cauliflower rice.
Notes
- Mixing the meat gently is key — don’t overwork it or the meatballs will become dense.
- For convenience, you can use frozen pre-made meatballs — just adjust baking time accordingly.
- Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist!
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
