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

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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