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Keto Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Shaping Meatballs 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb 450 g ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a slight kick
For the Tomato Sauce:
  • 2 cups tomato puree unsweetened
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/2 tsp xanthan gum optional, to thicken sauce without carbs
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 Baking sheet or skillet
  • 1 Oven (or stovetop)
  • 1 Medium saucepan for tomato sauce
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 Knife and cutting board

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Mix gently with a wooden spoon or your hands until just combined. Overmixing can make meatballs dense.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
  1. Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
  2. You should get about 12–14 meatballs depending on size.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
    Oven Method:
    1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
    2. Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes until cooked through and slightly browned.
    3. Skillet Method (Optional):
    4. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
    5. Cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until browned on all sides and cooked through.
    Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
    1. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
    2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
    3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
    4. Pour in the tomato puree and stir in oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
    5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes. If using xanthan gum, whisk it in slowly to thicken the sauce.
    Step 5: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
    1. Gently add cooked meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce.
    2. Allow them to simmer together for 5–10 minutes so the meatballs absorb the sauce flavors.

    Notes

    Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – 3 Meatballs with Sauce)

    • Calories: 320 kcal
    • Fat: 22 g
    • Protein: 25 g
    • Carbohydrates: 4 g
    • Fiber: 1 g
    • Net Carbs: 3 g
    (Values approximate; can vary depending on brands and portion sizes.)