Keto Meatballs
Searching for a delicious, low-carb dinner that truly satisfies? Look no further than these Keto Meatballs with Bacon Tomato Sauce. This recipe elevates classic comfort food by combining juicy, tender meatballs with a rich, tomato-based sauce, all of which gets a major flavor boost from savory bacon. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that makes keto cooking simple and truly rewarding.
Ingredients & What You’ll Need
- Ground Beef (2 lbs): The foundation of the meatballs; use your preferred fat content.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): This adds a salty, umami flavor and also helps bind the meatballs.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (⅓ cup): Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color.
- Minced Garlic (2 cloves): Provides a subtle aromatic kick to the meatballs.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Adds moisture and richness to the meatball mixture.
- Beaten Eggs (2): An essential binder that helps the meatballs hold their shape.
- Kosher Salt (1½ tsp) & Black Pepper (½ tsp): Use these to season the meatball mixture.
- Marinara Sauce (1, 24 oz jar): A low-sugar brand like Rao’s works best for a keto diet.
- Cooked, Crumbled Bacon (8 slices): This smoky addition is a game-changer for the sauce.
How to Make Keto Meatballs with Bacon Tomato Sauce
This straightforward process yields perfectly juicy meatballs and a rich sauce, all in under an hour.
Prepare the Meatballs
First, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a sheet tray with parchment paper. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, olive oil, beaten eggs, kosher salt, and black pepper. To prevent the meatballs from becoming tough, mix the ingredients just until they are combined, using a light touch. For easy, uniform portioning, use a scoop to form about 16 to 18 meatballs, then gently roll them into balls.
Bake and Cook Bacon
Arrange the meatballs on the prepared sheet tray and bake them for about 20 minutes. The meatballs should be browned and have an internal temperature of 165°F. While the meatballs are baking, cook your bacon until it is crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
Combine and Finish
Once the meatballs are baked, pour the marinara sauce into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Carefully transfer the baked meatballs into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Stir in the crumbled bacon, allowing the flavors to meld together. Let the meatballs simmer for a few minutes until they are heated through. Serve the dish hot with your favorite low-carb sides.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Meatballs
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine the ingredients to prevent your meatballs from becoming tough or dense.
- Use a Scoop: A cookie or ice cream scoop is a simple hack for creating perfectly uniform meatballs that will cook evenly.
- Ingredient Flexibility: You can easily swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Parmesan is a great choice, but you can also use other hard cheeses.
- Meal Prep and Storage: This recipe makes a generous batch, making it perfect for meal prep. After baking and cooling, you can store half of the meatballs in the freezer for a quick dinner on a busy night.
Final Thoughts
These Keto Meatballs with Bacon Tomato Sauce are a shining example of how a low-carb lifestyle can be both delicious and satisfying. The addition of crispy bacon takes this dish to the next level, proving that you never have to sacrifice flavor for health. With its simple steps and hearty ingredients, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Keto Meatballs
Enjoy juicy, flavorful keto meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with the irresistible addition of bacon. Perfect for a simple and delicious low-carb dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 (24 oz) jar low-sugar marinara sauce
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F. Gently mix ground beef, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, olive oil, eggs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Shape & Bake: Use a scoop to form 16-18 meatballs. Place on a parchment-lined tray and bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Simmer: Pour marinara sauce into a large skillet and heat. Transfer the baked meatballs to the skillet.
- Finish: Stir in the crumbled bacon and let the meatballs simmer for a few minutes until they are heated through. Serve hot.
Notes
- Tender Meatballs: Remember to mix the meatball ingredients just until they are combined to prevent a tough texture.
- Storage: Baked meatballs freeze well in an airtight container for future meals.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
per servingAmount Per Serving: Calories: 550Total Fat: 44gCholesterol: 170mgSodium: 800mgCarbohydrates: 4gNet Carbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 37g
