There’s nothing quite like the smell of a Keto Meatball Casserole baking in the oven—it’s warm, inviting, and instantly takes me back to my grandma’s kitchen.

Growing up, meatballs were a staple at our family dinners, but they were always served over piles of pasta.

When I started following a keto lifestyle, I knew I had to find a way to enjoy this childhood favorite without the carbs.

That’s when I created this cheesy, low-carb version that’s just as comforting as the original. Now, it’s become a go-to dish for cozy nights in, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

What Is A Meatball Casserole?

A meatball casserole is essentially a baked dish where meatballs are combined with other ingredients like cheese, sauce, and seasonings to create a comforting one-pan meal.

Unlike traditional recipes that often include pasta, this Keto Meatball Casserole skips the carbs while keeping all the flavor intact.

Easy Keto Meatball Casserole – No Pasta, No Problem!

This Keto Meatball Casserole is a simple yet flavorful dish made with ground beef, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, all baked together with a rich pasta sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Recipe Overview:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course

Difficulty Level: Easy
Yield: 6 servings
Calories Per Serving: 350

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Keto Meatball Casserole :

1 lb ground beef
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
½ medium onion, finely chopped

1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt

½ tsp ground black pepper
2 cups pasta sauce (low-carb or sugar-free recommended)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Notes:

If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought meatballs instead of making them from scratch.
Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
Double-check the carb count on your pasta sauce—some brands hide sneaky sugars!

Instructions: Step-By-Step Guide

Let’s dive into the fun part: making this cheesy, savory casserole!

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Prepare The Meat Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly with your hands.
Tip: Don’t overmix the meat mixture—it can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until the ingredients come together.

Form The Meatballs: Scoop out portions of the meat mixture using a cookie scoop or your hands, then roll them into evenly sized balls. Place the meatballs in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.
Add Sauce & Cheese: Pour the pasta sauce evenly over the meatballs, covering them completely. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top for that gooey, melty finish.
Bake Until Bubbly: Pop the casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Garnish & Serve: Once done, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Tricks For Perfecting Your Keto Meatball Casserole

How Do You Thicken A Keto Casserole? If your sauce feels too thin, let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes after baking. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Can You Make A Cheesy Meatball Casserole With Frozen Meatballs? Yes! Simply thaw the frozen meatballs first, then follow the same instructions starting from step 4.

Pairing Suggestions: Serve this casserole with a side of roasted veggies, a crisp salad, or zucchini noodles for a complete keto-friendly meal.
Dietary Adjustments: To make this dairy-free, swap the cheeses for plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free pasta sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This Keto Meatball Casserole is best served hot straight from the oven. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top for an extra layer of flavor. It’s also fantastic as leftovers—just reheat and enjoy!

Storage Tips & Leftovers

For up to four days, keep any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes. This casserole freezes beautifully too—just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can You Eat Meatballs On A Keto Diet?

Absolutely! Meatballs are naturally low in carbs, making them a great option for anyone following a keto diet.

Just be mindful of the ingredients you use—like breadcrumbs or sugary sauces—that can sneak in extra carbs.

In this recipe, we keep things clean and keto-friendly by using almond flour (optional) or simply skipping the filler altogether.

What To Have With Meatballs Without Carbs?

If you’re avoiding carbs, pair your meatballs with cauliflower rice, steamed broccoli, or a fresh arugula salad tossed with olive oil and lemon juice. These sides complement the rich flavors of the casserole without adding unnecessary carbs.

Let’s Get Cooking!

I hope you love this Keto Meatball Casserole as much as I do. It’s cozy, comforting, and oh-so-easy to make. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish has got you covered.

Don’t forget to share your creations with me—I’d love to see how it turns out! Tag me on social media or leave a comment below.

And if you’re craving more keto-friendly recipes, check out my collection of low-carb dinners right here on Naznin’s Kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead Of Beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works beautifully in this recipe. Just note that the flavor might be slightly milder compared to beef.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! There’s no gluten in this dish, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Can I Prep This Casserole Ahead Of Time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How Do I Know When The Meatballs Are Fully Cooked?

The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check, or simply cut into one to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.

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Naznin Aktar

Author & Recipe Developer at Naznin's Kitchen

Hello! I'm Naznin Aktar, the food enthusiast and recipe developer at Naznin's Kitchen. Want to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary dishes? Explore Naznin's Kitchen for a collection of recipes that are sure to inspire your inner chef and delight your loved ones.