Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole

This hearty and flavorful keto meatball casserole has become a staple in my dinner rotation. It’s incredibly filling, packed with flavor, and so easy to make. Whether you use homemade or store-bought pasta sauce, this dish is always a hit!

Ingredients Needed

You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make this delicious low-carb casserole:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef – or substitute with ground turkey, pork, or chicken
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg – helps bind the meatballs together
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Casserole:

• 1 ½ cups pasta sauce – use homemade or store-bought low-carb marinara
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for that gooey, cheesy topping

How to Make Keto Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, egg, onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well with a spoon or your hands until everything is fully combined.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Form the meat mixture into medium-sized meatballs (about the size of a golf ball) and place them in an 8×8-inch casserole dish, making sure they don’t touch.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Once done, carefully remove the dish from the oven and drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Pour half of the pasta sauce into the bottom of the casserole dish.
• Place the baked meatballs on top of the sauce.
• Cover the meatballs with the remaining sauce, ensuring each one is fully coated.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake Again

Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, a fresh salad, or your favorite low-carb veggies. If serving a mixed group, you can pair it with regular spaghetti for those not following keto.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Avoid Overbaking – Keep an eye on the casserole during the second bake to prevent overcooking.
Meat Variations – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, pork, chicken, or Italian sausage.
Evenly Sized Meatballs – Use an ice cream scoop to ensure uniform meatballs for even cooking.
Shred Your Own Cheese – Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded store-bought versions.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Oven – Warm at low heat until heated through.
• Stovetop – Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals until warm.

Make-Ahead & Freezing:

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole 1-2 days in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly with two layers of aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed (add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time).