Easy Keto Meatballs Recipe

5.6K

This simple keto meatball recipe delivers everything you want in a classic meatball—juicy, flavorful, and perfectly tender—with the bonus of being low in carbs and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re baking, pan-frying, air frying, or simmering them in sauce, these homemade meatballs cook beautifully in any method you prefer.

They come together quickly with everyday ingredients, making them ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even game day appetizers. Serve them with zoodles, cauliflower mash, or your favorite sugar-free marinara, and you’ve got a satisfying dish the whole family will love.

If you’re craving classic comfort food without the carbs, this easy keto meatball recipe is one to keep in your weekly rotation.

Friends, do you have a go-to recipe for homemade keto meatballs in your collection? If not, go ahead and save this one—because it’s seriously the best. This is a classic family recipe passed down from my grandmother, and I’ve given it a low-carb twist by swapping breadcrumbs for grated parmesan cheese—but all the rich, nostalgic flavor remains.

These breadcrumb-free keto meatballs hold together perfectly and stay tender and juicy no matter how you cook them. I’ve included three cooking methods—baked, pan-fried, and air-fried—so you can make them however you like!

They’re absolutely delicious served over a bowl of zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or tucked into a slice of keto white bread with a smear of mustard—just like my brother and I used to eat them growing up (minus the carbs, of course).

My grandma has always made giant batches of fried meatballs—using a blend of ground beef and pork, lots of garlic, fresh parsley, and onion. It’s a must-have every time we visit her, and recreating this dish in a keto-friendly way has been such a joy. It’s more than a meal—it’s a family tradition.

My grandma actually started making meatballs without breadcrumbs just for me—after I told her I was trying to eat low-carb. She was so receptive and immediately transformed her traditional recipe into a keto-friendly version, and honestly? We didn’t miss a thing. They’re still just as juicy, flavorful, and comforting as ever.

Each meatball comes out to around 0.5g of net carbs. Insane, right? The macros are calculated per meatball, which means you can easily portion out what you need—or enjoy as many as you want, totally guilt-free.

Feel free to serve them with marinara sauce, swedish creamy gravy, barbecue sauce, and more.

Are Meatballs Keto-Friendly?

Traditional meatballs are usually made with breadcrumbs or wheat flour, which adds unnecessary carbs—making them not ideal for a keto or low-carb lifestyle.

But the good news? You can absolutely still enjoy meatballs on a keto diet by using low-carb alternatives as a binder. In this recipe, we skip the breadcrumbs and use grated parmesan cheese instead, which not only holds the meatballs together beautifully but also adds a rich, savory flavor.

The result is a batch of juicy, tender keto meatballs that are just as satisfying as the classic version—without the carbs. Each meatball contains only about 0.5g net carbs, making them perfect for anyone following a keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diet.

Why You’re Going to Love This Keto Meatballs Recipe

• Quick and Easy to Make: These meatballs come together in minutes with simple ingredients—no complicated steps or prep required.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make them ahead of time, store them in the fridge or freezer, and reheat them for fast, protein-packed meals during the week.
• 3 Easy Cooking Methods: Whether you want to bake, pan-fry, or air fry, this recipe works beautifully using whichever method fits your schedule and kitchen tools.
• Naturally Low-Carb & Gluten-Free: Made without breadcrumbs or wheat flour, these meatballs are perfect for keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets.
• Endlessly Customizable: Add your favorite cheeses (like parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar), chopped spinach, or finely diced zucchini to mix things up. You can also adjust the seasonings to suit different cuisines—from Italian to Mediterranean to spicy Tex-Mex.
• Juicy and Flavorful: A combination of ground beef and pork, fresh herbs, and garlic gives these meatballs that rich, classic flavor you crave—without needing breadcrumbs as a filler.
• Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: These meatballs are a hit with everyone, whether served plain, in marinara sauce, or as a fun keto meatball sub with low-carb bread.
• Macros You’ll Love: With only about 0.5g net carbs per meatball, you can enjoy them guilt-free and still stay on track.
• Works as a Snack, Appetizer, or Main Dish: Serve with dipping sauces for parties, pack for lunch, or enjoy them with zoodles or cauliflower mash for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients for These Keto Meatballs

You only need a few simple and wholesome ingredients to make these juicy, flavorful keto-friendly meatballs. Most are pantry staples, and each one adds something special to the final result:

• Ground Beef (80–85% lean): This fat content keeps the meatballs tender and juicy. For even more flavor, you can use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.
• Yellow Onion: Adds a hint of sweetness and moisture. You can finely chop or grate the onion, depending on your texture preference.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with garlic powder if needed.
• Fresh Parsley and Basil: These herbs brighten the meatballs and give them that homemade, herby flavor. Fresh is best, but dried herbs will work in a pinch.
• Large Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, helping the meatballs hold their shape while keeping them moist and tender.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty richness and replaces traditional breadcrumbs to keep the recipe low-carb. Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
• Seasonings: A blend of Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (optional for heat), plus salt and black pepper, creates a balanced, savory flavor in every bite.

How To Make These Keto Meatballs

Meatballs are one of the most versatile recipes—perfect for pairing with sauces, stuffing into keto sandwiches, or layering into casseroles. I love making big batches and freezing them for quick meals on busy days. Here’s how to prepare these juicy, low-carb meatballs from scratch:

Gather Your Ingredients
Make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go for easy mixing.

Combine Everything in a Bowl
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground meat, chopped or grated onion, parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, herbs, and seasonings.

Mix Gently
Use clean hands or a silicone spatula to mix everything together just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can lead to tough, dry meatballs.

Shape the Meatballs
Form the mixture into uniform-sized meatballs (about 1–1.5 inches in diameter). This helps them cook evenly. You can use a cookie scoop or lightly oiled hands for consistency.

Choose Your Cooking Method
Cook your meatballs using your preferred method—oven-baked, pan-fried, or air-fried. Each method is outlined in the recipe card below for convenience.

Check for Doneness
The meatballs are ready when they’re browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer for best results.

This gluten-free, low-carb meatballs recipe makes about 20 meatballs. To make more, double or triple the ingredients, and you’ll have enough meatballs to feed a crowd. 

Tips for Making the Best Keto Meatballs

Want tender, juicy, and flavorful keto meatballs every time? These easy tips will help you get perfect results whether you’re baking, frying, or air frying:

• Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to switch up the spices to match your taste or the cuisine you’re preparing. Try oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, or even a touch of cumin. Swap parsley for oregano or rosemary for an Italian twist.
• Add Veggies for Moisture: Mixing in shredded zucchini, grated mushrooms, or finely chopped spinach can add moisture and a subtle sweetness while sneaking in extra nutrients. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the veggies before adding them to the mix.
• Use Almond Flour If Needed: If your meat mixture feels too soft or sticky, add 1–2 teaspoons of almond flour to help bind it together without adding carbs. You can also use crushed pork rinds as a binder for more texture and flavor.
• Mix Gently: Don’t overmix the meat mixture—this can lead to tough, dry meatballs. Use your hands or a silicone spatula and stop once the ingredients are just combined.
• Shape to Your Preference: You can make your meatballs small for appetizers, medium for pasta dishes, or larger and flattened into patties for faster cooking and crispier edges. Flattening larger meatballs with the palm of your hand helps them cook more evenly, especially when pan-frying.
• Let the Mixture Rest Before Forming: Letting the meat mixture sit in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before shaping can help it firm up, making it easier to roll and shape.
• Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniformity: A cookie scoop helps you make evenly sized meatballs, which ensures they cook evenly whether you’re baking or air frying.
• Check Doneness with a Thermometer: For perfectly cooked meatballs, use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Storing Ideas

• Fridge: These meatballs can be easily stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to five days.
• Freezer: You can also freeze the leftovers. You have to let them cool, then transfer them to a clean baking sheet and freeze them for 1 hour. Transfer the meatballs to a ziptop bag or freezer container once they’ve hardened in the freezer. Place them back in the freezer, then store the meatballs for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Serve These Keto Meatballs?

I like to eat these meatballs simple as they are once they are done, but you can also serve them with your favorite side dish like:

• Cauliflower Rice
• Cauliflower Risotto 
• Homemade Pizza Sauce

Can I Make These Meatballs Dairy-Free?

Sure, if you are not a fan of parmesan cheese or follow a dairy-free diet, you can make this recipe using keto breadcrumbs instead of parmesan cheese.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?

Sure, these gluten-free meatballs are great for making in advance. Just prepare the meatballs as we did in this recipe, then freeze them on a baking dish lined with parchment paper. 

Next, place the frozen meatballs in a freezer bag and store them for up to two months in the freezer.

How To Check If My Meatballs Are Ready?

To see if your meatballs are ready, you can use an internal thermometer to check if the meatballs have reached 165 degrees.

More Easy Recipes For You to Try:

• Low Carb Keto Crack Slaw – Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce
• Pork Chops with Creamy Garlic Mushroom Sauce – 30 Minute Recipe