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Keto BBQ Bacon Meatball Meal Prep - Easy, Satisfying, and Make-Ahead Friendly

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 works best) or a mix of beef and pork
  • 6 slices bacon, cut in halves or thirds (you’ll need 12–18 short pieces)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup almond flour (super-fine works best)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce, plus extra for brushing
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the pan, if needed)
  • Fresh parsley or green onion, chopped (optional for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and top with a wire rack for even crisping. Lightly oil the rack if your bacon tends to stick.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, Parmesan, almond flour, egg, 1/3 cup BBQ sauce, heavy cream, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix or the meatballs can get tough.
  3. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the mixture into 16–18 meatballs, about 1.5 inches each. Roll gently to smooth.
  4. Wrap each meatball with a short piece of bacon, seam side down. If needed, secure with a toothpick placed horizontally through the seam.
  5. Arrange meatballs on the rack with a little space between each. Brush the tops lightly with additional sugar-free BBQ sauce.
  6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the bacon is browned and the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you want extra caramelization, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  7. Let rest 5 minutes. Brush with a final thin layer of BBQ sauce for shine and flavor.
  8. Portion into meal prep containers with your favorite low-carb sides. Garnish with parsley or green onion if you like.