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Keto Ground Beef Meatballs - Easy, Juicy, and Full of Flavor

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef (80/20) – about 1.5 pounds for juicy, tender meatballs
  • Almond flour – 1/3 cup, for binding without carbs
  • Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/3 cup, for flavor and structure
  • Egg – 1 large, to bind
  • Onion – 1/2 small, very finely minced or grated
  • Garlic – 2–3 cloves, minced
  • Italian seasoning – 1 to 1.5 teaspoons
  • Fresh parsley – a small handful, chopped (optional but great)
  • Salt and black pepper – to taste
  • Olive oil or avocado oil – for searing
  • Low-carb marinara sauce – about 2 cups (no added sugar)
  • Red pepper flakes – optional, for heat

Method
 

  1. Prep your aromatics: Finely mince or grate the onion so it nearly melts into the meat. Mince the garlic. This helps flavor the meatballs without chunky pieces.
  2. Make the mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, almond flour, Parmesan, egg, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix just until combined. Do not overwork the meat or the meatballs will be tough.
  3. Form the meatballs: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls, roughly golf ball size. You should get about 18–20. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
  4. Heat the pan: Add 1–2 tablespoons oil to a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, it’s ready.
  5. Brown in batches: Add meatballs, leaving space between them. Brown on two or three sides, about 5–7 minutes total per batch. Don’t cook through yet; you just want a golden crust.
  6. Simmer in sauce: Pour in the marinara, scraping up browned bits. Nestle all meatballs into the sauce. Reduce to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook 10–12 minutes, or until the centers reach 160°F and feel firm.
  7. Taste and adjust: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat. If the sauce is too thick, splash in a bit of water or broth.
  8. Finish and serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve with sautéed zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, roasted broccoli, or a simple green salad.