Looking for something cozy, cheesy, and totally satisfying—but still keto? This Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole has all the comfort of Italian takeout, without the carbs. It’s hearty, melty, and perfect for anyone craving those classic baked flavors in a low-carb way. And the best part? It’s a one-pan wonder—just like our Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole that fans can’t stop making!
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this casserole delivers. Juicy meatballs simmer in rich marinara, topped with layers of gooey mozzarella and salty Parmesan until golden and bubbling. Every bite feels like comfort on a fork.
- ✔️ Perfect for Keto 1 Pan Dinners and easy clean-up.
- ✔️ High in protein and packed with flavor—an ideal Great Low Carb Meal.
- ✔️ Great for Keto Meal Prep Ideas For Beginners—freezes and reheats perfectly!
- ✔️ Kid-friendly, customizable, and endlessly cheesy.
- ✔️ Ready in under an hour—just like our Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan.
Want to make it spicy? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce. Prefer it extra cheesy? Mix in provolone or ricotta. Watching macros? Try lean ground turkey for a lighter version. This casserole flexes with your goals and cravings!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (80/20) | 1 lb |
| Ground pork (optional) | ½ lb |
| Almond flour | ½ cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Minced garlic | 3 cloves |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| No-sugar-added marinara sauce | 2 cups |
| Shredded mozzarella | 1½ cups |
| Extra Parmesan (for topping) | ¼ cup |
| Fresh basil or parsley | 2 tbsp |
Choosing the Best Ingredients
Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, tender meatballs. The extra fat gives incredible flavor and texture. Want to lighten things up? Mix with ground turkey or chicken. Choose a keto-friendly marinara—Rao’s or homemade are great options. For cheese, whole-milk mozzarella melts beautifully, and fresh Parmesan adds that savory finish you crave.
Looking for a low-carb veggie pairing? Try this with Cheesy Zucchini Casserole—it’s creamy, light, and absolutely perfect with all that marinara.
How to Make Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13″ baking dish with olive oil or butter.
- Mix the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, almond flour, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently—don’t overwork!
- Shape and bake: Roll into 1½-inch balls. Place them evenly in the baking dish and bake for 18–20 minutes, until browned and mostly cooked.
- Top with sauce and cheese: Pour marinara evenly over meatballs, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake again: Return to the oven for 10–15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on the edges.
- Rest & serve: Let it sit for 5 minutes, then garnish with basil or parsley before serving.
Texture Tips for Crispy, Gooey Perfection
- Use a metal or cast-iron baking dish for better browning.
- Broil for the last 2 minutes for a golden cheese crust.
- Space the meatballs evenly—overcrowding traps steam and softens them.
- Want to air fry instead? Cook at 375°F for 12 minutes, then add sauce and cheese for 3 more minutes.
Pro tip: This method gives the same bubbly finish as in our Cheesy Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole—you’ll love that browned top!
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add Italian sausage or crushed chili flakes.
- Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of ricotta under the mozzarella.
- Low-Fat: Use ground turkey and part-skim cheese.
- Veggie-Loaded: Mix in chopped spinach or shredded zucchini.
- Kid-Friendly: Skip the spice and double the mozzarella!
Sauces & Toppings
- Fresh basil pesto drizzle
- Garlic-infused olive oil
- Keto ranch drizzle
- Avocado crema or chipotle mayo
- Extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes
Perfect Sides
This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted veggies, salads, or keto-friendly breads. Try these next:
- Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes (low-carb swap: use cauliflower!)
- Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup for cozy nights
- Crisp Dill Refrigerator Pickles to balance the richness
- Cheesy Zucchini Casserole as a creamy side
Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes
- Meatballs fall apart: Add one more egg or extra almond flour for binding.
- Soggy texture: Drain excess grease after first bake before adding sauce.
- Dry meatballs: Mix in 1 tbsp olive oil or shredded zucchini for moisture.
- Bland flavor: Add garlic powder or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Cheese burns: Tent foil loosely after browning the top.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, or reheat single portions in the air fryer at 370°F for 5 minutes to re-crisp that cheesy top.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead? Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I freeze it? Absolutely—freeze before baking, then thaw overnight and bake as directed.
What’s the best keto marinara? Look for “no sugar added” sauces or make your own with olive oil, garlic, and crushed tomatoes.
Can I meal prep this? Totally—it reheats beautifully for lunch all week.
What sides go best? Try it with Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan or Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Honey for contrast.
Conclusion
This Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole delivers all the cheesy, saucy, hearty satisfaction you crave—without the carbs. It’s family-friendly, meal-prep ready, and perfect for any night when comfort food calls. Serve it up with a side of garlic mash or a crisp salad, and finish with a slice of Apple Crumble Cheesecake for a guilt-free indulgence.
What are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, crank up the oven, and let that cheese bubble! Keto comfort never tasted so good.
Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole – Cheesy Low-Carb Comfort!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 lb ground pork (optional)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- salt & pepper to taste
- 2 cups no-sugar-added marinara sauce
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup extra Parmesan (for topping)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley (garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
- Mix ground beef, pork, almond flour, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, and seasoning until just combined.
- Form 1½-inch meatballs, arrange in dish, and bake for 18–20 minutes until browned.
- Pour marinara over meatballs, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake 10–15 minutes more until bubbly and golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
