Keto Ricotta Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

Savor the rich and hearty flavors of our Keto Ricotta Meatballs simmered in a homemade marinara sauce, perfect for a low-carb, high-fat diet.

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Keyword Keto Marinara Sauce, Keto Meatballs, Low Carb Meatballs, Low-Carb Dinner, Ricotta Meatballs

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Servings servings

Calories 485kcal

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Large skillet
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef
½ cup ricotta cheese
¼ cup almond flour
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

For the Marinara Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can crushed tomatoes 28 ounces
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon sweetener of choice optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ricotta cheese, almond flour, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Form the mixture into 1.5-inch (4cm) meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and sweetener if using. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the meatballs are done, add them to the skillet with the marinara sauce, gently tossing to coat them in the sauce.
Continue to simmer the meatballs in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the seasoning of the meatballs and sauce to your taste. The sweetener in the marinara sauce is optional and can be omitted for a more traditional flavor. For a complete keto meal, serve these meatballs over zucchini noodles or with a side of steamed vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition