Italian-Style Low Carb Beef Meatballs Parmigiana
Indulge in these delectable Low Carb Italian-Style Beef Meatballs Parmigiana, perfect for a healthy meal without compromising on flavor. Made with a savory blend of ground beef, aromatic herbs, and rich cheeses, these meatballs are baked with a zesty marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for a comforting dish that satisfies your cravings. Ideal for those following a low carb lifestyle, these meatballs deliver high protein with low carbohydrates, making them a perfect choice for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Serve them with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
151
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (80/20 blend)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
grated parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (none)
almond flour
1/2 cup (none)
eggs
2 (beaten)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
dried onion flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon (none)
warm water
1/2 cup (none)
marinara sauce
1 cup (none)
mozzarella cheese
4 ounces (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, fresh parsley, grated parmesan cheese, almond flour, eggs, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion flakes, and dried oregano.
3
Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into 2-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Alternatively, you can fry them in a skillet over medium heat for a rich, golden brown crust. For an added layer of flavor, try frying them in bacon grease if available.
5
To prepare the Parmigiana, take the cooked meatballs and place them in an oven-safe dish. Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce over each meatball, then top with about 1/4 ounce of mozzarella cheese.
6
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes (or 40 minutes if the meatballs are frozen) until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your scrumptious low carb meal!
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein source for this recipe?
The primary protein source is 1.5 pounds of ground beef, specifically an 80/20 blend.
Is this Italian meatball recipe suitable for a low carb diet?
Yes, it is specifically designed for a low carb and keto lifestyle, using almond flour as a binder instead of breadcrumbs.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What binder is used to keep the meatballs together?
A combination of almond flour and two beaten eggs is used as the binding agent.
How long do the meatballs bake initially?
The meatballs bake for 20 minutes during the first stage, or until they are cooked through.
Can I cook the meatballs in a skillet instead of the oven?
Yes, you can fry them in a skillet over medium heat to achieve a rich, golden brown crust.
What type of cheese is mixed directly into the meatball mixture?
Three-quarters of a cup of grated parmesan cheese is mixed into the ground beef blend.
How much marinara sauce should be applied to each meatball?
Approximately 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce should be spooned over each meatball.
What type of cheese is used for the Parmigiana topping?
Four ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese are used to top the meatballs.
What is the suggested size for shaping the meatballs?
The mixture should be shaped into 2-inch meatballs.
How many calories are in a serving of these meatballs?
Each serving contains 151 calories.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving provides 12 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 9 grams of fat per serving.
What seasoning is used for the meatballs?
The seasoning includes kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, dried onion flakes, and dried oregano.
Does the recipe use fresh herbs?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
How much almond flour is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of almond flour.
Is water added to the meatball mixture?
Yes, 1/2 cup of warm water is included in the ingredient list.
Can I use frozen meatballs for this Parmigiana?
Yes, but you should increase the final baking time to 40 minutes if the meatballs are frozen.
How long is the final bake once the sauce and cheese are added?
The dish is baked for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
What is a recommended way to add extra flavor when frying?
Frying the meatballs in bacon grease is suggested for an added layer of flavor.
What side dishes are recommended for this meal?
It is recommended to serve the meatballs with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, these meatballs are a perfect choice for meal prep, lunch, or dinner.
How much mozzarella cheese goes on each individual meatball?
About 1/4 ounce of mozzarella cheese should be placed on each meatball.
What kind of salt is specified in the ingredients?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
What type of onion is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried onion flakes.
How much dried oregano is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
What is the total amount of marinara sauce needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of marinara sauce in total.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
What is the final garnish for the dish?
The dish can be garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
According to the nutrition summary, the sugar content is not listed, making it ideal for low carb diets.