This keto meatball stroganoff recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy a creamy mushroom sauce over beefy meatballs while staying within your carb limits. It's a perfect keto weeknight meal that can be served over zucchini noodles, enjoyed as is, or even as a low-carb appetizer.
Why Meatball Stroganoff?
Craving beef stroganoff but short on traditional ingredients? This keto meatball stroganoff is a great alternative. Using ground beef to create meatballs makes this dish accessible and budget-friendly. Meatballs serve as an easy and inexpensive substitute for regular cuts of meat, and this recipe is easily adaptable. You could even use slices of beef or a slow cooker beef stroganoff roast for a variation.
Ingredients You'll Need
The ingredient list might seem extensive, but don't be intimidated! The main components are beef, onions, mushrooms, and garlic, all simmered in a creamy sauce.
Here's a breakdown of the key ingredients:
- Lean ground beef: The base of the meatballs.
- Almond flour: Used as a low-carb binder in the meatballs.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds flavor and helps bind the meatballs.
- Egg: Another binding agent for the meatballs.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic provides a savory flavor.
- Onion powder: For additional flavor in the meatballs.
- Fresh mushrooms: Sliced and browned for a rich, earthy flavor in the sauce.
- Sour cream: The key ingredient for the creamy stroganoff sauce.
- Beef Better than Bouillon: This adds a concentrated beef flavor to the sauce. Regular beef bouillon cubes or beef stock can be substituted.
- Butter: I use grass-fed unsalted butter in this recipe.
- Spices: Salt and black pepper to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your keto meatball stroganoff:
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Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, almond flour, parmesan cheese, egg, onion powder, crushed garlic, salt and pepper.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly with a wooden spoon or your hands.
- Form the mixture into meatballs (this recipe makes approximately 24 meatballs) and set them aside on a plate.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
- Heat a large pan or skillet to medium-high heat.
- Add oil to the pan, then reduce the heat to medium.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and brown them well, which should take about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan and Simmer
- Add the Better than Bouillon mixed with water (or beef broth if using) to the pan to deglaze it. Whisk to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return the meatballs to the pan, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Finish the Stroganoff
- Remove the lid from the pan and slowly stir in the sour cream.
- Allow the sauce to cook and thicken, 3-5 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This keto meatball stroganoff is incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Over low-carb noodles: Zucchini noodles, cabbage noodles, spaghetti squash, or Palmini noodles are all excellent choices. To prepare zucchini pasta, use a spiralizer, julienne vegetable peeler, or regular vegetable peeler to create long ribbons. Microwave for 1-3 minutes, depending on your desired softness.
- Over mashed cauliflower: A great alternative if you crave mashed potatoes!
- As an appetizer: Serve the meatballs and sauce in a bowl with toothpicks for a tasty appetizer.
If you're not strictly following a keto diet, you can also serve this stroganoff over egg noodles or other pasta.
Tips and Variations
- Freezing: You can freeze the meatballs after rolling or browning. Allow the meatballs to cool, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, poke a few small holes in the bag and microwave at half power for about 5 minutes. However, freezing the finished stroganoff with sour cream is not recommended, as it can separate and become gritty.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Add herbs: Fresh dill, a secret ingredient, really elevates the flavor of this dish.
- Make your own meatballs: While frozen meatballs are convenient, homemade meatballs offer superior flavor and allow you to control the ingredients.
Side Dish Ideas
Because this dish is rich and flavorful, pair it with a light side dish such as a simple salad.
A Keto-Friendly Comfort Food
This keto meatball stroganoff is a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. It's a great way to enjoy the flavors of traditional beef stroganoff while staying true to your low-carb lifestyle. This keto-friendly version of an old favorite will become a family favorite! Meatballs and gravy make a perfect, comforting meal, and this recipe is so simple that anyone can make it.
Nutritional Considerations
This dish is perfect for those looking to maintain a keto lifestyle. It's high in fat and protein, and low in carbohydrates. Be mindful of portion sizes, as it is a rich dish. Remember that one of the biggest perks of a low-carb diet is getting to eat the really rich foods that most people would consider “bad for you” on a Standard American Diet. Heavy cream and full-fat dairy suddenly get to become staples when paired with fresh meats and veggies. This beef stroganoff cream sauce is definitely one of those super rich foods, but a little bit goes a really long way to add amazing flavor.
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tags: #keto #meatball #stroganoff #recipe