For those embracing a low-carb lifestyle, finding satisfying and delicious comfort food can be a delightful journey. This keto meatballs slow cooker recipe is a testament to the fact that "fake" food isn't necessary to enjoy classic favorites. It's a recipe that has won over even the most skeptical family members, proving that low-carb eating can be both yummy and fulfilling. This recipe is easy to make. Simply throw all of the ingredients together and let your slow cooker do the work for you!
Why Choose Keto Meatballs?
Traditional meatball recipes often contain breadcrumbs and other fillers that significantly increase their carbohydrate content. This recipe avoids those pitfalls, offering a flavorful and satisfying alternative that aligns with the principles of a ketogenic diet. These meatballs are not only low in carbs but also packed with flavor, making them a perfect appetizer or main course.
The Challenge of Finding Keto-Friendly Meatballs
One of the frustrations of following a keto diet is the difficulty of finding convenient, pre-made options that fit the dietary requirements. Most store-bought meatballs contain breadcrumb fillers and a significant amount of carbs. While gluten-free versions exist, they are often just as bad, if not worse, in terms of carb content. Finding truly keto-friendly meatballs in the freezer aisle can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Ingredients and Preparation
This recipe uses half of my meal prep meatball recipe. The quality of ingredients matters.
The Meatball Mixture
To create these flavorful meatballs, you'll need:
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- Ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
- Parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Minced garlic
- Seasonings (Italian seasoning, salt, pepper)
The Sauce
The sauce is not a traditional store-bought tomato sauce (or tomato ketchup), but more of a tomato gravy.
- No-sugar-added marinara sauce (Rao’s or Yo Mama’s Foods are recommended) or a homemade tomato sauce using diced tomatoes, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Optional additions
- Onion
- Bay leaf
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan, beaten egg, and minced garlic. Knead with your hands to mix all ingredients well. Using your hands, roll the mixture into meatballs.
Sear the Meatballs (Optional): Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the meatballs.
Slow Cook the Meatballs: Spray a 6 or 7-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Place the meatballs in the slow cooker, stacking lightly if necessary. Pour the tomato mixture over the meatballs and add in the onion and bay leaf.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-10 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Serve: Toss the meatballs in additional marinara sauce and serve over your favorite pasta alternative, such as zoodles (zucchini noodles). Top with cheese.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Noodle Alternatives
- Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Thin zoodles provide a pasta-like feel. Cook them quickly in the microwave for 30-60 seconds for al dente texture.
- Shirataki Noodles: Rinse them properly to minimize any distinct taste.
- Palmini: Noodles made from hearts of palm offer a serviceable alternative.
- Keto Egg Noodles: For a more challenging but rewarding option, try keto egg noodles.
Other Serving Suggestions
- Creamy Mashed Cauliflower: A great way to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Keto Meatball Casserole: Layer frozen meatballs, tomato sauce, and cheeses in a slow cooker and cook until melted and bubbly.
- Appetizer: Serve the meatballs as a standalone appetizer with a creamy marinara dipping sauce.
Tips and Tricks
- Uniform Meatballs: Use a large cookie scoop to form uniform meatballs.
- Cheese: Grate your own whole milk mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for better flavor and to save on carbs.
- Marinara Sauce: Marinara sauces vary greatly in carb counts. Look for brands with no more than 5g of carbs per 1/2 cup serving.
- Meatball Consistency: If the meatball mixture is too sticky, wet your hands before forming the meatballs.
- Flavor Boost: Add Italian seasoning to the meatball mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add chili sauce to the meatballs after serving for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and Savory: For a sweet and savory flavor, use a jam sweetened with natural sweeteners like monkfruit or stevia.
Slow Cooker Benefits
Slow cookers offer numerous benefits:
- Convenience: Simply add the ingredients, set the cooker, and forget it.
- Flavor Development: Slow cooking allows flavors to meld and deepen over time.
- Tender Meatballs: The slow cooking process results in tender and juicy meatballs.
- Versatility: Slow cookers can be used to make a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and desserts.
Freezing and Reheating
- Freezing: Set aside any meatballs you would like to freeze. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen meatballs in the fridge overnight or in the microwave. Reheat them in a saucepan over the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave. Make sure they are heated through before serving.
Nutritional Information
This recipe (using specific ingredients) is estimated to be approximately 1.2 net carbs per 3 meatballs. However, it's important to independently calculate nutritional information based on the specific ingredients you use.
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