Keto Beef Meatballs (No Breadcrumbs)

Why This Is Strictly Keto

Traditional meatballs use breadcrumbs as a binder — this recipe replaces them with Parmesan cheese and egg, which hold the meatballs together perfectly while keeping carbs near zero. There is no sugar, no flour, no breadcrumbs, and no pasta. Serve with zucchini noodles or on their own.

Ingredients

Meatballs

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 fat ratio for juiciest results)
• ½ lb (225g) ground pork
• 1 egg
• ½ cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)

Keto Tomato Sauce (Sugar-Free)

• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes (no added sugar — check label)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste

Instructions

1. Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, egg, Parmesan, garlic, basil, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined — do not overmix.

2. Shape: Roll into balls approximately 1.5 inches in diameter (about the size of a golf ball). You should get around 20 meatballs.

3. Sear: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear meatballs on all sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes total. Do not crowd the pan. Remove and set aside.

4. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add olive oil and garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Finish in sauce: Return meatballs to the skillet. Spoon sauce over them. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10–12 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.

6. Serve: Serve with spiralized zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or on their own with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh basil.

Nutritional Info (per 5 meatballs with sauce, approximate)

Tips

• Parmesan cheese is the binder here — do not reduce the amount or meatballs will fall apart.
• Always check canned tomato labels: many add sugar. Look for “no added sugar” varieties.
• Meatballs freeze beautifully with or without sauce for up to 3 months.