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Keto-Friendly Meatballs with Zoodles Recipe
Are you on a keto diet and craving a delicious yet healthy meal? Look no further! These keto meatballs paired with zoodles offer a satisfying and low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this recipe is sure to keep your taste buds happy while sticking to your dietary goals.
For a complete keto menu, add these bacon and egg muffins.
Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy meatballs made from ground beef and seasoned to perfection, all while enjoying the lightness of spiralized zucchini noodles. This dish is not only keto-friendly but also a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals.
Explore more keto recipes like this Egg Roll in a Bowl.
Delicious Keto Meatballs with Zoodles
Keto-Friendly Meatballs with Zoodles Recipe
Course: Dinner Prep, Keto Meal PrepCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes25
minutes350
kcalIngredients
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup almond flour
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free)
Olive oil for cooking
Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Parmesan cheese, almond flour, egg, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Cook Zoodles: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini and sauté for 3-5 minutes until just tender.
- Combine: Once the meatballs are done, heat the marinara sauce in a separate pan and add the meatballs to coat them in the sauce. Serve the meatballs on a bed of zoodles.
- Garnish: Top with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Key Prep Tips
- Meatball Texture: Ensure the meatball mixture is evenly combined but avoid over-mixing to keep them tender.
- Zoodles Preparation: Use a spiralizer to create even zucchini noodles. Pat the zoodles dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before cooking to prevent a watery dish.
- Baking Tip: For evenly cooked meatballs, use a cookie scoop to portion them out before rolling.
- Sauce Consistency: Heat the marinara sauce gently on low to prevent it from becoming too thick or burning.
- Meal Prep Storage: Store the meatballs and zoodles separately if meal prepping to avoid sogginess.
Suggested Variations
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Add a cube of mozzarella or cheddar cheese in the center of each meatball for a gooey surprise.
- Different Proteins: Swap ground beef with turkey, chicken, or a mix of pork and beef for different flavor profiles.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb Boost: Mix fresh basil or parsley into the zoodles for added freshness.
- Low-Carb Pasta Alternative: Use shirataki noodles or spaghetti squash instead of zoodles for variety.
Serving Suggestions
- Topping: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese over the dish before serving.
- Side Dish: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice to balance the richness.
- Plating: Serve the meatballs over the zoodles in a shallow bowl for an elegant presentation.
- Appetizer Option: Serve the meatballs with toothpicks and marinara sauce on the side for dipping as a keto-friendly appetizer.
- Garnish: Finish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil for a polished look.