Keto Meatball Casserole is a flavorful, low-carb comfort food dish that combines tender, cheesy meatballs with rich marinara and a golden, melty cheese topping. Packed with protein and healthy fats, this satisfying casserole is perfect for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, and it’s easy enough to make on busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole delivers all the satisfaction of traditional meatballs without the carbs. The meatballs are juicy, seasoned with Italian herbs, and made even more nutritious with the addition of zucchini. Topped with marinara sauce and a generous amount of melted cheese, it’s a keto-friendly dish that’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly delicious. Best of all, it’s gluten-free and customizable to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the meatballs:

1 lb ground turkey
1 lb Italian sausage
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/3 cup grated or shredded Parmesan
1 shredded zucchini (about 1 cup)
1 egg
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
2 teaspoons dried minced garlic
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon salt

For the casserole:

1 cup marinara sauce (no sugar added)
8 oz shredded cheese (mozzarella, provolone, or a pizza blend)

Directions

Preheat the oven:
Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish with cooking spray.
Prepare the meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients—ground turkey, Italian sausage, mozzarella, Parmesan, zucchini, egg, onion, garlic, basil, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Form and bake:
Shape the mixture into approximately 24 meatballs and place them in the prepared casserole dish. Bake for 30 minutes or until fully cooked. Drain excess cooking liquid from the dish.
Top and bake again:
Pour marinara sauce evenly over the cooked meatballs and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
Broil (optional):
For a golden, bubbly top, broil for 3–4 minutes at the end. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Serve hot:
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 servings (3 meatballs per serving)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes (including topping)
Total Time: 55–60 minutes
Calories: Approximately 382 kcal per serving

Variations

Different meats: Use ground beef, pork, chicken, or a mix instead of turkey and sausage.
Swap the veggie: Substitute zucchini with chopped spinach, riced cauliflower, or omit for a more traditional texture.
Homemade marinara: Use your own homemade, sugar-free marinara to control ingredients and flavor.
Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
Add-ins: Mix in Italian seasoning, oregano, or fresh herbs for deeper flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This dish also freezes well—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground beef works perfectly. Any ground meat or combination can be used based on your preference.

Is the zucchini necessary?

Zucchini adds moisture and nutrients, but you can omit it or substitute it with another low-carb vegetable like spinach.

What’s the best marinara sauce for keto?

Choose a no-sugar-added marinara sauce with minimal ingredients, or make your own to avoid hidden sugars.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, freeze either before or after baking. For best results, cool completely, then store in a tightly sealed container or wrap.

How can I make the meatballs more firm?

Make sure to thoroughly drain the zucchini before adding it to the mixture, or reduce the amount for a firmer texture.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, pre-shredded cheese is convenient and melts well. Freshly shredded cheese may give a smoother finish but is optional.

What side dishes go well with this?

Serve with a side salad, sautéed greens, roasted cauliflower, or keto garlic bread.

Can I prep this in advance?

Yes, form the meatballs and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also assemble the whole casserole and bake later.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Drain the cooking liquid after baking the meatballs, and be sure to remove excess moisture from the zucchini.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided that your marinara and sausage are free from additives or fillers.

Conclusion

Keto Meatball Casserole is a delicious, satisfying dish that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle without compromising on comfort or flavor. With juicy meatballs, creamy cheese, and rich marinara, it’s a family-friendly favorite that’s easy to make, full of protein, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving a cozy dinner, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

Keto Meatball Casserole

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 8 servings (3 meatballs each)
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

This Keto Meatball Casserole is a low-carb comfort food classic featuring juicy turkey and sausage meatballs with hidden veggies, topped with rich marinara and a gooey cheese blend. Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners, it’s packed with flavor, protein, and only 4g net carbs per serving!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until well combined.
Shape into approximately 24 meatballs and place evenly in the casserole dish.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
Carefully drain any excess liquid from the dish.
Top the meatballs with marinara sauce and shredded cheese.
Return to oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
Optional: Broil for 3–4 minutes for a golden, bubbly cheese top. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Use spinach instead of zucchini if preferred.
Choose ground beef, pork, or chicken for variety.
This dish freezes well—great for keto meal prep!
Net Carbs: 4g per serving (3 meatballs with sauce and cheese)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking