Keto Ultimate Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole – Low-Carb Comfort Food

Keto Ultimate Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole: A Low-Carb Comfort Food Favorite

Hey friends! If you're a fan of comforting, hearty meals but also following a keto lifestyle, I’ve got the perfect dish for you—Keto Ultimate Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole! This recipe brings all the flavor of a classic spaghetti and meatballs, but with a low-carb twist. It’s cheesy, savory, and completely satisfying. And best of all, it’s simple to make, so you can enjoy a keto-friendly version of this comfort food favorite without the guilt.

Let’s dive in and whip up this delicious casserole together!

Keto Ultimate Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup almond flour (this helps bind the meatballs while keeping it low-carb)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for extra flavor)

For the casserole:

• 2 cups zucchini noodles (you can spiralize zucchini or buy pre-spiralized noodles)
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (make sure it’s low-carb and sugar-free, or use homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven:
   Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s ready for the casserole once you’ve assembled everything.

2. Make the meatballs:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), almond flour, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You can use your hands to make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Shape the meatballs:
   Form the mixture into little meatballs that are about one and one-and-a-half inches across. You should end up with around 20-24 meatballs. Put them on a silicone baking mat or a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.

4. Bake the meatballs:
   The meatballs should be cooked through and golden brown after about 20 minutes of baking in a preheated oven. You can check by cutting one open to make sure there’s no pink in the center. While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the rest of the casserole.

5. Prepare the zucchini noodles:
   While the meatballs are cooking, spiralize your zucchini to create noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can buy pre-spiralized zucchini noodles from most grocery stores. You’ll need about 2 cups. Once they’re ready, gently squeeze the zucchini noodles to remove excess moisture (this will prevent your casserole from becoming watery).

6. Assemble the casserole:
   Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a tablespoon of olive oil. Spread the zucchini noodles evenly across the bottom of the dish. Then, pour the marinara sauce over the zucchini noodles. Make sure to spread it out evenly.

7. Add the meatballs:
   Once the meatballs are done, carefully add them on top of the zucchini noodles and marinara sauce. Pour any remaining sauce from the baking sheet over the meatballs to keep them nice and saucy.

8. Top with cheese:
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the meatballs and sauce. You want to make sure the cheese covers everything, as it will melt beautifully and create that comforting cheesy layer we all love.

9. Bake the casserole:
   Place the casserole back in the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is golden brown on top.

10. Serve and enjoy:
    Before serving, let the dish settle for a few minutes. This enables it to solidify and facilitates slicing. Serve warm, and enjoy your Keto Ultimate Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

If you cut the casserole into 6 servings, here’s the nutritional breakdown for each one:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Net Carbs: 4g
• Sugar: 3g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 700mg

Preparation Time:

• Active Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
• Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes (including baking)

Keto Notes:

• Zucchini Noodles: Zucchini noodles are the perfect pasta substitute for keto because they’re low in carbs and high in water content. Make sure to squeeze out the excess moisture before adding them to the casserole to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

• Low-Carb Marinara Sauce: Check the label on your marinara sauce to ensure it doesn’t have added sugars or hidden carbs. If you prefer, you can make your own marinara using canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Homemade is always a great option!

• Meatball Variations: While this recipe uses ground beef or turkey, you can switch it up with chicken or even ground pork. You can also make it a little spicier by adding red pepper flakes or extra garlic to the meatball mixture.

Nutritional Benefits:

This Keto Ultimate Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole is packed with nutritional benefits:

• High in Protein: With a good amount of ground beef or turkey, this dish provides a solid protein punch, essential for muscle repair and keeping you full longer.
• Low in Carbs: With only 4g of net carbs per serving, this casserole is perfect for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle.
• Rich in Healthy Fats: The combination of cheese, olive oil, and meat gives this dish a nice balance of healthy fats, which are important on the keto diet for maintaining energy and supporting ketosis.
• Packed with Veggies: Zucchini noodles are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants, making this dish not only delicious but nutritious too.

Additional Tips & Variations:

• Add Veggies: You can add some other veggies to the casserole, like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Just sauté them before adding to the casserole so they don’t release too much water.
• Keto Garlic Bread: Serve this casserole with a side of keto-friendly garlic bread. You can make it using almond flour or coconut flour for the bread base.
• Spicy Kick: Add a bit of crushed red pepper to the marinara sauce or sprinkle it over the meatballs for an extra bit of heat.

Common FAQs:

1. Can I use store-bought zucchini noodles?
Yes, you can! Pre-spiralized zucchini noodles are available at most grocery stores. Just be sure to squeeze out any extra moisture before using them in the casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dish can be put together the night before and kept in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake, and it should still cook up beautifully.

3. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Just let it cool completely, cover it tightly, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes or until heated through.

4. Can I use a different cheese?
While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone. Just make sure they melt well.

Final Thoughts:

I hope this Keto Ultimate Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole becomes a new favorite in your kitchen! It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and keto-friendly. Whether you’re following a strict keto diet or just looking for a low-carb meal, this casserole will keep you on track while satisfying your cravings.

Try it out and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear your variations and feedback. And remember—keto doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the delicious, comforting dishes you love.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy cooking!