Tired of the never-ending meal prep struggle? Feeling the keto fatigue setting in when dinner rolls around? What if we told you there’s a superhero in the culinary world, ready to swoop in and save your week (and your macros)? Get ready to meet your new best friend: Keto Meal Prep Meatballs! These aren’t just any meatballs; they’re savory, satisfying, and shockingly simple to make. Imagine a freezer full of delicious, ready-to-go protein bombs, waiting to transform into lightning-fast keto dinners. Say goodbye to carb cravings and hello to effortless, flavorful meals. Let’s dive into how these little bites of heaven will revolutionize your keto journey!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Keto Meal Prep Meatballs aren’t just another recipe; they’re a game-changer for anyone committed to a low-carb lifestyle. Here’s why you’ll be making them on repeat:

Effortless Keto Convenience: With these meatballs prepped and frozen, healthy keto meals are just minutes away. No more scrambling for dinner ideas; simply grab, heat, and enjoy!
Flavor That Keeps You Coming Back: Packed with savory ground beef and pork, rich Parmesan, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs, every bite is an explosion of satisfying flavor that will make you forget you’re even “dieting.”
Budget-Friendly & Customizable: Using common ingredients and adaptable to different ground meats, this recipe is kind to your wallet. Plus, you can easily adjust seasonings to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Versatile Mealtime Hero: From a quick snack to a hearty main course, these meatballs play well with almost anything. They’re the perfect foundation for countless delicious keto meals, ensuring you never get bored.

Ingredients with Measurements

Gather your keto-friendly arsenal! Here’s everything you’ll need to create these fantastic Keto Meal Prep Meatballs:

3/4 cup keto cracker crumbs (can substitute with crushed pork rinds or almond flour)
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2 large eggs
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 pounds ground beef
1 pound ground pork (or an additional pound of ground beef)

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions

Ready to get your hands dirty and make some magic? Follow these simple steps to create your batch of delicious Keto Meal Prep Meatballs:

First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot when your meatballs are ready to bake.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the keto cracker crumbs and heavy whipping cream. Give it a gentle stir and let this mixture chill out for about 10 minutes. This little rest allows the crumbs to soak up the cream, creating a tender binder.
Once thickened, whisk in the eggs, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Whisk it vigorously until everything is beautifully blended and fragrant.
Now for the star proteins! Add the ground beef and ground pork to the bowl. Dive in with your hands (it’s the best way!) and gently but thoroughly mix all the ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs. We’re aiming for tender and juicy!
Lightly oil your hands with a touch of olive or avocado oil. This little trick prevents the mixture from sticking. Roll the mixture into approximately 1 1/2-inch balls. You should get a generous yield of about 48 to 52 flavorful meatballs.
Arrange your perfectly rolled meatballs in a single layer in large glass baking dishes or on rimmed baking sheets. If you’re a fan of easy cleanup (who isn’t?), line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This ensures they are perfectly cooked, juicy, and safe to eat.

Delicious Ways to Serve Your Keto Meatballs

Your freshly baked Keto Meal Prep Meatballs are incredibly versatile! Here are some fantastic keto-friendly ways to present and serve them, whether fresh or from the freezer:

Classic Italian Style: Simmer them gently in your favorite low-carb marinara sauce (sugar-free, of course!) and serve over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or a bed of fresh spinach.
Creamy Goodness: Drench them in a rich cream sauce, perhaps with mushrooms and a hint of Dijon, for a comforting and hearty meal alongside steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice.
Mediterranean Twist: Serve them alongside a vibrant Greek salad with feta, olives, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette, or with a dollop of tzatziki for a refreshing change.
Sub Roll Makeover: Slice them in half and layer them into keto-friendly “buns” made from fathead dough or large lettuce wraps with a slice of provolone cheese for a fantastic meatball sub experience.
Appetizer Extravaganza: Skewer them with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls for a delightful appetizer, or serve them hot with a sugar-free BBQ sauce for a party-friendly bite.
Soup & Stew Booster: Drop them into your favorite low-carb soups or stews for an extra punch of protein and flavor. They’re excellent in a cheesy cauliflower soup or a hearty beef stew.

Storage & Freezing for Future Meals

The beauty of these Keto Meal Prep Meatballs lies in their freezer-friendliness! Proper storage ensures you have delicious keto meals at your fingertips whenever hunger strikes.

To Freeze for Future Meals: Once your meatballs are perfectly baked, allow them to cool down completely to room temperature. This is crucial to prevent ice crystals. Spread the cooled meatballs out in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching. Freeze them like this until they are solid (this prevents them from sticking together later). Once thoroughly frozen, transfer them to a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. They’ll keep wonderfully for up to 3 months, making healthy meals super convenient!
To Refrigerate for Short-Term: Cooked meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’re perfect for quick weekday lunches or dinners.
To Enjoy from Frozen or Thawed: When you’re ready to eat, simply grab as many meatballs as you need and add them directly to your favorite keto sauce, soup, or casserole. You can cook them straight from the freezer – no thawing needed if you’re in a rush! Just increase the heating time slightly to ensure they are heated through. For best results, heat gently in a sauce on the stovetop or bake in the oven until warmed through.

FAQs About Keto Meal Prep Meatballs

Q1: Can I make these meatballs with just ground beef?: A: Absolutely! While the pork adds extra flavor and moisture, you can use 3 pounds of ground beef instead of 2 pounds beef and 1 pound pork.
Q2: What can I use if I don’t have keto cracker crumbs?: A: Crushed pork rinds or almond flour are excellent keto-friendly substitutes for cracker crumbs. Use the same 3/4 cup measurement.
Q3: Are these meatballs good for a strict keto diet?: A: Yes! With only 1.6g net carbs per serving, these Keto Meal Prep Meatballs are perfect for a strict ketogenic diet.
Q4: Can I bake them in an air fryer?: A: Yes, you can! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until cooked to 160°F (71°C).
Q5: How many meatballs are in a serving?: A: The recipe yields 48-52 meatballs, with approximately 5 meatballs per serving based on 10 servings.
Q6: What if I don’t have fresh parsley?: A: You can use about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley in place of fresh, but fresh always offers a brighter flavor.
Q7: Can I add other seasonings?: A: Definitely! Feel free to experiment with a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, onion powder, or a dash of smoked paprika.
Q8: How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet?: A: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is the best way to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Q9: Can I cook these meatballs in a sauce immediately?: A: While you can, baking them first helps them hold their shape better and browns them nicely. You can then simmer them in sauce.
Q10: What’s the best way to reheat frozen meatballs?: A: The easiest way is to add them directly to your favorite simmering keto sauce, soup, or casserole until heated through. You can also microwave or bake them from frozen.

Keto Meal Prep Meatballs

Delicious and easy-to-make keto meatballs, perfect for meal prepping. These flavorful meatballs are freezer-friendly and can be enjoyed in your favorite keto sauces, soups, or casseroles.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45

Cook Time 20

Total Time 1 5

Cuisine Italian

Servings 10 servings

Calories 390 kcal

Equipment

Large Bowl
Baking Dishes or Sheets
Parchment Paper
Heavy-duty Freezer Bag or Airtight Container

Ingredients

0.75 cup keto cracker crumbs (can substitute with crushed pork rinds or almond flour)
0.25 cup heavy whipping cream
2 large eggs
4 cloves garlic minced
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.33 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1.5 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 pounds ground beef
1 pound ground pork (or an additional pound of ground beef)

Instructions

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F.
In a large bowl, combine the cracker crumbs and heavy whipping cream. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes to thicken. After, whisk in the eggs, minced garlic, Parmesan, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until it's all well blended.
Now, add the ground beef and ground pork to the bowl. Use your hands to gently but thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Lightly oil your hands (olive or avocado oil works great) to prevent sticking. Roll the mixture into approximately 1 1/2-inch balls. This recipe should yield about 48 to 52 flavorful meatballs.
Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in large glass baking dishes or on rimmed baking sheets lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F, ensuring they are perfectly cooked and safe.
To Freeze for Future Meals: Allow the cooked meatballs to cool down completely. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure they aren't touching, and freeze until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight container. They'll keep wonderfully for up to 3 months, making healthy meals super convenient!
To Enjoy from Frozen or Thawed: Simply grab as many meatballs as you need and add them directly to your favorite keto sauce, soup, or casserole. You can cook them straight from the freezer – no thawing needed if you're in a rush!

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximately 5 meatballs):

Calories: 390kcal
Total Carbs: 2.6g
Net Carbs: 1.6g
Fats: 23.3g
Protein: 35.9g

Ultimate Keto Meal Prep Meatballs for Weight Loss!