Low-Carb Italian Meatballs

Meet your new weeknight hero: Low-Carb Italian Meatballs! These little bites are absolutely dreamy—juicy, packed with herbs, and bursting with savory Italian flavor in every tender bite.

Best of all, they’re completely guilt-free. No breadcrumbs, no fuss, just a handful of real ingredients for meatballs that taste just like Nonna’s—without all the carbs. Quick to prep, baked for easy cleanup, and perfect for meal prepping or feeding a hungry crowd!

This is my go-to recipe when I want classic comfort food, minus the heaviness. Serve them with zucchini noodles, over cauliflower mash, or piled high in a bowl with your favorite sugar-free marinara. It’s a must-try for anyone craving cozy Italian without compromise!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Delivers classic Italian flavor without the carbs—total comfort food!
• Simple ingredients and quick prep make this a weeknight lifesaver
• Perfectly juicy and tender thanks to clever low-carb swaps
• Bakes in the oven for mess-free, hands-off cooking

Key Ingredients for Low-Carb Italian Meatballs

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Ground Beef

This is the hearty base of our meatballs, giving them their rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture. For the juiciest results, choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. You can sub half of the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, but beef brings the most classic Italian taste.

Grated Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan does double duty here: adding a deep, nutty umami flavor and helping to bind the meatballs together instead of breadcrumbs. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can add a similar savory note, though texture may vary.

Almond Flour

Almond flour is our low-carb secret weapon, taking the place of traditional breadcrumbs to keep the meatballs moist and cohesive. Use fine-blanched almond flour for the best texture. If nut allergies are a concern, ground pork rinds or coconut flour (use half the amount) are great substitutes.

Italian Seasoning

A blend of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme infuses these meatballs with unmistakable Italian aroma. Use a store-bought mix or make your own. Feel free to add extra dried basil or fresh parsley for an herbal kick.

Sugar-Free Marinara Sauce

Simmering the baked meatballs in a tangy, sugar-free marinara brings everything together. Opt for a low-sugar store-bought option or make your own. Tomato basil sauce or arrabbiata are also delicious here!

Instructions for Low-Carb Italian Meatballs

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Mix the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Parmesan, almond flour, egg, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with clean hands or a fork until just combined—don’t overmix, or your meatballs may get dense.

Shape the Meatballs

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll into balls about 1 1/2 inches wide. Place them evenly on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.

Bake Until Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through (internal temp should reach 160°F). You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden on the outside and smell incredible!

Simmer in Marinara

While the meatballs bake, warm the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the meatballs are finished, transfer them gently into the sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes. This helps them soak up that delicious tomato flavor.

Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the saucy meatballs onto plates, sprinkle with extra parsley and a little more Parmesan if you like, and dig in!

Recipe Variations

Kick Up The Heat

Love a little spice? Add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeño to the meatball mixture. You can also use arrabbiata sauce instead of classic marinara for extra heat!

Dairy-Free Option

For a dairy-free version, swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast or a plant-based Parmesan. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!

Turkey or Chicken Meatballs

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you want a lighter, leaner meatball. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as poultry may cook a few minutes faster.

Extra Veggie Boost

Finely chop and sauté some spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms and mix them into the meatball mixture before baking. It’s a great way to sneak in more veggies and moisture!

Gluten-Free (Always!)

This recipe is naturally gluten-free thanks to almond flour, but you can use ground pork rinds if you prefer a nut-free option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Low-Carb Italian Meatballs over a bed of zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or creamy cauliflower mash for a satisfying, well-rounded meal. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for that authentic Italian touch. Add a crisp green salad or roasted veggies on the side for a complete dinner!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave on medium until warmed through, or simmer gently in a skillet over low heat. For longer storage, freeze cooked (and cooled) meatballs with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

Frequently Asked Questions About Low-Carb Italian Meatballs (FAQ)

Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can shape and bake the meatballs ahead, then store them in the fridge or freezer. When ready to eat, just warm them up in marinara sauce.

Q: What can I use instead of almond flour?
A: Crushed pork rinds are a great low-carb, nut-free alternative. You can also use a small amount of coconut flour (about half the quantity).

Q: Are these meatballs keto-friendly?
A: Yes! Each serving is very low in carbs, making these meatballs perfect for keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets.

Ready for hearty, Italian comfort without the carb crash? These Low-Carb Italian Meatballs are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try the recipe, share your spin, and don’t forget to leave a comment or rating below—I love hearing how you make it your own!