Slow Cooker Keto Meatball Casserole

Introduction

Nothing beats the comfort of a hearty casserole, especially when it’s made with tender, flavorful meatballs simmering in a rich, cheesy sauce. This Slow Cooker Keto Meatball Casserole is a game-changer for busy weeknights and lazy weekends. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a dish that brings your family together while keeping you on track with your keto goals. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy.

This casserole is the ultimate keto comfort food: juicy meatballs swimming in a savory tomato-based sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or simply indulging in a guilt-free, low-carb meal.

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Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Keto Meatball Casserole

• Effortless Cooking: Just mix, shape, and let the slow cooker do the rest.
• Keto-Friendly: Low-carb and high-fat, this dish fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle.
• Customizable: Easily tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences.
• Meal Prep Ready: Stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers.
• Family-Approved: Even non-keto eaters will rave about this dish.

My Personal Experience

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to prepare. The aroma that filled my kitchen while the meatballs cooked was irresistible. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. I’ve served it at family gatherings and it’s always a hit—no one even realizes it’s keto! Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day.

Required Equipment

• Slow Cooker: The backbone of this recipe! A dependable slow cooker ensures perfectly tender meatballs and a hands-free cooking experience. I love how it makes meal prep so effortless.
• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining the meatball ingredients. A set of sturdy, easy-to-clean bowls makes prep a breeze.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Precision is key for keto recipes, and these help you measure out ingredients like almond flour and marinara sauce accurately.
• Large Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for spreading the sauce evenly and layering the meatballs gently without breaking them.
• Cheese Grater: Freshly grated cheese is a must for this recipe. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy finish that pre-shredded cheese just can’t match.
• Tongs: Useful for placing the meatballs into the slow cooker and for serving them without breaking apart.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version)
• 1 lb ground pork (adds richness, but you can use all beef if preferred)
• 1 large egg (acts as a binder)
• ½ cup almond flour (substitute with crushed pork rinds for zero carbs)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds flavor and texture)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (look for no-sugar-added options)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (keto-approved brand or homemade)
• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Keto Meatball Casserole

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Mix well but avoid overworking the meat.
• Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.

2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:

• Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker and spread evenly.
• Place the meatballs in a single layer on top of the sauce.
• Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are covered.

3. Slow Cook:

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs should be tender and fully cooked.

4. Add the Cheese:

• About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the meatballs. Cover and let the cheese melt.

5. Serve:

• Once the cheese is bubbly, scoop the meatballs onto plates and serve hot.

Tips for This Recipe

• Use Fresh Herbs: If available, fresh basil and parsley elevate the flavor.
• Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overmixing can make the meatballs dense.
• Layer the Sauce Evenly: This ensures the meatballs cook evenly and stay moist.

Optional Additions

• Vegetables: Add sliced zucchini or mushrooms to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
• Cheese Blend: Mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a richer topping.
• Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with zoodles (zucchini noodles) or spaghetti squash for a keto-friendly “pasta” night.
• Serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage Recommendation

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• This casserole also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce the night before. Assemble them in the slow cooker the next day.

2. Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Absolutely! Just ensure they are keto-friendly with no added fillers or breadcrumbs.

3. What’s the best marinara sauce for keto?
Look for a brand with no added sugar and minimal carbs per serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 25g
• Total Carbs: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Net Carbs: 4g

We’d love to hear how your recipe turned out! 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments—we’re excited to hear from you! 😊 Looking for more delicious keto recipes and tips? Join our Facebook group for daily low-carb ideas and inspiration. Don’t forget to bookmark our site for quick access to all your keto favorites. New to keto? Kickstart your journey today with our Keto Diet Plan for Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you!