Keto Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
This keto-friendly version of Spaghetti and Meatballs substitutes traditional pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles, making it low-carb while still delivering all the comforting flavors of the classic dish.

🍖 Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 2 cups low-carb marinara sauce (like Rao’s Homemade Marinara)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)

For the Noodles:

  • 3-4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles (zoodles) or
  • 1 package shirataki noodles (well-rinsed)

🍳 Directions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated Parmesan, almond flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

  • While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the low-carb marinara sauce and bring it to a simmer.
  • Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and let them simmer together for an additional 5-10 minutes.

3. Prepare the Noodles:

  • For Zoodles: In a separate skillet, lightly sauté the zucchini noodles in olive oil for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy.
  • For Shirataki Noodles: Rinse the noodles thoroughly under cold water and boil them for 2-3 minutes to reduce their natural odor. Drain and dry them well before adding to the sauce.

4. Serve:

  • Plate the noodles and top with meatballs and sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate for 4 servings):

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 25g
    • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 8g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Net Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Protein: 25g

🔍 Keto Tips and Benefits:

  1. Low in Carbs: By using zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles, this dish remains keto-friendly with just 5g net carbs per serving, helping you stay in ketosis.
  2. High in Protein and Healthy Fats: The ground beef provides a good source of protein and fats, essential for a keto diet, while the almond flour and Parmesan add healthy fats and flavor.
  3. Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Try adding extra spices to the meatballs, or incorporating vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the sauce.
  4. Nutrient-Rich: Zucchini is low in calories and carbs but high in vitamins A and C, making it a great addition to your keto meal plan.

This keto version of Spaghetti and Meatballs offers all the comfort and taste of the classic dish without the extra carbs, keeping your meal both satisfying and diet-friendly. Enjoy!