Gooey Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole Delight

Name: Gooey Cheesy Keto Meatball Casserole Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Keto
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup grated onion; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, for browning; 3 cups keto-friendly marinara sauce (or one 24 oz jar, such as Rao’s); 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2-3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

by Manar Jota

October 21, 2025

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Gooey Cheesy Keto Meatball is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your heart. This delightful casserole combines tender, flavorful meatballs with a rich marinara sauce, enveloped in a gooey layer of melted cheese. Perfect for those following a low-carb lifestyle, this dish checks all the boxes for comfort food while keeping your diet intact. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week ahead or looking for a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Gooey Cheesy Keto Meatball

This Gooey Cheesy Keto Meatball recipe offers numerous benefits. First, it’s a deliciously satisfying meal that keeps you full without the carbs. Second, it’s packed with protein, making it a healthy choice for dinner. Third, the combination of flavors is simply irresistible, especially with the addition of gooey cheese. Fourth, it’s perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week. Fifth, you can easily customize it with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste. Lastly, it’s a simple recipe that anyone can follow, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

Ingredients for Gooey Cheesy Keto Meatball

Gather these items:

2 lbs ground beef
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, for browning
3 cups keto-friendly marinara sauce (or one 24 oz jar, such as Rao’s)
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2-3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

How to Make Gooey Cheesy Keto Meatball Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, the egg, grated onion, 2 cloves of the minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix to ensure tender meatballs.
Step 2: Form the mixture into approximately 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides in batches, about 5-7 minutes per batch, developing a delicious crust. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Warm 3 cups of your chosen keto-friendly marinara sauce in the same skillet or a separate pot. If desired, quickly sauté the remaining 1 clove of minced garlic for 30 seconds before adding the marinara. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour about half of the prepared marinara sauce into the bottom of the dish, spreading it evenly to create a delicious base.
Step 5: Drop dollops of the ricotta cheese over the marinara sauce layer. Carefully arrange the browned meatballs over the sauce and ricotta, distributing them evenly.
Step 6: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly covered. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 7: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the cheese topping is melted, golden brown, and delightfully gooey. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Step 8: Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle and the cheese to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired, for a final touch of freshness and color.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Gooey Cheesy Keto Meatball

Keep these in mind:

This dish is perfect for meal prepping.
Adjust seasoning to your taste.
Use different cheeses for variation, like cheddar or pepper jack for an extra kick.
Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
If you want a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the mixture.

Best Ways to Serve Gooey Cheesy Keto Meatball

There are several ways to enjoy your Gooey Cheesy Keto Meatball. Serve it over zucchini noodles for a delicious low-carb alternative to pasta. Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it with cauliflower rice for a satisfying dinner.

How to Store and Reheat Gooey Cheesy Keto Meatball

To store leftover Gooey Cheesy Keto Meatballs, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This recipe is great for meal prep, making it easy to have delicious, low-carb meals ready to go!

Frequently Asked Questions About Gooey Cheesy Keto Meatball

What is a Cheesy Keto Meatball?

A Cheesy Keto Meatball is a low-carb meatball made with ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and seasonings that fit within a ketogenic diet. These meatballs are rich in flavor and perfect for those looking to reduce carbohydrates while enjoying satisfying meals.

Can I make Gooey Cheesy Keto Meatball ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Gooey Cheesy Keto Meatball ahead of time. Simply assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Gooey Cheesy Keto Meatball?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overmix the meatball mixture, which can lead to tough meatballs. Also, keep an eye on the baking time to prevent the cheese from burning while ensuring the meatballs are cooked through.

Variations of Gooey Cheesy Keto Meatball You Can Try

Experiment with different flavors by adding spices like smoked paprika or cumin. You can also switch up the type of meat used, such as turkey or chicken, to create Cheesy Meatballs for Keto Diet. For a twist, try making Gooey Cheese Stuffed Meatballs by adding a small piece of cheese in the center before baking.

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For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection for inspiration!

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To learn more about the health benefits of a ketogenic diet, visit Healthline for detailed information.

For a delicious side, consider pairing this dish with ground beef zucchini casserole or coconut chicken meatballs for a complete meal!