Low-Carb Italian Meatballs with Parmesan

Recipe makes 6 servings

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup almond flour
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Tomato Sauce:

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup crushed tomatoes
½ cup chicken broth
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

¼ cup chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, parmesan cheese, almond flour, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.

Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Form the mixture into 1.5-inch (3.8 cm) meatballs (about 24 meatballs).

In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides (about 6-8 minutes).

Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.

In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. 

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the dried oregano and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the browned meatballs to the tomato sauce. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

Stir occasionally to ensure the meatballs are evenly coated with the sauce.

Serve the meatballs hot, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil if desired.

Nutritional breakdown per serving  (recipe makes 6 servings)

575 Calories
47.5g Protein
39.5g Fat
2g Fiber
6.8g Total Carbs
4.8g NET Carbs