Tender Keto Ricotta Meatballs with Italian Herbs and Low-Carb Perfection

The ultimate low-carb comfort food featuring incredibly tender meatballs made with creamy ricotta cheese, seasoned ground meat, and aromatic Italian herbs. This keto-friendly masterpiece combines the richness of ricotta with perfectly spiced meat, creating unforgettable meatballs that are both satisfying and diet-compliant. This guilt-free comfort food elevates traditional meatballs to extraordinary heights while keeping carbs minimal, perfect for keto dieters, Italian food lovers, or any time you crave tender, flavorful meatballs without the carbs.

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Tender Keto Ricotta Meatballs with Italian Herbs and Low-Carb Perfection - main view
Chef profile

JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Keto Cooking Mastery Secrets for Perfect Low-Carb Ricotta Meatball Creation

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Perfect Keto Binding Mastery:
Master the technique of using low-carb binders for ideal meatball texture without carbs.
Ricotta Integration Excellence:
Learn the skill of incorporating ricotta for maximum creaminess and tenderness.
Italian Seasoning Perfection:
Perfect the method of balancing fresh and dried herbs for authentic Italian flavor.
Meatball Forming Mastery:
Master the art of shaping uniform meatballs that cook evenly and maintain structure.
Cooking Technique Strategy:
Learn optimal cooking methods for achieving golden exterior and juicy interior.
Tender Keto Ricotta Meatballs with Italian Herbs and Low-Carb Perfection - secondary view

The Art of Perfect Keto Ricotta Meatballs with Low-Carb Italian Excellence

Perfect Keto Binding Mastery
Master the technique of using low-carb binders for ideal meatball texture without carbs.
Ricotta Integration Excellence
Learn the skill of incorporating ricotta for maximum creaminess and tenderness.
Italian Seasoning Perfection
Perfect the method of balancing fresh and dried herbs for authentic Italian flavor.
Meatball Forming Mastery
Master the art of shaping uniform meatballs that cook evenly and maintain structure.
Cooking Technique Strategy
Learn optimal cooking methods for achieving golden exterior and juicy interior.
Keto Cooking Mastery Secrets for Perfect Low-Carb Ricotta Meatball Creation
Ricotta Quality: Use whole milk ricotta for best texture and flavor - avoid low-fat versions.
Meat Ratio: 80/20 ground beef provides perfect fat content for juicy, tender meatballs.
Gentle Mixing: Don't overmix the meat mixture to prevent tough, dense meatballs.
Resting Time: Let mixture rest to allow psyllium husk to absorb moisture and bind properly.
Size Consistency: Use cookie scoop for uniform meatballs that cook evenly together.
Temperature Check: Internal temperature of 165°F ensures food safety and perfect doneness.
Tender Keto Ricotta Meatballs with Italian Herbs and Low-Carb Perfection - tertiary view

Tender Keto Ricotta Meatballs with Italian Herbs and Low-Carb Perfection

The ultimate low-carb comfort food featuring incredibly tender meatballs made with creamy ricotta cheese, seasoned ground meat, and aromatic Italian herbs. This keto-friendly masterpiece combines the richness of ricotta with perfectly spiced meat, creating unforgettable meatballs that are both satisfying and diet-compliant. This guilt-free comfort food elevates traditional meatballs to extraordinary heights while keeping carbs minimal, perfect for keto dieters, Italian food lovers, or any time you crave tender, flavorful meatballs without the carbs.

Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
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Ingredients

Custard Cream
01
For the Perfect Meatball Base:
02
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
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1 lb ground Italian sausage
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1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07
For the Italian Seasoning:
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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For the Keto Binding:
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1/4 cup almond flour
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2 tablespoons psyllium husk powder
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1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
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For the Flavor Enhancement:
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
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For the Cooking Method:
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons butter
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For the Optional Sauce:
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2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce
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1/4 cup heavy cream
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2 tablespoons fresh basil
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For the Cheese Topping:
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1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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For the Fresh Garnish:
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Fresh basil leaves
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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For Special Equipment:
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Large mixing bowl
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Cookie scoop or spoon
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Large skillet or baking sheet
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Meat thermometer

Instructions

01
Preheat oven to 400°F if using baking method for cooking meatballs.
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Line large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease.
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Combine ground beef and Italian sausage in large mixing bowl.
04
Add ricotta cheese, eggs, and grated Parmesan to meat mixture.
05
Mix in minced garlic, fresh basil, parsley, and all dried seasonings.
06
Sprinkle almond flour and psyllium husk over mixture for binding.
07
Add softened cream cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and spices.
08
Gently mix all ingredients with hands until just combined, don't overmix.
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Let mixture rest for 10 minutes to allow psyllium to absorb moisture.
10
Using cookie scoop or hands, form mixture into 24 uniform meatballs.
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Place formed meatballs on prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly apart.
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For oven method: bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
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For stovetop method: heat olive oil and butter in large skillet.
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Brown meatballs in batches, turning carefully to cook all sides evenly.
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Cook for 15-20 minutes total until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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If using sauce, heat sugar-free marinara in large saucepan.
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Stir heavy cream and fresh basil into warmed marinara sauce.
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Add cooked meatballs to sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
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Alternatively, serve meatballs plain with sauce on the side.
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Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese if desired.
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Garnish with fresh basil leaves and chopped parsley for color.
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Serve hot over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or shirataki noodles.
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Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days in covered container.
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Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months for future quick meals.
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Reheat gently in sauce or microwave until heated through completely.