These delicious keto ricotta meatballs are a fantastic option for anyone following a low-carb diet or just looking for a tasty, protein-packed meal.
They’re simple to make and perfect for a satisfying dinner any night of the week. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is.
You can serve these meatballs on their own, pair them with some zucchini noodles for a complete meal, or even use them as appetizers for your next gathering.
The rich, creamy sauce that accompanies them adds an extra layer of decadence without piling on the carbs.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. It’s a comforting, filling dish that doesn’t feel like you’re missing out on anything, even if you’re watching your carb intake.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich in Protein: With ground turkey as the main ingredient, this recipe is packed with protein. Protein is super important on a keto diet because it helps keep you full and maintains your muscle mass.
Keto-Friendly Comfort Food: These meatballs let you enjoy a classic comfort dish without breaking your keto diet. They’re made with low-carb ingredients like ground turkey and pork rind crumbs, so you can satisfy your craving for hearty, filling food while staying in ketosis.
Creamy Ricotta Texture: The addition of ricotta cheese gives these meatballs a unique, creamy texture that sets them apart from regular meatballs. It keeps them juicy and tender, even after baking.
Perfect for Meal Prep: These meatballs reheat really well, making them perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy them throughout the week. They’re great for quick lunches or easy dinners when you don’t have time to cook.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 2 pounds Ground Turkey
- 1 Egg (large)
- 1 cup Pork Rind Crumbs (use these – amazon)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Pepper
- Salt
The Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 teaspoons Garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup Chopped Basil
- Pepper
- Salt
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
Start by preheating the oven to 400°F and greasing a baking dish (I used a 10×13 inch one) with butter.
Step 2
Add all the meatball ingredients to a large bowl.
Step 3
Mix until well combined, and then form the mixture into even small meatballs. Place them in the baking dish.
Step 4
Bake for 20 minutes until browned. Then, remove from the oven.
Step 5
Place a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Then, add the garlic and sauté.
Step 6
Add the heavy cream, pepper, and salt. Simmer until the sauce thickens, and then stir in the parmesan and basil.
Step 7
Add the meatballs to the skillet, toss them until coated, and serve. Enjoy!
💡Tips
1. Don’t Overmix The Meat
When combining your ground turkey with the other ingredients, mix just until everything is evenly combined. You want to see little specks of ricotta and Parmesan throughout the mixture – this is a good sign that you haven’t overmixed.
2. Let the Meatballs Rest Before Cooking
After you’ve formed your meatballs, let them rest in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before cooking.
This resting time allows the flavors to meld and helps the meatballs hold their shape better during cooking. If you’re short on time, even 5-10 minutes in the freezer can help.
3. Let it Rest Before Serving
Once you’ve added the meatballs to the sauce, let the dish sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the meatballs to absorb some of the sauce, making them even more flavorful. It also gives the sauce a chance to cool slightly and thicken up a bit more.
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FAQ
1. How can I make the sauce thicker?
You can let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce further. Adding more grated Parmesan cheese will also help thicken the sauce.
Another option is to mix a small amount of xanthan gum (about 1/4 teaspoon) with a tablespoon of the hot sauce, then whisk this back into the pan.
2. Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, these meatballs freeze well! You can freeze them either cooked or uncooked. If freezing uncooked, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
If freezing cooked meatballs, let them cool completely first. Freeze the sauce separately. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.
3. How long do these meatballs last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, these meatballs will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. The sauce might separate a bit in the fridge, but gentle reheating while stirring should bring it back together.
Keto Ricotta Meatballs
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 2 pounds Ground Turkey
- 1 Egg large
- 1 cup Pork Rind Crumbs (use these – amazon)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Pepper
- Salt
The Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 teaspoons Garlic minced
- 1/4 cup Chopped Basil
- Pepper
- Salt
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 400°F and greasing a baking dish (I used a 10×13 inch one) with butter.
- Add all the meatball ingredients to a large bowl.
- Mix until well combined, and then form the mixture into even small meatballs. Place them in the baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes until browned. Then, remove from the oven.
- Place a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Then, add the garlic and saute.
- Add the heavy cream, pepper, and salt. Simmer until the sauce thickens, and then stir in the parmesan and basil.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet, toss them until coated, and serve. Enjoy!