If you’re craving a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug, let me introduce you to the incredible eatball Casserole with Cheese and Sauce! This recipe brings together tender, flavorful meatballs baked in a rich marinara sauce, all topped with ooey-gooey melted cheese. It’s perfect for those on a keto diet who refuse to compromise on taste or satisfaction. Each bite is bursting with savory goodness, cheesy indulgence, and that satisfying saucy finish that just keeps you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this eatball Casserole with Cheese and Sauce!, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen.

eatball Casserole with Cheese and Sauce! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this eatball Casserole with Cheese and Sauce! plays a crucial role, from the rich ground meats to the blend of cheeses, and the vibrant seasonings. These simple components come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s rich in flavor, texture, and all-around deliciousness.

1 lb ground beef: Provides juicy, meaty flavor and a great keto-friendly protein base.
1 lb ground pork: Adds moisture and richness, balancing the beef perfectly.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully inside the meatballs, adding stretch and creaminess.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Contributes a sharp, nutty essence that boosts flavor complexity.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder, keeping the meatballs tender and intact.
1/4 cup almond flour: A keto-friendly option to help maintain the meatball structure without carbs.
1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses every bite with warm, aromatic depth.
1 tsp onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and layers of flavor.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings classic herbaceous notes, tying together the meat and sauce.
1/2 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors distinctly.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Offers just a hint of spice to brighten the dish.
2 cups marinara sauce (low sugar): The saucy heart of the casserole, rich yet keto-friendly.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Creates a golden, bubbly crust that’s pure comfort food!
Fresh basil (optional): Adds a fresh, fragrant garnish that elevates every serving.

How to Make eatball Casserole with Cheese and Sauce!

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Meatball Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, mix the ground beef and pork with mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, almond flour, and seasonings in a large bowl. This combination ensures your meatballs are perfectly moist, flavorful, and hold together beautifully. Mixing by hand gives you the best texture — be gentle but thorough!

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them neatly on a baking sheet. Baking rather than frying keeps the dish lighter, plus it allows the meatballs to brown evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes until they’re cooked through and have a lovely golden color — this step really seals in the flavor.

Step 3: Warm the Sauce and Combine

While the meatballs are baking, gently heat your marinara sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them into the skillet and toss gently so each one is coated in that delicious tomato goodness. This step ensures every bite is saucy and satisfying.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the sauced meatballs evenly into a baking dish, then generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This cheese topping melts into a bubbly, golden crust that’s irresistible and adds a great contrast to the tender meat beneath.

Step 5: Final Bake and Rest

Pop the whole casserole back into the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown. Taking it out and letting it rest for a few minutes allows the flavors to settle, making every forkful rich and flavorful. This last step perfects your eatball Casserole with Cheese and Sauce!

How to Serve eatball Casserole with Cheese and Sauce!

Garnishes

Top your casserole with freshly torn basil leaves for a burst of color and a fragrant herbal note that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also bring a bit of excitement to the plate.

Side Dishes

This meal stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out your dinner, try a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Steamy garlic green beans or sautéed spinach make excellent keto-friendly companions, balancing the richness of the casserole with fresh, vibrant textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins, allowing everyone to experience their own cheesy, saucy haven. Alternatively, layer the meatballs and sauce over zoodles or cauliflower rice for a creative plating that adds visual appeal and extra vegetables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover eatball Casserole with Cheese and Sauce! into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect ready-to-eat meal for busy days.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. To freeze, portion it out or keep it whole in a freezer-safe dish, wrapped tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It’ll maintain its flavor and texture for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish anytime.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese regains its melty goodness. Alternatively, microwave individual servings on medium power in bursts to avoid drying out. Add a splash of marinara sauce before reheating to keep things moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I make this eatball Casserole with Cheese and Sauce! dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the cheeses with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. Make sure they melt well to maintain that signature gooey topping.

Is this recipe suitable for other diets besides keto?

While it’s designed with keto in mind, you can easily adapt it by swapping almond flour with breadcrumbs for a traditional meatball texture, though it will increase the carb content.

Can I use all beef or all pork instead of both?

Yes! You can use all ground beef or all ground pork. Using a blend adds flavor and moisture, but single meats will still yield tasty results.

How spicy is this casserole? Can I add more heat?

This casserole is mildly seasoned to highlight the herbs and cheeses. Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce to turn up the heat to your preference.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely! You can shape and bake the meatballs earlier in the day or the day before, then assemble and bake the entire casserole when you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this eatball Casserole with Cheese and Sauce! enough for anyone looking for a hearty, comforting meal that fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet simple, and always leaves you smiling at the dinner table. Give it a try—it might just become your new favorite go-to recipe.

eatball Casserole with Cheese and Sauce! Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Carb

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Description

A delicious and satisfying Keto-friendly meatball casserole combining ground beef and pork with rich cheeses and low-sugar marinara sauce, perfect for a low-carb diet while delivering comfort food flavors.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatballs.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined to form the meatball mixture.
Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into roughly 1-inch diameter meatballs and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet.
Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
Heat Sauce: While the meatballs bake, warm the low-sugar marinara sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Remove the baked meatballs from the oven and gently add them into the skillet with the marinara sauce, stirring carefully to coat each meatball.
Assemble Casserole: Transfer the sauced meatballs into a baking dish, spreading them out evenly for the next baking step.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the meatballs in the baking dish.
Bake Casserole: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles to a golden perfection.
Serve and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.

Notes

Use low-sugar marinara sauce to keep the dish keto-friendly.
Optional fresh basil adds a lovely herbaceous note but can be omitted.
Almond flour helps bind meatballs while keeping carbohydrates low.
Ensure meatballs are cooked through before combining with sauce for food safety.
To reduce sodium, adjust salt according to preference or use low-sodium cheese and sauce options.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American