Keto Meatball Alfredo

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Savor tender beef meatballs blended with Parmesan and almond flour, simmered in a buttery Alfredo sauce made creamy with heavy cream and more Parmesan. Each bite delivers rich, comforting flavor and a pleasing texture, finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The meal is crafted to fit a low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing any classic Italian-inspired goodness. Simple to prepare in one skillet, this dish makes an ideal weeknight dinner that satisfies cravings while keeping net carbs and fuss to a minimum. Serve hot for maximum enjoyment with family or friends.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Sun, 28 Sep 2025 20:45:55 GMT
A bowl of meatballs in a creamy sauce. Save
A bowl of meatballs in a creamy sauce. | sarahmeal.com

These creamy Keto Meatball Alfredo are my answer whenever I crave something both comforting and low in carbs. The juicy beef meatballs soak up all the velvety Alfredo sauce, making this dish a family favorite that feels downright luxurious but comes together easily on a weeknight.

The first time I made these meatballs I was amazed by the way almond flour kept them tender and moist. My family devoured the whole batch and now everyone expects this dish at our Sunday dinner table.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: choose 80-85 percent lean so your meatballs stay flavorful and juicy
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: real aged Parmesan gives the best nutty depth to both meatballs and sauce
  • Almond flour: a low carb binder that keeps the meatballs tender avoid coarse almond meal for a smoother texture
  • Egg: helps bind everything together for perfect shaping
  • Garlic powder: adds just enough savoriness go for granulated garlic instead of super fine powder for even mixing
  • Salt and pepper: season generously and taste as you go for a balanced flavor
  • Parsley: fresh parsley on top adds brightness and a pop of color plus it makes the dish look extra inviting
  • Butter: unsalted is best so you control the saltiness in the Alfredo sauce
  • Heavy cream: brings rich silkiness to the sauce go for full fat and avoid lower fat alternatives

Instructions

Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl combine ground beef Parmesan cheese almond flour egg garlic powder salt and pepper. Use clean hands to gently mix until everything is just blended without overworking.
Shape the Meatballs:
Scoop mixture and form it into uniform balls about golf ball size. Try to keep them even so they cook at the same rate.
Brown the Meatballs:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs without crowding and cook until browned on each side and cooked through about twelve minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet reduce heat to medium low and add butter. Once melted pour in heavy cream and whisk gently scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Stir in Parmesan cheese letting it melt and thicken until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
Combine and Simmer:
Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and toss gently in the Alfredo sauce. Let simmer for two to three minutes so the flavors meld.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with chopped parsley just before serving for color and freshness.
A bowl of meatballs in a creamy sauce. Save
A bowl of meatballs in a creamy sauce. | sarahmeal.com

My favorite thing about this recipe is how the Parmesan melts into the sauce making each bite super creamy. I remember the first time I served this to my family—everyone went back for seconds and asked for extra sauce to dip their veggies. Now even picky eaters at my house look forward to this meal.

Storage Tips

This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Store leftovers in an airtight container and gently reheat over low heat stirring often so the sauce stays creamy. If the sauce thickens too much add a splash of cream to loosen it up.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have almond flour you can use crushed pork rinds or even coconut flour but adjust the quantity since it absorbs more moisture. For a dairy-free version try a blend of unsweetened coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of the heavy cream and Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatballs over steamed spiralized zucchini or roasted broccoli to soak up the Alfredo sauce. Sometimes I pair them with cauliflower mash for that classic cozy feel. These also make a great meal prep lunch topped with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

A bowl of meatballs in a creamy sauce. Save
A bowl of meatballs in a creamy sauce. | sarahmeal.com

Cultural Context

Alfredo sauce has Italian-American roots though in Italy the sauce is simpler using just butter and Parmesan. Over time cooks in the United States enriched it with cream for extra silkiness—perfect for a keto recipe where fat is your friend.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I ensure the meatballs are tender?

Mix the ground beef gently with Parmesan, almond flour, and egg, avoiding overworking the mixture. This helps maintain a soft texture when cooked.

→ Can I substitute almond flour with something else for binding?

Yes, coconut flour or crushed pork rinds can be used if you need a grain-free binder that keeps the meatballs low carb.

→ How do I thicken the Alfredo sauce?

Simmer the sauce gently to reduce, stirring in Parmesan cheese until it becomes rich and creamy without separating.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

Try pairing with zucchini noodles, steamed broccoli, or a fresh green salad for a complete low-carb meal.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed.

Keto Meatball Alfredo

Juicy beef meatballs in velvety Alfredo sauce, perfect for a hearty, low-carb dinner.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Duration
35 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: Italian-inspired

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size

Diet Preferences: Low-Carb Option, Gluten-Free Option

What You'll Need

→ Meatballs

Ingredient 01 450 g ground beef
Ingredient 02 30 g grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient 03 30 g almond flour
Ingredient 04 1 large egg
Ingredient 05 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredient 06 Salt, to taste
Ingredient 07 Black pepper, to taste

→ Alfredo Sauce

Ingredient 08 60 g unsalted butter
Ingredient 09 240 ml heavy cream
Ingredient 10 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient 11 Salt, to taste
Ingredient 12 Black pepper, to taste
Ingredient 13 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make It

Instruction 01

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Parmesan cheese, almond flour, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Instruction 02

Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, approximately 3 cm in diameter.

Instruction 03

Place the meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Instruction 04

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.

Instruction 05

Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the Alfredo sauce. Heat for 2–3 minutes until the meatballs are warmed through. Top with chopped parsley before serving.

Additional Tips

  1. For a smoother sauce, grate Parmesan cheese fresh rather than using pre-grated varieties.

Essential Tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains egg, dairy, and tree nuts (almond flour).

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 480
  • Fat Content: 40 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 4 grams
  • Protein Content: 28 grams