If meatballs were one of your favorite dishes before going keto, then you’re in luck today. These Easy Instant Pot Keto Meatballs are the closest thing you will get to the traditional, carb-laden ones you miss eating.
Traditionally, meatballs are made with breadcrumbs, which helps the meat absorb all of the delicious ingredients you add to it. It also helps form the balls.
However, breadcrumbs that are made with enriched flour are highly inflammatory for most people. They are also full of empty carbs, which makes them off limits on the keto diet.
My keto instant pot meatballs recipe uses almond flour instead. It’s a great source of fiber and healthy fats to fill you up, slim down your waistline, and prevent inflammation-induced brain fog. You can also try other low-carb breadcrumbs replacements.
Traditional meatloaf also calls for sugary condiments, such as ketchup and Worcester sauce. Some recipes even call for brown sugar. My keto version of this recipe omits the sugary ingredients and replaces them with healthy ones, such as herbs, marinara sauce, and cheese.
My low carb instant pot meatballs version is so filling and delicious that you won’t miss all the carbs (or the way this dish always seems to sit heavy in your stomach after enjoying).
Ground beef is the perfect meat to use in this recipe. It provides a wide range of micronutrients, such as riboflavin, niacin, zinc, selenium, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. I’ve made so many other low-carb ground beef recipes you can also try.
Beef also combines perfectly with other ingredients, especially vegetables. However, you can use ground turkey if that’s what you have on hand.
The Instant Pot is incredibly easy to use. I have tested many keto-friendly instant pot recipes you can try on our website.
How to Cook Keto Beef Meatballs Using an Instant Pot
Combine the beef, egg, almond flour, parmesan cheese, and spices in a bowl. Mix gently with your hands.
Use your hands, a spoon, or an ice cream scooper to form balls with the mixture.
Pour the marinara sauce in the instant pot and arrange the meatballs on top.
Put the lid on and set the instant pot to “sealing.” Then press “manual” or “pressure cook” and set the timer to 8 minutes. Cook on high pressure.
When the time is up, do a “natural release” to release the steam for 5 minutes. Then do a quick release to get the rest of the steam out.
Remove the lid and stir. Add more cheese if desired and serve with your favorite low-carb pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice.
More Low-carb Meatballs Recipes You Can Try:
- Chicken Zucchini Meatballs
- Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
- Beef Meatballs With Mint Gremolata
- Keto Sloppy Joes
Keto Instant Pot Meatballs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp almond flour
- 2 tbsp Parmesan grated
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- 8 oz marinara sauce keto-friendly
- fresh parsley chopped (for serving, optional)
- Parmesan grated for serving, optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, almond flour, grated parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Gently mix with your hands. Be careful not to overmix the meat.
- Shape into balls using your hands, a spoon, or a small ice-cream scoop.
- Pour low-carb marinara sauce into the instant pot. Arrange meatballs over the sauce, layering them if necessary.
- Put the lid on and turn the valve to “sealing.” Press “manual” or “pressure cook,” set the timer to 8 minutes, and cook at high pressure.
- Once the meatballs are finished cooking, natural release the pressure for 5 minutes and then do a quick release.
- Remove the lid from the instant pot and stir. Sprinkle with some more grated parmesan and chopped parsley (optional). Serve over cauliflower rice, miracle noodles, zoodles, or just eat on its own!
Video
Notes
Nutrition/Macros
FAQ
What ingredient makes meatballs stick together?
The key ingredient that helps meatballs stick together is a binder, commonly in the form of eggs and breadcrumbs or a breadcrumb substitute like almond flour for low-carb versions. The eggs and breadcrumbs combine to provide structure and help the meatballs maintain their shape during cooking without falling apart.
Why are my homemade meatballs tough?
Homemade meatballs can become tough if they are overmixed, which develops the proteins too much and makes them dense, or if they are cooked for too long, leading to drying out. Using lean meat without enough fat or not adding adequate moisture in the form of ingredients like eggs, breadcrumbs, or milk can also result in tough meatballs. To avoid this, mix gently just until the ingredients are combined and cook just until they reach the safe internal temperature.
How to reheat beef meatballs
To reheat beef meatballs, you can use the oven, stovetop, or microwave. In the oven, place meatballs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. On the stovetop, gently heat them in a sauce over low heat until warmed through. In the microwave, place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking for even warmth. Each method should ensure the meatballs are heated through without becoming dry or overcooked.