Keto Swedish Meatballs are small, tasty bites that fit perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. Made with ground meat, creamy sauce, and spices, they’re super comforting and full of flavor!
These meatballs are great for a cozy dinner or a fun party snack. I love serving them with a side of steamed veggies or salad—because who doesn’t want to balance out all that yumminess? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using a mixture of ground beef and pork for added flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken work well, but they will yield a different flavor.
Almond Flour: This is the perfect low-carb substitute for regular flour. If you’re allergic to nuts, you can use coconut flour, but use just half the amount since it absorbs more moisture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a great salty flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the cheese.
Beef Broth: For the sauce, homemade beef broth is the best for flavor. If you’re short on time, low-sodium store-bought works fine. Vegetable broth is a good substitute for a lighter option.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Are Juicy and Tender?
To keep your meatballs juicy, make sure not to overmix the meat mixture. Just combine the ingredients until they’re mixed well. When rolling, try not to compact them too tightly, as a lighter touch keeps them tender.
- Mix the ingredients gently in a large bowl.
- Shape the meatballs into 1-inch rounds but don’t pack them hard.
- Cook the meatballs in a hot skillet—this helps them brown nicely without drying out.
How to Make Keto Swedish Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mixture of ground beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to cook, making the total time approximately 30 minutes. It’s a quick and delightful meal that’s perfect for weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything together well until it’s fully combined. You want each meatball to be flavorful!
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate as you go. This will make frying easier later on!
3. Cook the Meatballs:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs to the skillet. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through. Once done, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Make the Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the beef broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Stir it all together, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet—those bits add great flavor!
5. Simmer the Sauce:
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Taste it and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet, making sure to coat them in the creamy sauce. Let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just to heat through and soak up all that yummy flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Keto Swedish Meatballs on a plate and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy your meal—it’s nutritious and oh-so-tasty!
Can I Substitute the Almond Flour?
Yes, you can! If you’re not strictly following a keto diet or have nut allergies, you can substitute almond flour with coconut flour or regular breadcrumbs. Keep in mind that coconut flour is more absorbent, so you may need to adjust the quantity to about 1/8 cup.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
You can pre-make the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will last up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs with sauce for up to a month. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! To make dairy-free Keto Swedish Meatballs, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk. For the cheese, you can use a dairy-free cheese alternative or simply omit it. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste!
