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Keto Italian Slow Cooker Meatballs

Tender low-carb Italian meatballs slow cooked in a rich tomato herb sauce. This easy keto slow cooker recipe delivers classic Italian comfort food without breadcrumbs or added carbs.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef 80/20
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • For the Slow Cooker Sauce
  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes no added sugar
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Mix gently until ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Shape the mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs.
  4. Optional: Brown meatballs in a skillet for extra flavor before adding them to the slow cooker.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  6. Place meatballs into the sauce and coat them gently.
  7. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
  8. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

Notes

  • Use almond flour (2–3 tbsp) if you prefer a softer meatball texture.
  • For a richer flavor, brown the meatballs before slow cooking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • These meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months.