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Keto Ricotta Meatballs in Basil Cream Sauce

Tackling a new recipe can feel as exciting as cracking open a new book—you never know how delicious the story will turn out. That’s exactly how I felt the first time I made Keto Ricotta Meatballs, and I’m thrilled to share them with you.

These are not your average meatballs. They’re juicy, tender, packed with Italian flavor, and simmered in a creamy basil Parmesan sauce—all while keeping the carb count low. If you’ve been missing comfort food on keto, this recipe is a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love These Keto Ricotta Meatballs

  • Ultra Tender Texture: Ricotta cheese and ground turkey create meatballs that are soft, moist, and melt-in-your-mouth.
  • Low Carb & Keto-Friendly: Pork rind crumbs replace traditional breadcrumbs, so you can enjoy classic meatball flavor without the carbs.
  • Flavor-Packed Sauce: A simple basil cream sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan, and garlic gives these meatballs an indulgent, restaurant-quality finish.
  • Meal Prep & Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week—or freeze for a quick dinner later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

  • 2 lbs ground turkey (or swap with ground chicken or pork)
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese – makes them tender and rich
  • 1 large egg – helps bind the mixture
  • 1 cup crushed pork rind crumbs – the perfect low-carb breadcrumb substitute
  • 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Basil Cream Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix together ground turkey, ricotta, egg, pork rind crumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs (a cookie scoop helps!) and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Bake

  1. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are lightly browned and fully cooked through.

3. Make the Basil Cream Sauce

  1. While the meatballs bake, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and simmer until the sauce begins to thicken.
  4. Stir in Parmesan and fresh basil.

4. Combine & Serve

  1. Add the baked meatballs to the skillet and coat them in the creamy sauce.
  2. Serve hot with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or a crisp green salad for the perfect keto dinner.

Tips for Perfect Keto Meatballs

  • Balance the Ricotta: Too much ricotta makes the meatballs too soft. Stick to the recipe ratio for best results.
  • Pork Rind Magic: This keeps them keto and adds structure. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more.
  • Fresh Basil = Maximum Flavor: Dried basil works in a pinch, but fresh herbs elevate the sauce.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Store in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Variations to Try

  • Swap the Meat: Use ground chicken or pork for a flavor twist.
  • Change the Sauce: Alfredo, spicy arrabbiata, or creamy pesto all pair perfectly with these meatballs.
  • Add Veggies: Toss in spinach or mushrooms to sneak in extra nutrients.

FAQs

1. Can I use almond flour instead of pork rinds?
Yes! Almond flour is a great low-carb option, though the texture will be slightly softer.

2. Can I freeze these meatballs?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.

3. What sides go best with keto meatballs?
Try zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, cauliflower rice, or a crisp side salad.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 430
  • Net Carbs: 4g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Fat: 28g

Final Thoughts

These Keto Ricotta Meatballs in Basil Cream Sauce prove that keto can be every bit as comforting and satisfying as classic Italian favorites. Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep, this is one low-carb recipe you’ll make again and again.