Keto Swedish Meatballs – These low carb swedish meatballs pack all the flavor and creamy goodness of the traditional dish but without the extra carbs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Keto Swedish Meatballs are not just another keto dish; they are rich, savory, and incredibly easy to prepare. Using simple ingredients and a few clever substitutions, you can enjoy a creamy and flavorful meal that satisfies all your comfort food cravings.
Ingredients for Low Carb Swedish Meatballs
Creating a perfectly balanced keto version of Swedish meatballs requires thoughtful ingredients that preserve the classic taste:
- Ground Beef and Pork: A blend of these meats provides the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Almond Flour: This low-carb alternative replaces traditional breadcrumbs to keep the meatballs tender.
- Heavy Cream & Beef Broth: The duo creates a luscious, creamy sauce that’s keto-approved.
- Onion & Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic depth to the meatballs.
- Ground Allspice & Nutmeg: These spices are essential for that authentic Swedish flavor profile.
- Fresh Parsley & Parmesan Cheese: Bring freshness and umami to the meatballs.
- Butter: For a rich and velvety sauce.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Keto Swedish Meatballs
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: When mixing, be gentle to ensure tender meatballs.
- Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more beef broth; if too thin, let it simmer longer.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Fresh parsley not only looks great but adds an extra burst of flavor.
- Keto-Friendly Thickener: If needed, a touch of xanthan gum can help thicken the sauce.
Variations to Try
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and ghee instead of butter.
- Chicken or Turkey Meatballs: For a leaner option, swap beef and pork for ground chicken or turkey.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the meatball mixture for some heat.
- Herbed Sauce: Infuse the sauce with fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
Fun Fact: Did you know that traditional Swedish meatballs are often served with lingonberry jam? While not keto-friendly, you can use a sugar-free cranberry sauce as a tangy accompaniment.
How to Serve Low Carb Creamy Swedish Meatballs
- Cauliflower Mash: A creamy side that’s a perfect stand-in for mashed potatoes.
- Zucchini Noodles: Keep it light with zoodles for a complete low-carb meal.
- Shirataki Rice: Another great keto-friendly side that mimics traditional rice.
- Keto Bread Rolls: Use your favorite low-carb bread recipe to soak up that delicious sauce.
Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon juice over the meatballs for a fresh, tangy contrast to the creamy sauce.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing: Transfer any leftover meatballs and sauce to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Place the cooked meatballs (without the sauce) on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. The sauce can also be frozen separately.
Reheating: For best results, reheat the meatballs gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them uncooked in the fridge. Cook fresh when ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.
Keto Swedish Meatballs (LOW CARB)
Keto Swedish Meatballs - These low carb swedish meatballs pack all the flavor and creamy goodness of the traditional dish but without the extra carbs.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- Ground Beef: 1 lb for rich, hearty flavor.
- Ground Pork: 1 lb to add that perfect juiciness.
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped for a touch of sweetness.
- Pork Rinds: 1 cup, finely ground to keep things keto-friendly.
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced because everything’s better with garlic.
- Egg: 1 large, for binding.
- Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup, to keep the meatballs moist.
- Seasoning: 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper.
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: 2 tsp, for a savory punch.
- Mustard: 1 tsp, to add a little zing.
- Broths: 3/4 cup each of beef and chicken broth for depth.
- Butter: 4 tbsp salted, for a velvety base.
- Coconut Flour: 2 tbsp, as a keto-friendly thickener.
- Heavy Cream: 3/4 cup, to make the sauce dreamy.
- Xanthan Gum: 1/2 to 1 tsp (optional), for extra thickness.
Instructions
- Prep and Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or greased foil for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, onion, pork rinds, garlic, egg, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined — overworking the meat can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape and Bake: Form the mixture into small meatballs, aiming for around 40-50. Place them on the prepared trays and bake for 20 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Make the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the coconut flour to create a roux, and cook for a minute.
- Add the Flavors: Gradually add the beef and chicken broths, heavy cream, soy sauce, and mustard. Keep whisking until the sauce is smooth. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.
- Adjust Thickness: Want an even thicker sauce? Slowly whisk in 1/2 to 1 tsp of xanthan gum. Go easy and add it gradually to avoid clumping.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the baked meatballs into the creamy sauce and let them simmer together for a few minutes. Serve immediately, or keep them warm over low heat.
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1 gramsAmount Per Serving Calories 193Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 51mgSodium 618mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 1gSugar 5gProtein 14g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, but use it sparingly! Coconut flour is more absorbent than almond flour, so only a small amount is needed.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce without flour?
Xanthan gum is a great thickener for keto recipes. Just a pinch is usually enough.
Can I make these meatballs in the oven?
Absolutely! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through. You can then prepare the sauce on the stovetop and add the baked meatballs.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Substitute the meat with a mix of chopped mushrooms, cauliflower, and ground walnuts. Use vegetable broth and coconut cream for the sauce.
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