Keto Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

Ingredients

• id: ground_turkey metric: 600g imperial: 1¼ lbs name: ground turkey (85/15)

• id: almond_flour metric: 60g imperial: ½ cup name: almond flour

• id: parmesan_cheese metric: 60g imperial: ½ cup name: Parmesan cheese, grated

• id: egg metric: 1 large imperial: 1 large name: large egg

• id: garlic metric: 3 cloves imperial: 3 cloves name: garlic cloves, minced

• id: onion_powder metric: 1 tsp imperial: 1 tsp name: onion powder

• id: italian_seasoning metric: 2 tsp imperial: 2 tsp name: Italian seasoning

• id: salt metric: 1 tsp imperial: 1 tsp name: salt

• id: black_pepper metric: ½ tsp imperial: ½ tsp name: freshly ground black pepper

• id: olive_oil metric: 2 tbsp imperial: 2 tbsp name: olive oil

• id: sugar_free_marinara metric: 600ml imperial: 2½ cups name: sugar-free marinara sauce

• id: mozzarella_cheese metric: 200g imperial: 2 cups name: mozzarella cheese, shredded

• id: fresh_basil metric: 30g imperial: ¼ cup name: fresh basil, chopped

• id: red_pepper_flakes metric: ¼ tsp imperial: ¼ tsp name: red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). In a large bowl, combine {ground_turkey}, {almond_flour}, {parmesan_cheese}, {egg}, {garlic}, {onion_powder}, {italian_seasoning}, {salt}, and {black_pepper}.

2. Mix gently with hands until just combined - don't overmix. Form into 20 meatballs, about 3cm in diameter.

3. Heat {olive_oil} in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs in batches, turning to brown all sides, about 6-8 minutes total.

4. Pour {sugar_free_marinara} over the meatballs in the skillet. Add {red_pepper_flakes} if using.

5. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature 74°C/165°F).

6. Remove from oven and sprinkle {mozzarella_cheese} over the top. Return to oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.

7. Garnish with {fresh_basil} and serve immediately.

Tips

Ground Turkey: Use 85/15 ground turkey for juiciness. 93/7 can be too lean and dry.

Almond Flour: Blanched almond flour works best as a breadcrumb substitute and helps bind the meatballs.

Gentle Mixing: Overmixing makes tough meatballs. Mix just until ingredients are combined.

Even Browning: Don't overcrowd the pan when browning. Work in batches for best results.

Marinara Choice: Check labels for sugar-free options, or make your own with crushed tomatoes and herbs.

Carb Count: This recipe contains approximately 7g net carbs per serving.

Serving Suggestions: Serve over zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or cauliflower rice.