These Moroccan-spiced keto meatballs are your answer! Bursting with exotic flavors and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, they’re a healthy and satisfying dish that will leave you wanting more. With just 3g net carbs per serving, these meatballs are perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
This recipe is part of my keto ground beef recipe collection which includes my delicious keto cottage pie, easy keto spaghetti sauce, and quick keto chili con carne.
Why These Keto Meatballs Are A Must-Try
- Flavor Explosion: Aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon create a comforting and exciting taste.
- Keto-Friendly: We use only the finest low-carb ingredients, ensuring these meatballs fit perfectly into your dietary goals.
- Slow-Cooker Magic: Combine the ingredients and let your slow cooker work its magic. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights!
- Meal Prep Win: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or a quick dinner throughout the week.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These meatballs are so delicious that even your non-keto friends and family will love them!
Ingredients
For The Keto Meatballs
- 2 pounds Ground Beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 1 small Onion, finely grated
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 large Egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh Cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground Cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground Coriander
- 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground Ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
For The Moroccan Tomato Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 ½ cups Tomato Passata (or crushed tomatoes)
- ½ cup Beef Broth (or bone broth for extra richness)
- Remaining grated Onion and minced Garlic
- ⅓ cup fresh Cilantro for garnish
How To Make Keto Meatballs
- Make the Meatballs: Combine all the meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined (overmixing can lead to tough meatballs).
- Shape & Brown: Roll the mixture into 40 meatballs (about 2 tablespoons each). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if needed. There is no need to cook them through; just get a nice sear.
- Build the Sauce: Add the remaining onion and garlic in the same skillet and saute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
- Slow Cooker Time: Transfer the sauce to your slow cooker. Add the passata and beef broth, then gently nestle the browned meatballs into the sauce.
- Cook Low & Slow: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish & Serve: Stir in the fresh cilantro just before serving. Enjoy with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or your favorite keto side dish.
Tips for the Best Keto Meatballs
- Spice It Up: Toast whole spices in a dry skillet before grinding for even more intense flavor
- No Slow Cooker? No problem! Simmer the meatballs in a Dutch oven or large pot on the stovetop over low heat for 1.5-2 hours.
- Make It Spicy: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture.
- Mix It Up: Try ground lamb, pork, or a combination for a different flavor profile.
- Fresh & Flavorful: Garnish with additional fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them in the slow cooker when ready.
Yes. Cook and cool the meatballs completely, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or slow cooker.
Cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad all pair perfectly with these Moroccan meatballs.
Keto Slow Cooker Meatballs
Rate it
Print Pin Share EmailUnit Conversion
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground Beef
- 1 small Onion grated
- 4 cloves Garlic crushed
- 1 large Egg
- 2 tablespoons Cilantro finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Cumin ground
- 1 tablespoon Coriander ground
- 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika ground
- 2 teaspoons Ground Ginger
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon ground
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 ½ cups Tomato Passata
- ½ cup Beef Stock
- ⅓ cup Cilantro to serve
Instructions
- In a large bowl add the beef, half the grated onion, half the garlic, egg, cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
- Roll into 2 tablespoon-sized meatballs and set aside. We got 40.
- Place the oil, remaining onion and garlic into a nonstick frying pan over high heat. Saute for 3-5 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for another 3 minutes, then add to your slow cooker, followed by the passata and stock. Mix well.
- Add the meatballs to the sauce.
- Cook on low for 5 hours.
- Stir through the cilantro and serve with a side of Cauliflower Mash.
Notes
Nutrition
Looking for more tasty slow cooker recipes? Try our;
To make a larger batch of this Moroccan Beef Meatballs recipe, adjust the servings on the card above.