Are you trying to figure out what to have with meatballs on keto? Well, you’re in luck because this post will show you the best keto sides for meatballs that are all easy to make and quick so that you can enjoy your meatball dinner in no time!
One of my favorite things to eat is meatballs. I love how they can be made with different types of meats and how they can be flavored in so many different ways. And for someone like me who’s on keto diet, meatballs make the perfect low-carb meal.
Unfortunately. finding keto-friendly sides to go with meatballs can be quite a challenge. That’s why I’ve put together a list of my favorite keto sides for meatballs.
From zucchini noodles to cauliflower rice, there are plenty of delicious and healthy options for you to choose from.
Let’s take a look at some of my top winners!
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Are meatballs good on keto?
Meatballs can be made keto if made without breadcrumbs and bread.
You may be thinking that meatballs are not keto since they are commonly made with bread or breadcrumbs as the main ingredient. This aids in keeping the balls round shape and form. But as you may know, regular bread and bread crumbs are a no-no on keto.
Luckily there are a few substitutes you can use instead of bread crumbs such as pork rinds and grated zucchini. These help maintain the shape of meatballs while removing the carbs.
15 Easy Keto Sides for Meatballs:
1. Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini noodles are a fantastic keto-friendly alternative to traditional pasta. You can either buy them pre-made at the store or make them yourself using a spiralizer. I like to top my zucchini noodles with a simple meatball sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It’s so good that you won’t even miss the pasta!
2. Shirataki Noodles
Also called ‘miracle noodles’ or ‘konjac noodles’, these low-carb noodles come all the way from Japan and are made from the roots of the konjac plant. They’re becoming quite the hit among the keto community because they’re virtually carb-free! Paired with meatballs, they make for a delicious and filling meal.
3. Palmini Noodles
Coming to popularity after being introduced on the TV show Shark Tank, Palmini is a low-carb pasta made from hearts of palm. It has a very similar texture to traditional capellini pasta (without all the carbs!) and can be used in all sorts of recipes, including meatballs. Simply top with your favorite sauce and you’re good to go!
4. Low Carb Pasta
The Great Low Carb Bread Company has an assortment of 4 low-carb kinds of pasta – Fettuccine, Rotini, Penne, and Elbows. I personally love making these with a classic Italian meatball recipe that I grew up with. So if you’re in the mood for some good old-fashioned pasta and meatballs, this is the way to go.
5. Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are chewy, egg-based pasta that’s low in carbs and high in protein. You can easily make this pasta at home by combining some lupin flour, egg yolks, and mozzarella cheese. Once the dough is formed, simply cut them up into noodles and cook them in boiling water. Serve with some creamy Swedish meatballs for a protein-packed dinner!
6. Spaghetti Squash
If you enjoyed the zucchini noodles, then you’re definitely going to love spaghetti squash. It’s healthy, delicious, and so easy to make too! Simply bake the squash whole, then use a fork to scrape out the “noodles”. Trust me, the slight sweetness of the squash will really enhance the savoriness of your meatball recipes!
7. Cauliflower Mash
Who needs potato mash when you can have cauliflower mash? This low-carb alternative is just as creamy and delicious, without all the carbs and calories. Simply steam or boil some cauliflower florets, then mash them up with some butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. Serve as a side with some juicy meatballs and you’re good to go!
8. Cauliflower Rice
If you’re someone who loves rice, then you’re in luck! Cauliflower rice is a fantastic keto-friendly alternative that’s nutritious, flavorful, and takes just 10 minutes to make. Simply grate or process some cauliflower florets into “rice”, then cook it in a pan with some olive oil and garlic. Layer it on a plate with some teriyaki meatballs for a delicious Asian-inspired meal.
9. Green Beans
Meatballs and green beans are a match made in heaven. The green beans add a pop of color and freshness to the dish, with a slight crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tenderness of the meatballs. I like to sauté my green beans with some garlic and olive oil, then top with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. So good!
10. Roasted Asparagus
If you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish, then roasted asparagus is the way to go. Simply toss some asparagus spears with olive oil and sea salt, then roast in a hot oven for about 12 minutes. The result is tender and slightly charred asparagus that you can use as the perfect bed for your meatball recipes!
11. Roasted Eggplant
I’ve been making this roasted eggplant dish a lot lately and it pairs so well with meatballs! It’s easy to make – just slice up an eggplant into thin rounds, then roast in a hot oven until tender. I like to top mine with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Really takes it to another level!
12. Meatball Sub
The secret to a great keto meatball sub? Make the bread with almond flour so it’s nice and crispy, without all the carbs. Then fill it up with your favorite meatballs, sauce, and cheese, then bake until hot and bubbly. A hearty lunch that you’ll want to make over and over again.
13. A Fresh Salad
Honestly, there’s no better way to enjoy meatballs than with a big, fresh salad. The cool and crisp veggies contrast perfectly with the warmth of the meatballs, and the variety of textures and flavors is just unbeatable. I like to make a simple salad with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, hardboiled eggs, and diced ham.
14. Roasted Broccoli
Although not everyone is a fan of broccoli, I personally think it goes amazingly well with most meat dishes – especially meatballs! The key is to roast it until it’s nice and crispy, which brings out its natural sweetness. Simply toss some broccoli florets with olive oil and sea salt, then roast in a hot oven for about 15 minutes. Enjoy!
15. Roasted Rutabaga
Craving something crispy, salty, and oh-so savory? Then you’ll love roasted rutabaga! This low-carb veggie makes the perfect side dish for meatballs – just slice it up into thin wedges, then roast in a hot oven until crispy. I like to season mine with some garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for extra flavor.
15 Keto Sides for Meatballs (Quick & Easy Recipes)
Are you trying to figure out what to have with meatballs on keto? Well, you're in luck because this post will show you the best keto sides for meatballs that are all easy to make and quick so that you can enjoy your meatball dinner in no time!
Ingredients
- Zucchini Noodles
- Shirataki Noodles
- Palmini Noodles
- Low Carb Pasta
- Egg Noodles
- Spaghetti Squash
- Cauliflower Mash
- Cauliflower Rice
- Green Beans
- Roasted Asparagus
- Roasted Eggplant
- Meatball Sub
- A Fresh Salad
- Roasted Broccoli
- Roasted Rutabaga
Instructions
- Pick a keto side dish for meatballs from the list above.
- Make a delicious low carb side dish for meatballs.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 248Total Fat: 15gCarbohydrates: 7.7gNet Carbohydrates: 2.7gFiber: 5g
The nutritional info is for the keto egg noodles (#5 recipe on this list)
Conclusion
So the next time you’re planning on making meatballs, be sure to try one (or all!) of these keto-friendly side dishes. They’ll take your meal to the next level and leave you feeling satisfied and full.
I hope this post helped you figure out what to serve with meatballs. Let us know which one of these keto meatball sides is your fave!
More Easy Keto Sides:
10 Keto Sides for Fish – What to Serve With Fish on Keto
10 Keto Italian Side Dishes to Try
15 Keto Vegetable Sides You Won’t Get Bored Of
10 Keto Side Dishes for Burgers