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Keto Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs Recipe

Keto Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs Recipe

Master these homemade keto bacon-wrapped meatballs for the best low-carb appetizer or main dish. This easy baking recipe creates juicy, flavorful meatballs encased in crispy bacon with a perfect herb and cheese blend. Learn how to make these protein-rich treats that are guaranteed to impress even non-keto eaters!
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Serves:
20 meatballs
An overhead shot of golden-brown bacon-wrapped meatballs arranged on a rustic slate serving platter, with a cross-section of one meatball revealing the juicy beef interior encased in crispy bacon. Soft natural light highlights the glistening surface and caramelized edges, while scattered fresh herbs and a small ramekin of creamy garlic dipping sauce add vibrant color contrast. Wisps of steam rise from the meatballs, suggesting they're freshly baked, with tiny droplets of rendered fat creating an enticing glossy finish against the dark background.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g ground beef (80% lean)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">10 bacon rashers, cut in half crosswise</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80g grated parmesan cheese</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small onion, very finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:
🔥 Calories:
🥑 Fat:
🧈 Saturated Fat:
🍞 Carbohydrates:
🍭 Sugar:
🍗 Protein:
🫀 Cholesterol:
🧂 Sodium:

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking rack</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rimmed baking sheet</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Digital meat thermometer</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a baking rack on top. This setup allows the fat to drip away from the meatballs as they cook, ensuring they become crispy rather than greasy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, finely diced onion, chopped parsley, rosemary, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix gently with your hands until just combined - overmixing will result in tough meatballs. The cheese not only adds flavor but also acts as a keto-friendly binder in place of traditional breadcrumbs.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, portion the meat mixture into 20 equal-sized balls, about 3-4cm in diameter. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, round meatballs. Slightly wet hands can prevent sticking and help form perfect spheres.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Take each half-rasher of bacon and wrap it around a meatball, ensuring the ends overlap slightly. The natural stickiness of the bacon should help it adhere, but you can secure with a toothpick if needed (just remember to remove before serving). The bacon will shrink during cooking, creating a tight seal around each meatball.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Place the bacon-wrapped meatballs on the prepared baking rack, placing them about 2cm apart to allow air circulation. The elevated rack ensures heat surrounds each meatball evenly, creating that desirable crispy bacon exterior.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and golden brown and the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 71°C (160°F) when tested with a meat thermometer. The high oven temperature helps render the bacon fat while keeping the meatballs juicy inside.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Once done, remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatball, ensuring maximum succulence. If you've used toothpicks, carefully remove them now.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Serve warm as an appetizer with toothpicks, or as a main dish with keto-friendly sides like cauliflower mash or a fresh green salad. These meatballs also store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be gently reheated in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to maintain their crispy exterior.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Keto Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs Recipe?

This recipe uses ground beef (80% lean), bacon rashers, parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion, fresh parsley, rosemary, salt, pepper, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. No breadcrumbs or high-carb fillers are needed, making it perfectly keto-friendly.

How to cook Keto Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Keto Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs by combining seasoned ground beef with parmesan cheese, forming into small balls, wrapping each with bacon, and baking on a rack at 200°C for 20-25 minutes until the bacon crisps up and the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 71°C. Elevating them on a rack ensures even cooking and crispy bacon all around.

Can I make these bacon-wrapped meatballs ahead of time for a party?

Yes, these meatballs are perfect for make-ahead party planning. You can prepare and shape them up to 24 hours in advance (store covered in the refrigerator), or fully cook and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 180°C oven for 10 minutes to restore their crispy exterior.

Why doesn't the meat mixture fall apart without breadcrumbs?

The parmesan cheese and egg work together as excellent keto-friendly binders in place of traditional breadcrumbs. The cheese adds structure while the egg provides moisture and protein that coagulates during cooking to hold everything together, resulting in cohesive, juicy meatballs.

What are the best dipping sauces for bacon-wrapped meatballs on a keto diet?

Great keto-friendly dipping options include garlic aioli, homemade ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, spicy mayonnaise with sriracha, warm marinara with added olive oil, or a simple herb butter sauce. Choose sauces with high fat content and minimal carbs to maintain ketosis.

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I added some smoked paprika to mine for an extra flavor boost.", "name": "Best Keto Meatballs Ever", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Olivia Singh", "datePublished": "2024-06-05", "reviewBody": "My husband is on keto and he absolutely loved these! He requested I make them again the very next day. The fresh herbs really make a difference compared to other recipes I've tried.", "name": "Husband's New Favorite", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Miguel Fernandez", "datePublished": "2024-05-30", "reviewBody": "The contrast between the crispy bacon exterior and juicy beef interior is amazing. I made these for meal prep and they reheat beautifully in the oven. Perfect with a side of zucchini noodles!", "name": "Texture Perfection", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Aisha Nkosi", "datePublished": "2024-06-07", "reviewBody": "These are a lifesaver for keto meal prep! I make a batch every Sunday and enjoy them throughout the week. The flavors actually get better after a day or two in the fridge.", "name": "Meal Prep Miracle", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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