Go Back
+ servings
A skillet with pork meatballs shown garnished with Italian herbs.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Healthy Italian Style Pork Meatballs

Delicious and juicy Italian pork meatballs are a delicious high protein meal. This simple recipe calls for caramelizing the meatballs in a skillet. Serve on top of your favorite pasta, or keep them low carb by adding them to a bed of zoodles or cauliflower rice.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: italian pork meatballs, keto pork meatballs, pork meatballs, pork meatballs zucchini
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 494kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup zucchini shredded
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup almond flour omit for nut free
  • 1/4 cup onion finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  • Into a large mixing bowl, add the ground pork, zucchini, parmesan cheese, almond flour, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to a bowl. Use a food processor, if desired.
  • Mix the ingredients together until evenly incorporated.
  • Scoop the pork mixture about 2 tablespoons at a time, rolling it between two hands into a ball.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add meatballs, leaving space around each one so they brown and caramelize instead of steam. Depending on the size of the skillet, it might take 2-3 batches to finish cooking all meatballs. Cook to an internal temperature of 145º F (or until you break one open and they are fully cooked!). Once they are cooked through, remove from heat and set aside.
  • If desired, add back to skillet with a keto marinara sauce, and heat the meatballs and sauce together.
  • Serve pork meatballs over zoodles, spaghetti squash, or kojac pasta. Garnish with extra parmesan, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes, if desired!

Notes

3 grams Net Carbs per Serving (meatballs only)

How to Store Leftover Pork Meatballs

This recipe is perfect for meal prep!
Fully cool any leftover meatballs, and store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Alternately, pack in freezer safe containers, and freeze up to 3 months. Allow frozen meatballs to defrost at room temperature prior to reheating.
Reheat meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, until warm throughout.

Serving Ideas

Over Pasta: If your diet isn't low carb, serve these over your favorite pasta or gluten free pasta with marinara sauce.
Over Zoodles: Keep it keto by adding hot tomato sauce and meatballs to the top of a bed of zoodles. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese.
On Cauliflower Rice: Serve these simply with a bed of cauliflower rice.
As an appetizer: Add these to a platter and put a toothpick in each one for a fun party appetizer.

Nutrition

Calories: 494kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 749mg | Potassium: 439mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 128IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 2mg