keto Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or pork, or a mix)
• 1/2 cup almond flour (to replace breadcrumbs)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Noodle Bake:

• 4 cups zucchini noodles (or shirataki noodles for a more traditional texture)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, almond flour, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
• Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the meatballs in batches until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Set aside.

2. Prepare the Noodles:

• If you’re using zucchini noodles, sauté them in a bit of butter or olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes to soften and release any moisture. Drain excess liquid.
• If using shirataki noodles, follow package instructions to rinse and dry them.

3. Make the Sauce:

• In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, beef broth, sour cream, butter, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and stir until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes).
• Remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan until smooth.

4. Assemble the Bake:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a baking dish, layer the cooked zucchini noodles (or shirataki noodles), then add the meatballs on top.
• Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the top.
• Sprinkle with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Serve:

• Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot!