Keto Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Elevate dinner time with these Keto Sweet and Sour Meatballs, a low-carb twist on the classic takeout favorite. Juicy beef meatballs seasoned with garlic and onion powder are perfectly browned and coated in a vibrant, tangy-sweet sauce made from sugar-free ketchup, rice vinegar, and keto-friendly sweetener. The addition of crunchy bell peppers adds a fresh pop of flavor and texture, while xanthan gum ensures the sauce is luscious and thick. This guilt-free recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and keto-compliant. Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli for a complete, delicious meal, and don’t forget a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an optional, but irresistible, garnish.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 0.25 cup almond flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 0.25 cup sugar-free ketchup
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free option)
• 2 tbsp powdered erythritol or keto-friendly sweetener
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 0.25 tsp xanthan gum (thickener)
• 0.5 cup water
• 1 medium green bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 medium red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, almond flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.

Step 2

Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.

Step 3

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the meatballs are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the sugar-free ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), powdered erythritol, and water. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Sprinkle the xanthan gum over the sauce and whisk thoroughly to prevent clumps. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 2–3 minutes.

Step 7

Add the chopped green and red bell peppers to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Cook for another 3–5 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 8

Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently tossing them in the sweet and sour sauce to coat well. Simmer everything together for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with sesame seeds if desired. These meatballs pair well with cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli for a keto-friendly meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1083.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1802.3

Total Fat 144.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 43.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 540.6mg	0%
Sodium 3124.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 40.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.2g	0%
Total Sugars 10.3g
Protein 94.2g	0%

Vitamin D 81.9IU	0%
Calcium 288.5mg	0%
Iron 13.4mg	0%
Potassium 2039.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 70.7%

Protein: 20.5%

Carbs: 8.8%