Low Carb Crockpot Meatball Casserole

Low carb crockpot meatball casserole is a 5-minute dump-and-go dinner with frozen meatballs, marinara, mozzarella, and parmesan. Cook on high for 3-4 hours and serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash. Make it keto with homemade meatballs or keep it simple with store-bought.

There have been more days than I can count where I’m staring into the fridge mid-afternoon and wondering exactly how I’m supposed to pull together a nutritious dinner for my family with zero plan.

Enter this Crockpot Meatball Casserole, which has literally been a lifesaver on more nights than I can count.

Even though it’s a crockpot recipe, it can easily be started in the afternoon, since it only takes 3-4 hours to cook. Love that, because I’m the queen of forgetting to start my crockpot in the morning. Can you relate? 🫠

This one starts with frozen meatballs that I keep on hand for just such an emergency. If you really like to go the homemade route, you could make the meatballs from our spaghetti squash and meatballs recipe and freeze them for this sort of situation.

Toss in some jarred marinara (I’ll always choose Rao’s, personally), a bunch of shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of grated Parm, and you’ve got a cozy, comforting, saucy little casserole for dinner that you can serve in a variety of ways.

3 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s the ultimate dump-and-go dinner. No prep, no browning, no babysitting. Frozen meatballs go straight into the crockpot with sauce and cheese, then you walk away.

Everyone eats together without compromise. Serve it over pasta for the kids or keep it low carb with cauliflower rice. Same delicious dinner, different bases, zero complaints.

The cheese gets all melty and incredible. That layer of mozzarella and parmesan melts into the marinara and coats every meatball in gooey, cheesy goodness. It’s comfort food that doesn’t taste like diet food.

Ingredient Notes, Swaps, & Tips:

About those meatballs: We use Great Value Italian Style meatballs (5 net carbs per 6 meatballs), but any brand works here. Just check the nutrition label if carb counts matter to you. Want to make this strictly keto? Use homemade meatballs or a keto-friendly brand without fillers or breadcrumbs. The recipe works exactly the same way.

Marinara matters: We’re obsessed with Rao’s marinara because it has no added sugar and tastes like actual tomatoes. But any no-sugar-added sauce works great.

Cheese swaps: The mozzarella and parmesan combo is classic Italian perfection, but you could totally use all mozzarella if that’s what you have. I recommend shredding your own cheese for ultimate meltability, but pre-shredded totally works too.

Timing tip: This cooks on high for 3-4 hours, but if you need to stretch it, you can cook on low for 6-7 hours instead. Perfect if you’re starting it before you leave for work.

Add some green: Throw in a bag of fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking if you want to sneak in some vegetables. It wilts right into the sauce.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Step by Step:

Add the meatballs and marinara to your slow cooker.

Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the meatballs and cover.

Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

This is where things get fun because everyone can customize their dinner:

For low carb eaters:

• Cauliflower rice (we love it roasted with a little butter and garlic)
• Zucchini noodles (spiralized or store-bought)
• Spaghetti squash (frozen bags are clutch for busy nights)
• Roasted vegetables
• In a bowl with a side salad (try our homemade Italian dressing with your salad)
• Meatball sub made with our garlic bread chaffles

For everyone else:

• Meatball subs on toasted hoagies (my son’s preferred method)
• Over regular pasta
• Garlic bread on the side

• Ham Casserole with Cauliflower Rice
• Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
• Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
• Broccoli and Smoked Sausage Casserole