Comfort food doesn’t get much better than a plate of rich, creamy Swedish meatballs—and with this gluten-free and keto version, you can enjoy all the savory satisfaction without any of the guilt. These meatballs are juicy, tender, and smothered in a silky, low-carb gravy that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or just trying to reduce your intake of carbs and gluten, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s full of bold flavor, uses simple, wholesome ingredients, and comes together quickly enough for a weeknight dinner while feeling fancy enough for guests.
Traditionally, Swedish meatballs are made with breadcrumbs and flour-thickened sauces. We’ve swapped those out for keto-friendly options like almond flour and heavy cream, keeping all the comforting richness while staying low-carb and gluten-free.
What really makes Swedish meatballs special is the blend of spices—nutmeg and allspice give the meatballs their signature warm, slightly sweet aroma. Combined with tender ground beef and turkey, it creates a juicy, flavorful bite that’s deeply satisfying.
Using a mix of beef and turkey gives the meatballs a light texture while maintaining a rich, meaty flavor. You can adjust the ratio or use all beef if you prefer a more traditional taste.
The creamy sauce is what brings it all together. Made with beef broth, heavy cream, and a touch of mustard, it’s velvety smooth and incredibly flavorful. There’s no need for flour—the sauce thickens naturally as it simmers, creating a luscious coating for every meatball.
These meatballs pair wonderfully with mashed cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a full low-carb meal. They also make a great meal prep option, as they reheat beautifully and even taste better the next day.
With only one skillet needed, cleanup is minimal, which makes this recipe a go-to for busy nights. It’s also easy to double for feeding a crowd or storing for later.
If you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities, this dish is entirely gluten-free without any compromise on texture or taste. The almond flour and egg bind the meatballs together just as well as breadcrumbs would.
Want to make it dairy-free? Simply swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk. The flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy.
These Swedish meatballs are a great example of how a keto lifestyle doesn’t mean giving up your favorite comfort foods. With smart ingredient swaps, you can enjoy the same beloved dishes without the carbs.
Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or special occasions, this recipe is bound to become a regular in your rotation.
And the best part? It’s ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish. Healthy, hearty, and satisfying—it’s everything you want in a meal.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground turkey, almond flour, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add beef broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes, until it begins to thicken.
- Return meatballs to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.
Tips:
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- For a smoother sauce, whisk ingredients together before adding to the pan.
- Add chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Serve with mashed cauliflower, zucchini noodles, or keto pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich, comforting flavor with none of the gluten or carbs.
- Quick and easy one-pan meal.
- Perfect for keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- A healthier take on a classic favorite.
Summary:
These Gluten Free & Keto Swedish Meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Juicy meatballs made with ground beef and turkey are simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s completely keto and gluten-free. Ready in under 40 minutes, this one-pan dish is perfect for busy nights or cozy dinners.
Gluten Free & Keto Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for frying
For the sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for dairy-free
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground turkey, almond flour, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add beef broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes, until it begins to thicken.
- Return meatballs to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- For a smoother sauce, whisk ingredients together before adding to the pan.
- Add chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Serve with mashed cauliflower, zucchini noodles, or keto pasta.