Keto Taco Meatballs

Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published May 2, 2020 • Updated November 22, 2025

Reader Rating
4.7 Stars (20 Reviews)

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

Keto Taco Meatballs make the best appetizer. Dip them in creamy salsa dip. These low-carb meatballs are a sure fire crowd pleaser that will disappear fast!

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Keto Taco Meatballs

4.7 (20) Prep 5m Cook 20m Total 25m 40 servings

Taco Meatballs Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef, 80/20
  • 2 cup ground pork rinds
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream or sour cream
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons low-carb taco seasoning
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Dipping Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce

Step by Step Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1
Mix all ingredients

To a large bowl, add all ingredients and mix until combined.

ingredients for keto taco meatballs in a bowl
2
Roll into ball

Roll meatballs into a golf ball size shape.

low-carb taco meatball in a ball
3
Air fryer instructions

Air Fryer Instruction: Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees for 3-4 minutes before adding in the meatballs. Add the meatballs to the basket of the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees for 6-7 minutes for until the interior of the meatball is cooked through.

philips air fryer with keto taco meatballs inside
4
Oven Instructions

Oven Instructions: Place meatballs on a parchment lined baking tray and bake in a 400 degree oven for 9-12 minutes or until cooked through.

gluten-free keto taco meatballs on a wire rack baking tray
5
Stovetop instructions

Stovetop Instructions: Heat a couple tablespoons of avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in a single layer in the skillet. Space about 1 inch apart. Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Work in batches. Cook meatballs on all sides until browned on the outside and cooked through in the interior.

6
Freezer instructions

Freezer Instructions: Place meatballs in a freezer safe bag and arrange in a single layer. To thaw out for cooking, thaw the night before in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Per Serving
91 Calories
7.2g Fat
5.9g Protein
0.7g Net Carbs
0.8g Total Carbs
40 Servings
Nutrition disclaimer

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

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Low Carb Taco Meatball Recipe

keto taco meatballs on a plate with salsa on top These low carb meatballs are a favorite at our game day parties and potlucks. I also like to make them for lunch and dinner. My family loves these. It’s a new play on Taco Tuesday. Loaded with all the flavors of the Southwest, these keto taco meatballs are spicy and cheesy. Each meatball is filled with cheddar cheese, taco flavoring, cilantro and garlic. Dip them in a creamy salsa sauce for an even tastier bite.

Air Fryer Taco Meatballs

If you don’t want to cook your taco meatballs in the oven or stove top, I highly recommend frying them in the air fryer. I love our air fryer. We use a Philip’s. I can fit about 9 meatballs in this air fryer, so I have to work in batches. It cooks meatball perfectly – browned on the outside and juicy on the inside. Clean is easy too if you are using an air fryer. The baskets are trays are dishwasher safe.

Keto Taco Seasoning

I usually make my own keto taco seasoning mix. It’s easy to make in bulk and it contains clean ingredients without any fillers or sugars. Try my recipe for keto taco seasoning if you are interested in making your own. keto taco seasoning in a small dish You can also use store bought taco seasoning mix. Just make sure to check the label. Look out for any sugars the manufacturer might sneak in.

Creamy Salsa Dip for Keto Meatballs

keto taco meatballs covered in creamy salsa sauce I love to serve these taco meatballs as an appetizer. I’ll also make up an easy keto dip to go along with them. The dip is a creamy salsa dip with sour cream, low carb salsa, and taco sauce. Drizzle the salsa dip on your meatballs or dip the balls right in!

Keto Meal Prep Tips

meatballs in a freezer safe bag Meatballs are one of the best keto recipes to meal prep. They don’t take a lot of time to prep up and you can freeze them for later use. They even can be stored, uncooked, in ball form in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you are having a party or just making these for dinner, you can save on time if you prep these keto meatballs the day before. Since I have calculated the macros based on one meatball, it’s easy to calculate your macros for the day and figure out how many meatballs you should have for your meal. dipping taco meatball in a creamy salsa sauce with a toothpick Even the creamy salsa sauce can be prepped ahead of time.

Other Delicious Keto Meatball Recipes

I have other amazing keto meatball recipes on the website. Check these out! The macros are all calculated out per meatballs to help make it easier to reach your macro goals. pizza meatballs with bell pepper and mushrooms
Keto Taco Meatballs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the ground beef. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have pork rinds? Is there a substitute?

Yes! You can use almond flour or crushed walnuts as a low-carb alternative. Just adjust the amount until you reach a similar consistency.

How should I store leftover Keto Taco Meatballs?

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months!

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they're cold from the fridge.

What can I serve with Keto Taco Meatballs for a complete meal?

These meatballs pair well with a simple side salad, cauliflower rice, or even zucchini noodles for a delicious low-carb meal!

About the Author
Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis, she has over 14 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism.

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1 Comment

  1. These were a hit at game night. I baked them in the oven and served with extra salsa on the side. Loved how easy they were to make and perfect for keeping on track with keto.

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