Keto Bacon Wrapped Pork and Beef Meatballs

Prep: 15 minCook: 30 min36 servingsmediumAmerican
Bacon Wrapped Pork and Beef Meatballs

Juicy meatballs combining ground pork and beef, wrapped in crispy bacon and brushed with low carb barbecue sauce. The Parmesan and Italian seasoning create savory depth while the bacon adds smoky richness. Perfect for low carb diets, game day gatherings, or weeknight dinners. This version skips breadcrumbs entirely, keeping carbs minimal while the bacon wrapper ensures moisture and flavor.

Ingredients

36 servings
  • 1 lb ground pork
    ground turkey (1:1)neutralketopaleo

    leaner option with similar structure

    Full guide →
  • 1 lb ground beef
    ground turkey (1:1)neutralketopaleo

    leaner option with similar structure

    Full guide →
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ¼ cup Parmesan, grated
    pecorino Romano (1:1)neutralketopaleodairy-free subdairy-free

    saltier flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • 1 tbs Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • 16 bacon slices, cut in half
  • low carb barbecue sauce
    sugar-free ketchup + mustard (3:1)neutralketo

    tangier result

  • parsley, chopped, optional(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350F.

  2. 2

    Mix ground pork, ground beef, beaten egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until combined.

  3. 3

    Line a baking sheet with foil and place a non-stick baking rack inside.

  4. 4

    Form meat mixture into small balls and wrap each with a bacon half, placing seam side down on the rack.

  5. 5

    Bake for 15 minutes.

  6. 6

    Brush meatballs with low carb barbecue sauce.

  7. 7

    Bake for another 15 minutes or until cooked through.

  8. 8

    Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve with extra sauce for dipping.

Tips

Tip 1

Form meatballs consistently in size so they cook evenly throughout the 30-minute baking time.

Tip 2

Place meatballs seam side down on the rack to prevent bacon from unraveling during baking.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325F oven for 8-10 minutes.

Make Ahead

Assemble wrapped meatballs on the baking sheet, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Serve With

Serve warm as an appetizer with extra low carb barbecue sauce or ranch dip. Works well for parties, game day, or casual dinners.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Do not skip the baking rack; it allows fat to drip away and bacon to crisp evenly.

Watch

Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; space meatballs so heat circulates for even cooking.

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

Parmesan
pecorino Romano (1:1)neutralketopaleodairy-free subdairy-free

saltier flavor profile

Full guide →

General Alternatives

low carb barbecue sauce
sugar-free ketchup + mustard (3:1)neutralketo

tangier result

ground pork + ground beef
ground turkey (1:1)neutralketopaleo

leaner option with similar structure

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I freeze bacon wrapped meatballs?

Yes. Freeze cooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 325F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

What if my bacon isn't crispy enough?

Increase oven temperature to 375F or run meatballs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes after the second bake cycle to crisp bacon further.

How do I know when meatballs are cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 160F. Alternatively, cut the largest meatball in half; no pink should remain.