Low Carb Chili Lime Meatballs

These chili lime meatballs create maximum flavor with minimal carbs. Zesty lime juice, fiery chili powder and fresh cilantro flavor the baked meatballs for the ultimate party appetizer or weeknight dinner. Served with a cool avocado ranch dipping sauce, the combo of hot and cold is dynamite. Keep reading for the simple recipe and pro tips to make these meatballs that keto diets love.

Ingredients

To make about 36 meatballs you will need:

For the meatballs:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• Zest of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

For the dipping sauce:

• 1 avocado
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Substitutions

Try turkey instead of beef. For nut-free, use pork rinds instead of almond flour.

Prep the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients except the meat. Mix well.

Add the ground meat and gently mix together until just combined. Do not over-mix.

Refrigerate covered 30 minutes to firm up.

Meatball Tips

Chilling helps the meatballs hold their shape better when baked.

Form the Meatballs

After chilling, form into 1-1 1/2 inch meatballs. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Wet hands with water to prevent sticking.

Shaping Tips

Uniform size helps meatballs cook evenly. Don't over-pack so they hold together when baked.

Bake the Meatballs

Bake meatballs at 400F for 15-18 minutes until browned on the outside and cooked through.

Carefully flip meatballs halfway during baking to brown evenly on all sides.

Baking Tips

Test doneness by cutting into a meatball to check it's no longer pink inside.

Make the Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a fork until mostly smooth. Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Add salt and pepper to taste. Chill until ready to serve.

How to Serve

These chili lime meatballs make fantastic appetizers for:

• Parties or game day
• Passed hors d'oeuvres
• Potlucks or bbqs
• Meat and cheese trays

Spear with toothpicks for easy picking!

Serving Suggestions

Pair meatballs with sides like:

• Cauliflower rice
• Veggies and dip
• Queso and low carb chips
• Guacamole
• loaded nachos

Storing and Freezing

Store leftover meatballs in the fridge up to 5 days. Or freeze in a single layer then transfer to bags. Freeze up to 3 months.

Frozen meatballs can be reheated in the oven at 400F for 10 minutes until hot.

Nutrition Facts

1 meatball (36 count) provides:

• Calories: 45
• Fat: 3g
• Net carbs: 1g
• Protein: 4g

Substitutions

Try these easy ingredient swaps:

• Ground chicken, turkey, pork or sausage
• Pepperjack cheese cubes inside
• Smoked paprika instead of chili powder
• Cilantro lime mayo dipping sauce

Conclusion

These chili lime meatballs check all the boxes for a perfect party nibble. Packed with Mexican zing from lime, chili and cilantro, they pop with flavor. Paired with the cool and creamy avocado ranch dipping sauce, they make an irresistible appetizer combo. Easy to make and full of taste, you'll want these meatballs on heavy rotation. Make a batch for your next gathering and wait for the rave reviews!

FAQs

Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?

Yes, almond meal works the same. You can also pulse almonds into a fine flour.

How spicy are these meatballs?

The level of spice is moderate but adjustable. Add more chili powder for extra heat if desired.

Do the meatballs have to be refrigerated before baking?

Chilling helps them hold their shape better but you can skip if short on time.

Can I use breadcrumbs instead of almond flour?

Yes, substitute fine dried breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for a non-keto version.

How long will the dipping sauce keep?

Store the avocado ranch dip in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days.