Looking for a low-carb, delicious, and filling meal that satisfies your cheesy cravings? Look no further! These Keto-Friendly Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs are packed with flavor, juiciness, and melty mozzarella cheese, making them a perfect addition to your keto meal plan. Whether you’re preparing them for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or serving them as appetizers at your next party, these meatballs will surely become a family favorite.
Keto-Friendly Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe Overview
- Serves: 4 (makes about 12 meatballs)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
What is the Keto-Friendly Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe?
This Keto-Friendly Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs recipe is a low-carb twist on the traditional meatball. Instead of using breadcrumbs or other high-carb ingredients, this recipe uses almond flour as a binding agent, making it keto-compliant while keeping it rich in flavor and texture. The real star of this dish is the gooey, melty mozzarella cheese stuffed in the center of each meatball. The combination of savory beef, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, and creamy cheese creates an irresistible bite every time.
Origin of Keto-Friendly Meatballs
Meatballs have a rich history and are found in numerous cuisines around the world. Traditionally, meatballs are a part of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, often served with pasta or in soups. The modern keto diet, however, focuses on reducing carbs and increasing healthy fats. The Keto-Friendly Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs recipe puts a spin on this classic by removing the high-carb fillers like breadcrumbs and replacing them with almond flour to keep it low-carb. This variation is perfect for those following the ketogenic lifestyle but still craving comfort food!
Ingredients for Keto-Friendly Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 fat ratio for juiciness)
- (You can mix beef with pork or turkey for variation.)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup almond flour (Low-carb breadcrumb substitute)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Filling:
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes (or string cheese pieces)
Optional Sauce:
- 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Step-by-Step Directions for Preparation
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together gently. Be careful not to overmix, as it can result in tough meatballs.
3. Form and Stuff the Meatballs
Now comes the fun part! Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of the flattened meat. Gently wrap the meat around the cheese, sealing it completely. Roll it into a smooth ball and set aside. Repeat this process until all the meatballs are formed.
4. Cook the Meatballs
- Option 1: Bake
Place the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven for 18–20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. - Option 2: Pan-sear and Finish in the Oven
If you prefer a crispy crust, heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides for about 6–8 minutes. After browning, transfer the meatballs to the oven and bake for 10 minutes to finish cooking.
5. Add Sauce (Optional)
While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the sauce (optional). In a small saucepan, heat olive oil and sugar-free marinara sauce over medium heat. Add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of heat if desired. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes.
Once the meatballs are done, you can either toss them in the sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Serving Ideas for Keto-Friendly Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs
These Keto-Friendly Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Serve them over zucchini noodles for a low-carb pasta alternative.
- Pair with cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles for a filling and keto-compliant meal.
- For an appetizer, skewer the meatballs with toothpicks and drizzle with marinara or ranch dressing.
Nutritional Information for Keto-Friendly Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs (per 3 meatballs, without sauce)
- Calories: ~320
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 26g
- Net Carbs: 3g
These meatballs are a great source of protein and healthy fats while keeping your carb intake low—making them perfect for anyone on a keto diet!
Variations of Keto-Friendly Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some variations to try:
- Meat Options: Instead of using ground beef, you can use ground turkey, pork, or even a mix of both for a lighter version.
- Cheese Options: Try using cheddar, cream cheese, or goat cheese instead of mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Add-ins: Spice it up with chopped jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach for an added twist.
FAQs About Keto-Friendly Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs
Can I use ground chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for ground beef. However, ground chicken tends to be leaner, so you might want to mix in some olive oil or higher-fat cheese to keep the meatballs juicy.
Are these meatballs freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can make a large batch of these meatballs and freeze them for later. After forming and stuffing the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them before transferring them to a freezer bag. To cook, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Can I make these meatballs without mozzarella?
Yes, you can use a different cheese such as cheddar, goat cheese, or a blend of cheeses. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well.
Conclusion
These Keto-Friendly Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs are not only delicious but also simple to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep option, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these cheesy meatballs are a hit. The rich flavor of ground beef combined with the gooey mozzarella filling makes them a satisfying and comforting low-carb meal.
By swapping traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour, and keeping the dish sugar-free, you can enjoy all the savory goodness without the carbs. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a flavorful, keto-compliant dish that everyone will love!
Keto-Friendly Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe: Juicy, Cheesy Perfection!
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Keto-Friendly Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs recipe is a low-carb twist on the traditional meatball. Instead of using breadcrumbs or other high-carb ingredients, this recipe uses almond flour as a binding agent, making it keto-compliant while keeping it rich in flavor and texture. The real star of this dish is the gooey, melty mozzarella cheese stuffed in the center of each meatball. The combination of savory beef, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, and creamy cheese creates an irresistible bite every time.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
(You can also mix beef + pork or turkey for variation.)1 large egg
¼ cup almond flour (low-carb breadcrumb substitute)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Filling
4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes (or string cheese pieces)
Optional Sauce
1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Preheat oven:
Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare the meat mixture:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, almond flour, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently until combined (don’t overmix — it can make meatballs tough).
Form & stuff the meatballs:
Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and flatten it in your hand.
Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat around it, sealing completely.
Roll into a smooth ball and repeat until all meatballs are filled.
Bake or pan-sear:
Bake: Place meatballs on the sheet and bake 18–20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
OR Pan-sear: Brown in a skillet over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, then finish in the oven for 10 minutes.
Add sauce (optional):
Heat olive oil and marinara in a small saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Toss meatballs in sauce or serve on the side.
Notes
These Keto-Friendly Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for low-carb meals! Try serving them with zucchini noodles, cauliflower mash, or a sugar-free marinara sauce for a complete keto-friendly dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 340
Keywords: Low-Carb Cheese Meatballs, Keto Meatballs, Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs, Low-Carb Meatballs, Keto Mozzarella Meatballs
