Baked Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs with Spiced Tomato Sauce

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy ground beef meatballs stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese, baked and served in a keto-friendly spiced tomato sauce. This mediterranean-inspired beef (keto, low carb) ready in about 45 minutes blends (80% lean) ground beef, large egg, almond flour into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Form mixture into 12 equal portions. Flatten each and place a 1/2-inch cube of sharp cheddar cheese in the center, then wrap meat around cheese to form sealed balls.
  3. Step 3: Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 18-20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: While meatballs bake, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Transfer baked meatballs into the tomato sauce and spoon sauce over them. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs with Spiced Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Baked Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs with Spiced Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Baked Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs with Spiced Tomato Sauce keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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