Cheddar-Stuffed Keto Meatballs in Spiced Tomato Sauce

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-29 · Updated 2026-07-29

Juicy beef meatballs stuffed with melted cheddar cheese, simmered in a fragrant low-carb tomato sauce for a comforting keto dinner. This Italian-inspired keto recipe (low carb), ready in about 45 minutes, blends ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, egg 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 420 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.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 oz, cut into 1/2-inch cubes sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

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: Divide the mixture into twelve equal portions (about 2 tbsp each). Flatten each portion in your palm, place 1 cube (about 1/2-inch) of sharp cheddar cheese in the center, and carefully form the meat around the cheese to seal it inside.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes, turning carefully to avoid breaking.
4. Step 4: Remove excess oil, then pour 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes into the skillet with meatballs. Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens. Serve hot for a hearty keto meal.