Cheddar-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Garlic Butter
Juicy ground beef meatballs stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese, pan-seared and finished in a garlic butter sauce for a rich, satisfying keto meal. This american-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (85% lean) ground beef, large egg, almond flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 (85% lean) ground beef
- 4 oz, cut into 12 small cubes sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 large beaten egg, 1/4 cup almond flour, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until combined.
- Step 2: Divide mixture into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion in your palm and place one 1/3 oz cube of sharp cheddar cheese (from 4 oz total) in the center. Fold meat around cheese and roll into a smooth ball.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and sear for 3 minutes per side until brown on all sides.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp butter, 1 minced garlic clove, and remaining 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Spoon melted garlic butter over meatballs and cook for another 5 minutes until cooked through and cheese is melted inside.
- Step 5: Remove meatballs and serve hot with pan sauce spooned over.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheddar-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Garlic Butter take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cheddar-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Garlic Butter?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (85% lean) ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheddar-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Garlic Butter?
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 Cheddar-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Garlic Butter 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 Cheddar-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Garlic Butter keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
