Cheddar-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Garlic Butter Sauce
Juicy ground beef meatballs filled with melted cheddar and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a low-carb dinner. This american-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 35 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 520 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 (80% lean) ground beef
- 4 oz, cut into 1/2-inch cubes sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Step 2: Take about 2 tbsp of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place one 1/2-inch cube of sharp cheddar cheese in the center and mold the meat around it to form a tight ball. Repeat to make 16 meatballs.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes total.
- Step 4: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 10 minutes until cooked through and cheese is melted inside.
- Step 5: While baking, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 6: Remove meatballs from oven, drizzle with the garlic butter sauce, and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheddar-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Cheddar-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Garlic Butter 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 Cheddar-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Garlic Butter 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 Cheddar-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Garlic Butter 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 Cheddar-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Garlic Butter Sauce keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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