Cheddar-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Italian Herbs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy ground beef meatballs filled with melted sharp cheddar and seasoned with Italian herbs, baked to perfection for a satisfying keto meal. This italian-inspired beef (keto, low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground beef (80% lean), sharp cheddar cheese, cubed, almond flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1 large beaten egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion in your palm and place a 1/2 tablespoon cube of sharp cheddar cheese in the center. Fold the meat around the cheese and roll into a ball, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs for 2 minutes on each side until golden. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until cooked through and cheese is melted inside.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheddar-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Italian Herbs 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 Italian Herbs?

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 ground beef (80% lean) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheddar-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Italian Herbs?

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 Italian Herbs 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 Italian Herbs 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.

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