Cheddar-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Marinara

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

Juicy ground beef meatballs filled with melted cheddar cheese, simmered in a savory low-carb marinara sauce. This italian-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (85% lean) ground beef, large egg, grated parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 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: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 large beaten egg, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Divide the mixture into 12 portions. Flatten each portion in your hand, place a 1/2-inch cube of sharp cheddar cheese in the center, and carefully shape the meat around the cheese to form a sealed meatball.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides for 5-6 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1 1/2 cups low-carb marinara sauce into the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheddar-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Marinara take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Marinara?

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 Marinara?

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 Marinara 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 Marinara keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, 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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