Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs in Spiced Tomato Sauce

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

Juicy ground beef meatballs filled with melted cheddar cheese simmered in a fragrant, low-carb spiced tomato sauce. This mediterranean-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 40 minutes blends 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 390 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 390 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

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: Shape mixture into 12 equal balls, pressing a 1/2-inch cube of sharp cheddar cheese into the center of each, ensuring cheese is fully enclosed.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Step 4: Add meatballs and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned all over but not cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove meatballs and set aside. In the same skillet, add 1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; stir and simmer over medium heat for 3 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Return meatballs to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and transfer skillet to preheated oven; bake for 10-12 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and cheese inside is melted.
  7. Step 7: Serve warm, spooning extra tomato sauce over meatballs.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs in Spiced Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs in Spiced Tomato 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 Meatballs in Spiced Tomato 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 Meatballs in Spiced Tomato 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 Meatballs in Spiced Tomato Sauce low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes