Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Juicy beef meatballs stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese, simmered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce for a comforting keto entree. This american-inspired keto (high protein, low carb) ready in about 45 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 480 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 12 small cubes sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz, sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup almond flour, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Step 2: Divide the meat mixture into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion and place a 1/3 oz cube of sharp cheddar cheese (total 4 oz cut into 12 cubes) in the center, then form meat around the cheese to seal and shape into balls.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden but not cooked through.
- Step 4: Remove meatballs and set aside. In the same skillet, add 8 oz sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes until browned and soft.
- Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup beef broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream, scraping browned bits from the pan. Stir in 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme and simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Return meatballs to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and transfer skillet to the oven. Bake for 10 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and cheese inside is melted.
- Step 7: Serve hot, spooning extra creamy mushroom sauce over the meatballs.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs with Creamy Mushroom Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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 with Creamy Mushroom 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 with Creamy Mushroom 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 with Creamy Mushroom 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 with Creamy Mushroom Sauce high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
