Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Dip
Spicy jalapeño meatballs filled with melted cheese, served with a smooth avocado dip for a flavorful keto appetizer or snack. This Mexican-inspired keto recipe (low carb), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs ground beef, jalapeño peppers, cream cheese 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 low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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, 85% lean ground beef
- 4 medium, seeded and finely chopped jalapeño peppers
- 4 oz, cut into 1/2-inch cubes cream cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium, peeled and pitted avocado
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp olive oil
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 4 finely chopped seeded jalapeño peppers, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Step 3: Using your hands, form 12 equal portions of meat mixture into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Press a 1/2-inch cube of cream cheese into the center of each ball, then reform the meat around the cheese to seal completely.
- Step 4: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 5: Bake for 18-20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and golden on the outside.
- Step 6: While meatballs bake, prepare the dip by blending 1 medium avocado, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
- Step 7: Serve warm cheese-stuffed jalapeño meatballs alongside the creamy avocado dip for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Dip 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 Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Dip?
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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Dip?
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 Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Dip 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 Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Dip 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.
