Cheese-Stuffed Keto Meatballs in Basil Tomato Sauce
Juicy ground beef meatballs filled with melted mozzarella, simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce with fresh basil, perfect for a low-carb dinner. This Italian-inspired beef recipe (keto, low carb), ready in about 40 minutes, blends ground beef, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese 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, 85% lean ground beef
- 4 oz, cut into 1/2-inch cubes mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves; mix gently until just combined.
- Step 2: Form the mixture into 12 meatballs, inserting a 1/2-inch cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each, sealing the meat around the cheese tightly.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, and brown meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove browned meatballs and set aside. In the same skillet, add 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; simmer for 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 5: Return the meatballs to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Step 6: Garnish with additional fresh basil before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheese-Stuffed Keto Meatballs in Basil 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 Cheese-Stuffed Keto Meatballs in Basil 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 Cheese-Stuffed Keto Meatballs in Basil 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 Cheese-Stuffed Keto Meatballs in Basil 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 Cheese-Stuffed Keto Meatballs in Basil Tomato Sauce keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
