Cheese-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Basil Marinara

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

Savory beef meatballs stuffed with melted mozzarella cheese, served in a vibrant low-carb basil marinara sauce perfect for keto diets. This italian-inspired keto (keto, low-carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs 85% lean ground beef, large egg, almond flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). 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 garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 12 equal-sized balls. Press your thumb into the center of each ball and insert a 1/2-inch cube of mozzarella cheese, then seal the meat around the cheese forming a tight ball.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned all over.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes into the skillet, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Spoon sauce over meatballs and transfer skillet to the oven. Bake for 15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and cheese is melted.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra basil if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Keto Meatballs with Basil 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 Cheese-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Basil 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 Cheese-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Basil 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 Cheese-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Basil Marinara 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.

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