Cheese-Stuffed Keto Meatballs with Basil Marinara

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-07 · Updated 2026-06-07

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 recipe (low-carb), ready in about 40 minutes, pairs ground beef, mozzarella cheese, egg 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 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 oz, cut into 1/2-inch cubes mozzarella cheese
• 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
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

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.