Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs in Low-Carb Tomato Sauce

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

Tender ground beef meatballs stuffed with melting mozzarella, simmered in a savory, herb-infused keto tomato sauce. This Italian-inspired keto recipe (low carb), ready in about 45 minutes, blends ground beef, mozzarella cheese, egg 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 420 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a 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 3 minced garlic cloves; mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Form mixture into 12 equal portions, flatten each in your palm, place one 1/2-inch cube of mozzarella cheese in center, and carefully seal into a ball.
  3. Step 3: Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: While meatballs bake, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, and 1/2 tsp salt; simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Transfer baked meatballs to the skillet with tomato sauce and gently coat, simmering together for 3 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs in Low-Carb Tomato 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 Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs in Low-Carb 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 Meatballs in Low-Carb 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 Meatballs in Low-Carb 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 Meatballs in Low-Carb Tomato Sauce 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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