Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy ground beef meatballs stuffed with melted cheese, simmered in a rich, spicy tomato sauce for a hearty keto meal. This italian-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 45 minutes blends 80% lean ground beef, large egg, grated 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 450 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 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup almond flour, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Form the mixture into 12 equal balls. Press a 1/3-inch cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each meatball and seal tightly.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Remove the meatballs and set aside. In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes and stir in 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.
  5. Step 5: Return the meatballs to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and cheese is melted.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil over the dish before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs in Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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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