Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs in Tomato-Basil Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-09 · Updated 2026-05-09

Juicy ground beef meatballs stuffed with melted mozzarella, simmered in a rich low-carb tomato and fresh basil sauce. This italian-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 45 minutes blends (85% lean) ground beef, large egg, almond flour 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.

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 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 small, finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves, minced garlic

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Step 2: Using your hands, form mixture into 12 meatballs. Press a 1/2-inch cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each and reshape to fully enclose the cheese.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 12 meatballs and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes total. Remove meatballs and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, sauté 1 small finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
5. Step 5: Add 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil to the skillet. Stir and bring sauce to a gentle simmer.
6. Step 6: Return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and cheese inside is melted. Serve warm.