Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Marinara

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

Juicy ground beef meatballs stuffed with melted mozzarella, simmered in a savory roasted garlic tomato sauce for a comforting keto meal. This mediterranean-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 50 minutes pairs 80% lean ground beef, large egg, grated parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 35 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 4 garlic cloves on a small piece of foil, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, wrap tightly, and roast for 20 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup almond flour, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter, pressing a 1/4-inch cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each and sealing completely.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  5. Step 5: To the same skillet, add 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, roasted garlic cloves (squeezed out of skin), 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to build flavor.
  6. Step 6: Return meatballs to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, cover, and simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and cheese is melted.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil over the top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Marinara take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Meatballs with Roasted Garlic 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 80% lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs with Roasted Garlic 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 Meatballs with Roasted Garlic 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 Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Marinara keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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