Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs with Spiced Tomato Sauce

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

Juicy ground beef meatballs filled with melted mozzarella cheese, simmered in a fragrant low-carb tomato sauce seasoned with warm spices. This Mediterranean-inspired keto recipe (low carb, gluten free), ready in about 45 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 large beaten egg, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 12 equal meatballs, pressing a 1/2-inch cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each, sealing well to enclose the cheese.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides for 6-7 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir gently to coat meatballs.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and simmer for 15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens slightly. Serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs with Spiced Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Spiced Tomato Sauce?

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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs with Spiced 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 with Spiced 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 with Spiced Tomato Sauce low carb?

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

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