Cheese-Stuffed Pork Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork meatballs stuffed with melting mozzarella cheese simmered in a rich, spicy tomato sauce for a hearty keto-friendly dinner. This italian-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 40 minutes blends ground pork, cut into small cubes mozzarella cheese, large 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 410 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: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 1 lb ground pork with 1 large egg, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes until combined but not overmixed.
  2. Step 2: Form the mixture into 12 equal meatballs, pressing a 1/3-inch cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each, sealing completely with meat.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely diced onion and remaining 1 minced garlic clove, sautéing for 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Gently add the stuffed meatballs to the sauce and cover. Cook for 15 minutes, turning meatballs halfway, until cooked through and the sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil just before serving and spoon meatballs with sauce onto plates.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheese-Stuffed Pork Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Cheese-Stuffed Pork 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 Pork 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 Pork 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 Pork 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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