Cheese-Stuffed Pork Meatballs in Tomato Basil Sauce

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

Juicy pork meatballs filled with melted mozzarella, simmered in a fragrant low-carb tomato basil sauce, perfect for keto dinners. This italian-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 45 minutes blends ground pork, 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 480 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 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground pork, 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 until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Form the mixture into 12 equal balls, flatten each slightly, place a 1/2-inch cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, and carefully seal the meat around the cheese to form a ball.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat; add the 12 meatballs and brown on all sides, about 3 minutes per side.
  4. Step 4: Remove meatballs and set aside. In the same skillet, add 1 small finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves; bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Return meatballs to the skillet, spoon tomato sauce over them, and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and cheese inside is melted.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheese-Stuffed Pork Meatballs in Tomato Basil 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 Pork Meatballs in Tomato Basil 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 Tomato Basil 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 Tomato Basil 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 Tomato Basil 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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