Cheese-Stuffed Pork Meatballs with Basil Pesto

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

Juicy keto pork meatballs stuffed with melted mozzarella and served with a vibrant homemade basil pesto for a flavorful low-carb meal. This Italian-inspired keto recipe (low carb), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs ground pork, mozzarella cheese, 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 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground pork, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until combined.
  2. Step 2: Form mixture into 8 meatballs, flatten each slightly, placing a 1/2-inch cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then reshape to enclose the cheese completely.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: For the pesto, combine 1 cup fresh basil leaves, 2 tbsp pine nuts, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but still textured.
  5. Step 5: Serve the hot cheese-stuffed pork meatballs drizzled with the fresh basil pesto for a rich, keto-friendly dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheese-Stuffed Pork Meatballs with Basil Pesto take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Pork Meatballs with Basil Pesto?

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 pork from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese-Stuffed Pork Meatballs with Basil Pesto?

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 with Basil Pesto 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 with Basil Pesto 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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