Each meatball is a large mix of ground beef and ground pork wrapped around a piece of mozzarella, then baked on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F. When you cut one open, the cheese in the center has melted. The recipe makes 6 servings, with one meatball per serving, and takes 45 minutes in total. A meatball has 2g of carbohydrates and 30g of protein.
Save this recipe for later:
The marinara is sugar-free and heats in a small saucepan while the meatballs bake, so the sauce is ready when they come out.
What Goes in the Meat Mixture
The full amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom. This is what each ingredient does.
- Ground beef (1 pound) and ground pork (1 pound): the beef gives a savory base, and the pork adds moisture and a slight sweetness.
- Mozzarella (1 cup, shredded): mixed into the meat. You also need a small piece, about 1 tablespoon, for each center.
- Parmesan (1/2 cup, grated): adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
- Egg (1 large): the binder that helps the meatballs hold their shape.
- Garlic (2 cloves), onion powder (1 teaspoon), Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon), salt and pepper: the seasoning.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, optional): for color and freshness.
- Sugar-free marinara (1 cup): for serving.
Stuffing and Baking
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix the meats, cheese, egg and seasonings until combined, and avoid overmixing, which makes the meatballs tough.
Take a portion of the mixture and flatten it in your palm. Put a small piece of mozzarella in the center and fold the meat around it into a ball. Repeat with the rest. A cookie scoop helps portion the meat evenly.
Place the meatballs on the sheet about 2 inches apart and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Check with a meat thermometer. Serve hot, drizzled with marinara.
Ways to Change Them
- Spicy: finely chopped jalapeños and a sprinkle of cayenne, or 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes in the meat.
- Mediterranean: sun-dried tomatoes, feta and fresh basil or oregano in the mixture.
- BBQ cheddar: sharp cheddar in place of the mozzarella and a tablespoon of sugar-free BBQ sauce.
- Italian: a tablespoon of pesto in the meat and provolone instead of mozzarella.
- More vegetables: finely chopped spinach, zucchini or bell peppers mixed into the meat.
- Sweet and sour: a tablespoon of sugar-free sweet and sour sauce in the mixture, served with cauliflower rice.
- Leaner: ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef and pork, keeping the cheese filling.
What to Serve With Them
Zucchini noodles tossed with olive oil and garlic, or cauliflower rice sautéed with herbs, stand in for pasta and rice. Garlic butter broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts or a cheesy cauliflower bake make good sides, and a spinach salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes and lemon vinaigrette balances the richness. Sparkling water with lemon or lime, or unsweetened iced herbal tea, keeps the drinks low-carb.
Nutrition per Serving
One meatball has about 350 calories, 25g of fat (10g saturated), 2g of carbohydrates, 0g of fiber, 0g of sugar, 30g of protein and 800mg of sodium.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and pork?
Yes. Ground turkey is a lean option. Keep the cheese filling for flavor.
How can they be made spicier?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
How should leftovers be stored?
In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes. Form the meatballs and refrigerate them before baking, then bake when you are ready. Making a double batch and freezing half is another option.
The Foodie Yummy Cookbook
12 reader-favorite recipes in one printable PDF. Enter your email and download it instantly.
Made it or loved it? Share this recipe
Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team
The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us
Keto Jumbo Cheese Stuffed Meatballs: Delightfully Easy Recipe!
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and parsley (if using). Mix until well combined.
Using your hands, take a portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a small piece of mozzarella cheese (about 1 tablespoon) in the center and fold the meat around the cheese, forming a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
While the meatballs are baking, heat the sugar-free marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
Serve the meatballs hot, drizzled with marinara sauce.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option while keeping the cheese filling for flavor.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | 1 meatball |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 calories |
| Sugar Content | 0g |
| Sodium Content | 800mg |
| Fat Content | 25g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 10g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 15g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0g |
| Carbohydrate Content | 2g |
| Fiber Content | 0g |
| Protein Content | 30g |
| Cholesterol Content | 100mg |