Today we’re going to make carnivore cheddar stuffed meatballs. This recipe is perfect for anyone following a carnivore diet who wants to add some variety to their meals.
These meatballs are not your regular meatballs – they hide a delicious surprise inside that makes them extra special.
What makes these meatballs stand out is the melted cheese center. When you cut into them, warm cheddar flows out, making every bite rich and satisfying.
The best thing about this recipe is how simple it is to make. You only need ground beef, cheddar cheese, and basic seasonings.
Even if you’re new to cooking, you can make these meatballs without any trouble. They’re pretty much impossible to mess up.
These meatballs are great for meal prep too. You can make a batch and keep them in the fridge for several days.
They taste just as good reheated, and they’re filling enough to be a main dish. You can have them for lunch or dinner, and they’ll keep you full for hours.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheese Surprise: Every meatball has a melted cheese center that makes eating more exciting.
When you cut into the meatball, warm cheddar flows out, creating a delicious combination of meat and cheese.
Simple Ingredients: You only need ground beef, cheddar cheese, and salt to make these meatballs. That’s it! No complicated ingredients to buy or hunt down at specialty stores.
Quick Cooking Time: These meatballs only take about 25 minutes to cook in the oven. You don’t have to stand by the stove watching them or flip them over. Just put them in the oven, set a timer, and they’ll be ready before you know it.
Great For Beginners: If you’re new to the carnivore diet or cooking in general, these meatballs are a great place to start. The recipe is almost impossible to mess up.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (lean)
- 2 oz Sharp Cheddar (cut into 8 cubes)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (I recommend using this smoked salt – amazon link)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Optional: Garlic Powder, Paprika (omit for strict carnivore version)
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👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe and make the best carnivore meatballs:
Step 1
Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
Add the ground beef to a mixing bowl. Then add the seasonings (or just salt) and mix well.
Step 3
Divide the ground beef into 8 portions and flatten each one into a circle.
Step 4
Place one cheddar cheese cube into the center of each flattened beef portion, shape into a meatball, and seal well.
Step 5
Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
💡Tips
1. Choosing the Right Ground Beef
For the best results, use ground beef that has a good balance of lean meat and fat. An 80/20 mix (80% lean, 20% fat) works well for these meatballs. This ratio helps keep the meatballs juicy and flavorful.
If you use meat that’s too lean, the meatballs might end up dry. On the other hand, if there’s too much fat, they might shrink a lot while cooking.
2. Seal The Edges Well
This is super important – when you’re wrapping the meat around the cheese, make sure there are no gaps or thin spots. Even a tiny hole will let the cheese escape during cooking.
After you put the cheese in the center of the flattened meat, bring up all the edges and pinch them together firmly.
Then roll the meatball between your palms to make sure it’s completely sealed. If you see any spots where the cheese might peek through, add a thin layer of meat to cover it.
3. Let Them Rest:
Those 5 minutes of resting time after taking the meatballs out of the oven aren’t just a suggestion – they’re really important.
During this time, the meat fibers relax and reabsorb their juices, and the cheese settles to the perfect temperature.
If you cut into them too soon, not only will you burn your mouth on the hot cheese, but the juices will run out and leave you with drier meatballs.
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FAQ
Can I add eggs to the meat mixture?
For this recipe, eggs aren’t necessary. The meat will hold together fine without them. Adding eggs could actually make the texture more loose and might make it harder to seal the cheese inside. The simple combination of meat and seasonings works perfectly as is.
Why do I need to let them rest after cooking?
The resting time is super important! During these 5 minutes, several things happen: the meat fibers relax and reabsorb juices, the cheese settles to a safe temperature, and the meatballs become easier to handle.
Carnivore Cheddar Stuffed Meatballs
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef lean
- 2 oz Sharp Cheddar cut into 8 cubes
- 1 teaspoon Salt (I recommend using this smoked salt – amazon link)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Optional: Garlic Powder Paprika (omit for strict carnivore version)
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the ground beef to a mixing bowl. Then add the seasonings (or just salt) and mix well.
- Divide the ground beef into 8 portions and flatten each one into a circle.
- Place one cheddar cheese cube into the center of each flattened beef portion, shape into a meatball, and seal well.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!