These delicious and satisfying keto stuffed meatballs are about to become your new favorite dinner option!
They combine the classic comfort of traditional meatballs with a wonderful cheesy surprise inside, making every bite something to look forward to.
Finding good keto recipes that the whole family will enjoy can be challenging, but these meatballs are a real winner.
The combination of lean ground beef and melty mozzarella creates a perfect balance that will please both keto dieters and regular eaters alike.
I’ve made these meatballs countless times, and they never disappoint. The pork rind crumbs used instead of regular breadcrumbs keep the carbs low while still giving you that perfect meatball texture.
The marinara sauce adds that final touch that brings everything together. What makes this recipe special is how simple it is to prepare, even though the results look and taste like something from a nice restaurant.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheese Surprise: Every meatball has a hidden treasure inside – a cube of melted mozzarella that creates that amazing cheese pull when you cut into it.
Perfect Macros: These meatballs are a keto dieter’s dream – they’re high in protein and fat while staying very low in carbs.
Since they’re made with lean ground beef and mozzarella, they’ll help you hit your daily protein goals while keeping you satisfied.
Great for Meal Prep: These meatballs reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal preparation. You can make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy them throughout the week.
Family-Friendly: Even family members who don’t follow a keto diet will love these meatballs. They taste so good that nobody will guess they’re a “diet” food.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 1 cup Pork Rind Crumbs
- 1 pound Ground Beef (Lean)
- 1 Egg (large)
- 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Water
- 1/2 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 6 oz mozzarella (cut into 12 small cubes)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
Start by preheating the oven to 400°F and greasing a baking dish or cast iron skillet with butter or non stick spray.
Step 2
Add these ingredients to a large mixing bowl: pork rinds, egg, ground beef, heavy cream, garlic powder, water, oregano, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Step 3
Divide the mixture into 12 portions. Roll each portion into a small patty. Place a piece of cheese in the center of each patty, then fold the meat around it to seal completely.
Step 4
Place the meatballs in the prepared skillet or baking dish and bake for 15-17 minutes until browned.
Step 5
Remove from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each meatball. Garnish with parsley. You can also add more shredded cheese on top. That’s it! Enjoy!
💡Tips
1. Sealing The Cheese
When wrapping the meat around the cheese, make sure there are absolutely no gaps or thin spots. Even a tiny hole will let the cheese escape during cooking.
The best method is to flatten each portion of meat mixture in your palm, place the cheese cube in the center, then gradually work the meat up and around the cheese, pinching and smoothing the seams until they completely disappear. Roll the meatball gently between your palms to make it perfectly round.
2. Keep Your Hands Wet
Keep a small bowl of cold water nearby while forming the meatballs. Dip your hands in it between shaping each meatball – this prevents the meat from sticking to your hands and helps create a smoother surface on the meatballs.
3. The Marinara
Check the carb content of your marinara sauce carefully – many store bought versions are surprisingly high in sugar.
Look for brands specifically marked as keto friendly, or check the nutrition label for ones with 4 grams of net carbs or less per serving.
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FAQ
1. What can I use instead of pork rind crumbs?
If you can’t find or don’t want to use pork rind crumbs, you have a few keto friendly options. Almond flour works well – use 3/4 cup instead of 1 cup of pork rind crumbs, as it’s more dense.
You could also use crushed plain keto crackers (about 1 cup) or even grated parmesan cheese (about 3/4 cup). Just keep in mind that each substitute will change the texture slightly – pork rind crumbs give the most “traditional” meatball texture.
2. What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella works best because it melts smoothly and creates that nice cheese pull. Use whole milk mozzarella rather than part-skim – it melts better and has more fat, which is good for keto.
You can also use other melting cheeses like provolone or fontina, but avoid hard cheeses like cheddar as they can become oily when melted.
Keto Stuffed Meatballs
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup Pork Rind Crumbs
- 1 pound Ground Beef Lean
- 1 Egg large
- 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Water
- 1/2 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 6 oz mozzarella cut into 12 small cubes
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 400°F and greasing a baking dish or cast iron skillet with butter or non stick spray.
- Add these ingredients to a large mixing bowl: pork rinds, egg, ground beef, heavy cream, garlic powder, water, oregano, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into 12 portions. Roll each portion into a small patty. Place a piece of cheese in the center of each patty, then fold the meat around it to seal completely.
- Place the meatballs in the prepared skillet or baking dish and bake for 15-17 minutes until browned.
- Remove from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each meatball. Garnish with parsley. You can also add more shredded cheese on top. That’s it! Enjoy!