Oh my goodness, you guys! If you’ve been searching for a meatball recipe that’s not only delicious but also fits into your low-carb lifestyle, look no further. These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a game changer. I can’t help but feel a little proud when I serve these to my family. The cheesy surprise inside is like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. The first time I made these, my son couldn’t believe his eyes—or his taste buds! Let me tell you, it quickly became a sought-after favorite in our house.
I particularly love how these meatballs are versatile. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or want something comforting for a quiet dinner at home, these little gems will knock your socks off. Plus, the added bonus? They’re low carb and keto-friendly! Let’s dive into the details of how to whip up a batch of these scrumptious balls of joy.
What’s in Best Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs (Low Carb, Keto)?
- Ground beef (80/20 blend): This higher fat content ensures juicy meatballs that aren’t dry. You can also substitute this with ground turkey or chicken if you’re feeling lighter.
- Ground pork: It keeps the meatballs tender and adds a depth of flavor that you just won’t get with beef alone. Think of it as the pint-sized VIP of your meatball mixture!
- Large egg: This binds everything together. Trust me, the egg is like the glue that keeps your meatball family intact.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The nutty flavor of Parmesan elevates the meatball game—plus, it enhances the cheesy goodness!
- Almond flour: A fantastic low-carb alternative to regular breadcrumbs, helping to hold your meatballs together without the carbs!
- Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better, right? You’ll want it minced for better integration into the meat mixture.
- Dried oregano and basil: These classic Italian herbs bring an aromatic profile that pairs perfectly with the marinara sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all of the natural flavors in your ingredients.
- Mozzarella cheese: The star of the show! A gooey, melty cube of mozzarella wrapped in a flavorful hug of meat. Pure magic!
- Marinara sauce: This serves as both a cooking medium and a comforting blanket for the meatballs. Opt for a low-carb variant if you’re sticking to those macros!
- Fresh basil: For garnish, adding a pop of color and a fresh herbal accent to finish off your dish.
Are Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Good for You?
You bet they are! These meatballs are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for anyone sticking to a keto diet. The ground beef and ground pork provide essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins, while the cheeses add calcium and healthy fats. And those almond flour and Parmesan cheese help keep the carbs in check while still delivering flavor and texture.
However, watch your portion sizes if you’re closely monitoring calorie intake. These meatballs can be hearty; they might have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!). If you find yourself wanting to lighten the dish a bit more, consider serving them with a side of zoodles (zucchini noodles) or a crunchy salad. Your waistline and taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 oz (115g) mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2 cups marinara sauce (preferably low-carb)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Best Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs (Low Carb, Keto)?
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trust me; the wait is worth it!
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, egg, Parmesan cheese, almond flour, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
- Now comes the fun part! Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture, flatten it in your palm, and place a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center. Wrap the meat around the cheese and form a meatball. Keep going until you’ve formed them all—this is a great time to practice that meatball-rolling technique!
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat up the marinara sauce over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Your kitchen will smell divine!
- Meanwhile, heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs all around for about 5-7 minutes; this will get those beautiful, golden crusts. Besides, browning the meatballs adds flavor!
- Transfer the browned meatballs into the simmering marinara sauce. All aboard the flavor train!
- Cover the skillet with a lid or some foil, and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake those beauties for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is all melty inside.
- Once done, let them cool for a couple of minutes, and garnish with fresh basil. Now it looks as good as it tastes!
Meatball Mastery Tips
- Feel free to spice things up! A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in your marinara sauce will add a delightful kick.
- Not feeling ground beef and pork? You can try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option that’s still packed with flavor!
- For those leafy greens lovers, pair these meatballs with a side salad or steamed veggies to keep the meal low carb and nutritious.
Trust me, once you give these Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs a try, you’ll be hooked. It’s a comfort meal that warms your heart and your belly without the guilt. Plus, they’re great for meal prep—stash some in the fridge or freezer for a quick and easy dinner solution later on. So go ahead, roll up those sleeves, and get cooking! And please, let me know how your meatballs turn out. Happy cooking!
