Making mozzarella stuffed meatballs (low carb, keto) opens a world of flavors and culinary satisfaction without wrecking your dietary goals. Picture this: juicy, savory meatballs that conceal a delightful core of gooey mozzarella cheese. They’re low in carbs, rich in protein, and incredibly filling. Plus, who doesn’t love gooey cheese? This recipe combines fresh ingredients and careful preparation to create a dish you can savor guilt-free.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the process of creating these mouthwatering meatballs, perfect for dinner or meal prep. Trust me, it’s easier than you think! From the homemade marinara sauce to perfectly formed meatballs, you’ll see how simple steps yield delicious results. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Why This Recipe Works
Creating mozzarella stuffed meatballs low in carbs and keto-friendly is all about balancing flavor and nutrition. By choosing lean ground meat and fresh herbs, we craft meatballs that burst with flavor while keeping the carb count low. The melting mozzarella nestled inside adds a delightful surprise that elevates each bite. It’s a culinary match made in heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs (low carb, keto)
These mozzarella stuffed meatballs are a game changer for anyone who appreciates a hearty meal while maintaining their diet. Not only are they loaded with protein, but they also deliver a combination of rich flavors in every single bite. Imagine serving them for dinner or packing them for lunch; they’re bound to satisfy any craving. Trust me, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground pork
- 0.5 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 12 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes, canned
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped
- 1 tsp black pepper
Making the Marinara Sauce
Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Onion
To start, heat your olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes. You want them to become translucent, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Next, stir in the chopped garlic and let it cook for one more minute. After this, add the canned crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, black pepper, and fresh parsley to the pan. Stir well and watch those flavors meld!
Simmer the Sauce
At this point, allow the sauce to simmer on low to medium heat for 20-30 minutes. This is a great time to prepare your meatballs; the aroma of the simmering sauce makes it all the more exciting.
Making the Meatballs
Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. To keep the meatballs from sticking, line a half sheet pan with parchment paper.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the ground pork, ground beef, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, chopped parsley, and black pepper. Make sure you get a good mix until everything is fully combined.
Form Meatballs
Now it’s time for the fun part! Take a portion of the meat mixture, about the size of a golf ball. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and form the meatball around it, sealing it well. You’ll want to ensure there are no gaps; otherwise, the cheese might leak out. This recipe should yield about 12 medium meatballs.
Bake the Meatballs
Arrange the meatballs on your prepared sheet pan. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. They’re ready when fully cooked, and if a little cheese leaks out, that’s perfectly okay.
Serving Suggestions
Once the meatballs are out of the oven, serve them with your homemade marinara sauce drizzled generously over the top. To add a fresh touch, garnish with additional chopped parsley or basil. This pairing creates a beautifully satisfying dish!
Tips for Success
- Making sure the mozzarella is well-sealed inside the meatball is crucial. This way, it won’t leak too much while baking.
- Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after baking. This enhances their flavors and helps them firm up a bit.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist on the meatballs. Additionally, consider adding chopped spinach or kale into the meat mixture. This not only boosts nutrition but adds a lovely flavor as well.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which may be unlikely), store the meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before enjoying again.
Pairing Ideas
These mozzarella stuffed meatballs pair beautifully with zucchini noodles, fluffy cauliflower rice, or even a bright, fresh garden salad. Each side can complement the savory flavors of the meatballs perfectly, creating a complete low-carb meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is a favorite, you can experiment with provolone or cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
2. Are these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all your ingredients are gluten-free, these meatballs work perfectly for a gluten-free diet.
3. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare them, bake, and then refrigerate or freeze them for later use.
4. How can I add more flavor to the meatballs?
Consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced bell peppers to the mixture for an extra kick.
5. What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs are versatile and pair well with steamed vegetables, cauli-rice, or a hearty salad.
Mozzarella stuffed meatballs (low carb, keto) bring a wonderful combination of taste and nutrition to the table. With cheesy surprises inside and a rich sauce on top, they’re not just satisfying; they’re a delight to share with friends and family. Try different variations and enjoy making this recipe your own. Whether you’re indulging in a cozy dinner or prepping meals for the week, these meatballs are guaranteed to impress!
Print
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
These mozzarella stuffed meatballs are a delicious blend of lean ground meats with melted cheese at their core. Ideal for a hearty meal or meal prep, they promise satisfaction without the carbs.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 meatballs 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground pork
- 0.5 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 12 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes, canned
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion until translucent.
- Add garlic and crushed tomatoes, stir in bay leaf, black pepper, and parsley, then simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with parchment.
- In a bowl, mix ground pork, beef, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, chopped parsley, and black pepper.
- Form meatballs around mozzarella cubes and arrange on the pan.
- Bake meatballs for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and cheese leaks slightly.
- Serve meatballs with marinara sauce and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure mozzarella is sealed inside the meatball to prevent leaking.
Allow meatballs to rest after baking to enhance flavors and firmness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 70
