Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (aim for 80% lean)
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning blend
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 8 oz (225g) mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
For the Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (opt for a low-carb variety or prepare your own)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, or grease a baking dish.
Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, almond flour, an egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix everything together gently—avoid over-mixing to ensure the meatballs stay tender.
Form the Meatballs: Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then shape the meat around the cheese to form a ball. Make sure the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese.
Bake the Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet or in the greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are nicely browned and cooked through.
Prepare the Sauce: As the meatballs bake, warm marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes.
Serve: Once the meatballs are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve with a generous spoonful of warm marinara sauce and garnish with fresh basil.
Pro Tip:
For an extra cheesy touch, add more cheese on top and broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
To keep the meal low-carb and keto-friendly, serve these meatballs over zucchini noodles or alongside roasted vegetables.
