Healthy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
These Healthy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs combine lean ground meats with flavorful herbs and almond flour, creating a delicious low-carb, protein-packed meal with a gooey mozzarella center. Baked to golden perfection, they make a perfect main dish for a wholesome dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 0.5 cup almond flour (or grated Parmesan cheese for a nut-free option)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Filling
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese (cut into 24 cubes, about 1-inch each)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Meatballs: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef or turkey, sausage, almond flour, egg, minced onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until ingredients are combined to maintain tender meatballs without overmixing.
- Form Meatballs with Cheese: Use a large cookie scoop or your hands to portion out 24 equal meatballs. Press one mozzarella cube into the center of each meatball, then carefully seal the meat around it completely so the cheese is enclosed. Place the stuffed meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure doneness.
- Serve: Serve the mozzarella stuffed meatballs hot, paired with your favorite low-carb marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor.
Notes
- Almond flour can be substituted with grated Parmesan cheese for those avoiding nuts.
- Make sure to fully seal the meat around the cheese cubes to prevent leakage during baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs are safely cooked to 160°F internal temperature.
- These meatballs freeze well, so consider making a double batch and freezing extras for quick meals.
- Serve with a sugar-free marinara sauce for a diabetic-friendly option.
Keywords: mozzarella stuffed meatballs, low carb meatballs, healthy meatballs, baked meatballs, mozzarella cheese, low-carb dinner
