Irresistible Low Carb Sun Dried Tomato Cheesy Meatballs: Your New Favorite Skillet Recipe
Prepare for a truly unforgettable culinary experience with these tender and juicy Sun Dried Tomato Cheesy Meatballs (Low Carb). Each perfectly formed meatball is generously spiked with vibrant sun-dried tomato pieces, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs. They are first fried to a beautiful golden-brown, then lovingly simmered in a simple yet rich tomato sauce, all culminating in an indulgent bath of melted cheese. The best part? This entire symphony of flavors comes together in just one convenient skillet, making cleanup a breeze!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Low Carb Cheesy Meatballs
Let’s be honest, finding a meal that satisfies everyone and is also conscious of dietary preferences can be a challenge. But with these Sun Dried Tomato Cheesy Meatballs, complaints are simply non-existent. Whether you’re gathered around the dinner table or enjoying a cozy evening on the couch, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory meat, pungent garlic, fragrant herbs, and the distinctive tang of sun-dried tomatoes creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
Beyond their incredible taste, these meatballs are incredibly versatile and fit perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing any of the indulgence. They’re designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Serving Your Low Carb Meatballs: Pasta or Zoodles?
When it comes to serving these magnificent meatballs, you have options! For those who love classic comfort, a bed of al dente pasta is always a winner. However, if you’re keeping things low carb, serving them over perfectly cooked zoodles (zucchini noodles) is an absolute game-changer. Trust us, you won’t even miss the pasta. The rich, cheesy sauce and the flavorful meatballs are the undisputed heroes of this dish, stealing the show no matter what you serve them with. Other fantastic low-carb alternatives include cauliflower rice, spaghetti squash, or even a simple side of steamed green beans or broccoli. The key is to let the robust flavors of the meatballs and sauce truly shine.
Crafting Your Perfect Meatballs: Key Ingredients and Smart Substitutions
The magic of these Sun Dried Tomato Cheesy Meatballs lies in the careful selection and combination of quality ingredients. Every component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect tender texture and explosion of flavor.
The Mince Mixture: Beef and Pork for Ultimate Tenderness
For these meatballs, I’ve opted for a delectable mixture of both beef and pork mince. This combination is truly special; the beef brings a robust, hearty flavor, while the pork adds an incredible juiciness and tenderness that’s hard to achieve with beef alone. The fat content in the pork also contributes to a richer, more succulent meatball. Of course, you absolutely can use just beef mince if that’s your preference or what you have on hand. However, for those who like to live life on the edge and experience the most exquisite flavors, the beef and pork blend is highly recommended for its superior taste and texture.
The Low-Carb Binder: Almond Flour vs. Breadcrumbs
To bind these beautiful meatballs and keep them perfectly low carb, we use almond flour. Almond flour is an excellent grain-free alternative that provides structure without adding excess carbohydrates, making these meatballs suitable for keto and low-carb diets. It also contributes a subtle nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. If, however, carbs are not a concern for you, or if you simply prefer the classic approach, you can easily substitute the almond flour with 1/3 cup of traditional breadcrumbs. Both options will yield delicious results, so choose what best fits your dietary needs and preferences.
The Flavor Powerhouses: Sun Dried Tomatoes, Garlic & Fresh Herbs
The heart of these meatballs’ unique flavor profile comes from three key ingredients: sun-dried tomatoes, fresh garlic, and aromatic herbs. The semi-dried tomatoes, bursting with concentrated umami and a hint of sweetness, are finely chopped and dispersed throughout the meatball mixture, ensuring a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Crushed garlic adds that essential pungent kick, while fresh oregano and basil infuse the meatballs with a vibrant, Mediterranean aroma. These ingredients aren’t just additions; they are fundamental to creating the deep, complex flavors that make this dish so addictive.
The Magic of Sun Dried Tomatoes in Your Meatballs
You know what the absolute best part about these meatballs is? It’s those incredible bursts of sun-dried tomato pieces in every single bite. Unlike fresh tomatoes, which can add too much moisture and dilute the flavor, sun-dried tomatoes offer an intense, concentrated sweetness and tanginess. They undergo a drying process that removes their water content, leaving behind a chewy, intensely flavorful morsel that perfectly complements the savory meats and creamy cheese. When you bite into one of these meatballs, you get a delightful chewiness and a powerful punch of Mediterranean sunshine that elevates the entire dish.
Their oil, often reserved from the jar, also plays a critical role. This infused oil carries much of that concentrated flavor, which we then use to start our simple tomato sauce. This ensures that the rich sun-dried tomato essence is woven throughout the entire dish, from the inside of the meatballs to the comforting sauce they simmer in. It’s a subtle yet impactful detail that makes all the difference.
A Skillet Full of Comfort: Why One-Pan Meals Rule
One of the biggest appeals of this recipe is its one-skillet preparation. There’s something incredibly satisfying about cooking a complete meal from start to finish in a single pan. Not only does it streamline the cooking process, but it also means fewer dishes to wash – a win in anyone’s book! Cooking everything in one skillet allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. The pan juices from browning the meatballs infuse the subsequent sauce, creating a deeper, more cohesive flavor profile that you simply can’t achieve with separate pots and pans. This method makes dinner time not just delicious, but also wonderfully efficient.
And let me tell you, there have been nights of indulging in some trash TV on the couch in our pajamas, slurping on zoodles and eating more of these sun-dried tomato cheesy meatballs than humanly allowed. This is one of those recipes that truly delivers on comfort, flavor, and ease, making it a staple in any busy household.
Making These Meatballs Shine: Tips for Success
Achieving perfectly tender, flavorful meatballs and a rich, satisfying sauce is easier than you think. Here are a few tips to ensure your Sun Dried Tomato Cheesy Meatballs turn out flawlessly every time:
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the mince with the other ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Gentle handling keeps them tender.
- Even Sizing is Key: Try to make your meatballs roughly the same size. This ensures they cook evenly, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
- Brown for Flavor: Don’t skip the browning step! Searing the meatballs on all sides before simmering develops a deep, rich flavor and a lovely crust. Do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam the meatballs instead of browning them.
- Simmer to Perfection: Allowing the meatballs to simmer in the sauce, covered, ensures they cook through gently, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the tomato sauce. It also gives the sauce time to thicken and develop complexity.
- The Glorious Cheese Melt: The final step of arranging bocconcini over the meatballs and grilling (or broiling) until melted and bubbly is essential. This creates a beautifully golden, gooey cheese topping that perfectly complements the rich sauce and tender meatballs.
This is one of those recipes you truly won’t regret dedicating your time to. It’s simple, it’s hearty, and it’s packed with so much flavor that it will quickly become a family favorite.
Meal Prep and Storage for Future Cravings
These Sun Dried Tomato Cheesy Meatballs are not just delicious for dinner tonight; they’re also fantastic for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week, or freeze them for quick, convenient meals whenever a craving strikes.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Meatballs (cooked or uncooked) freeze beautifully. For cooked meatballs, allow them to cool completely, then transfer them along with the sauce to freezer-safe containers or bags. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can also freeze the shaped, uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen in the sauce, adding extra simmering time.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has become too thick. You can also reheat in the microwave.
This recipe is right up there with those Creamy Chicken and Sun Dried Tomato Zoodles for its incredible flavor and low-carb appeal!
More Irresistible Meatball Recipes to Try:
If you’ve fallen in love with these meatballs, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic meatball recipes:
Baked Meatballs – A lighter, oven-baked alternative that’s just as flavorful.
Turkey Meatballs with Garlic and Pesto – A delicious twist with lean turkey and aromatic pesto.
Cocktail Meatballs with Sweet and Sour Sauce – Perfect for entertaining or a fun appetizer.
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Sun Dried Tomato Cheesy Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 17 oz beef mince
- 17 oz pork mince or use extra beef mince
- 1 large egg lightly whisked
- 1/2 cup almond flour or 1/3 cup breadcrumbs if not following low carb
- 5 oz semi-dried tomatoes drained and oil reserved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic crushed
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
- reserved Sun Dried Tomato oil
- 15 oz jars tomato pasta sauce or tomato soup
- 6.5 oz large bocconcini balls (6 large balls the size of golf balls), sliced
Instructions
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Combine mince, egg and almond flour, tomatoes drained of oil (reserve oil), cheese, garlic, paste, oregano and basil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Shape into 12 meatballs (I used full palm sized meat mixture).
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Heat oil in a non stick oven proof pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs, in batches for 3 to 4 minutes while occasionally turning to brown on all sides.
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Heat reserved semi-dried tomatoes oil in pan. Add the tomato sauce (or soup). Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
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Return meatballs to pan; bring to the boil; reduce heat to low and allow to simmer, covered for 15-20 minutes or until meatballs have cooked through and sauce has thickened.
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Meanwhile, preheat oven to grill (or broil) settings on medium heat halfway through cooking time. When meatballs are ready, arrange the bocconcini slices over the meatballs and place pan into the oven. Grill/broil until cheese has melted.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.