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Keto Chipotle Cheddar Meatballs - Spicy, Cheesy, and Low-Carb Comfort

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best for juiciness)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork (optional but recommended for flavor; sub beef if you prefer)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup finely ground almond flour
  • 2 tablespoons minced onion or 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced (start with 1 for mild)
  • 1–2 teaspoons adobo sauce from the can (optional for extra heat)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (if pan-searing)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (avocado oil mayo works well)
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1–2 teaspoons adobo sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly oil it. If you prefer pan-seared, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cheddar, egg, and almond flour. Mix gently with your hands or a fork. Don’t overwork it or the meatballs can turn dense.
  3. Add onion, garlic, minced chipotle, adobo sauce (if using), smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Fold everything together until just combined.
  4. Use a scoop or spoon to form 18–22 meatballs, about 1.5 inches each. Lightly oil your hands if the mixture is sticky.
  5. To bake: Arrange on the prepared sheet pan and bake 14–18 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  6. To pan-sear: Add 1–2 tablespoons oil to the hot skillet. Brown meatballs on all sides for 6–8 minutes, then lower heat and cover until cooked through, another 5–7 minutes.
  7. While they cook, whisk mayo, sour cream, adobo, lime juice, and salt for the creamy chipotle sauce. Adjust heat and tang to taste.
  8. Rest meatballs for 3–4 minutes. Serve with the sauce, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges if you like.