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Keto Jalapeño Popper Meatballs - Spicy, Creamy, and Low-Carb Comfort Food

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 is best for juicy meatballs)
  • 8 oz (225 g) ground pork (optional but adds tenderness; sub more beef if preferred)
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • 2–3 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeded for mild, leave some seeds for heat)
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup almond flour (binder; sub crushed pork rinds for extra richness)
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onion (optional, for freshness)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional, for warmth)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (as needed to loosen the mixture)
  • Avocado oil spray or olive oil for the pan
  • Optional garnish: extra cheddar, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or sour cream

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment and lightly oil it.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, bacon, green onion, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cream cheese is evenly distributed.
  3. Add the ground beef and ground pork to the bowl. Sprinkle in the almond flour. Crack in the eggs and add 1 tbsp heavy cream.
  4. Using clean hands, mix just until combined. If the mixture feels dry or crumbly, add the remaining 1 tbsp heavy cream. If too wet, add a bit more almond flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. The mixture should hold its shape without sticking aggressively to your hands.
  5. With damp hands, form golf ball–sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches wide). You should get 18–22 meatballs. Place them evenly on the baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 14–17 minutes, or until the centers reach 160°F (71°C). They should look set and release a bit of fat onto the pan.
  7. For color, switch to broil and cook for 1–2 minutes more, watching closely to prevent scorching. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top before broiling for a bubbly finish.
  8. Rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream.
  9. Serve with a simple side: salad greens with lime vinaigrette, roasted broccoli, or cauliflower rice.