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Pork and Bacon Meatballs

Mozzarella-Stuffed Pork + Bacon Meatballs

I’ve always been a big fan of meatballs. To me, the meatball is a perfect little food delivery vehicle that – when done properly – can rival any fine dinning menu offering. I also like to think that I’m a pretty talented meatball maker and have a patent on the “Super surprise Meatball” (aka cheese stuffed) – something that I’ve been making for my family for decades.
This meatball recipe is based on that original cheese-stuffed masterpiece, but introduces some new protein and flavour combinations. It’s also Keto-friendly. The pork and bacon combine perfectly with the spinach and mozzarella cheese, resulting in a truly amazing meatball. They’re great on their own and even better when paired with toasted pepitas and an awesome sauce like our Creamy Parmesan-Dill Dressing.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Global
Calories: 770
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground pork
  • 10 strips cooked bacon chopped
  • 1 1/4 cups Keto crackers crushed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cubed
  • 1 cup baby spinach washed + chopped
  • 1 shallot minced
  • 1 tbsp chicken or pork spice/rub (e.g Joe Beef)
  • 1 tbsp butter melted
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • large baking sheets
  • large mixing bowl
  • food processor
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Mise en Place
  1. Assemble equipment. Peel and mince shallots, wash and chop spinach, melt butter, cube mozzarella, measure and separate all ingredients.
Cooking + Assembly
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Place bacon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cook for approximately 20 minutes until slightly crispy. Place on paper towel to remove excess grease and chop into smaller pieces.
  3. Place Keto crackers in a food processor and pulse until a crumb texture is achieved.
  4. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl with the exception of the mozzarella. Mix well until fully combined.
  5. Place a mozzarella cube in the middle of the pork mixture and form into balls (about the size of a pool ball).
  6. Remove from oven and serve on their own or with your favourite sauce or toppings.

Notes

  • This is a Keto-friendly recipe, but it can also be made non-Keto if there are no dietary restrictions. Simply substitute Panko breadcrumbs for the Keto crackers.