Get ready to fall in love with the most unexpectedly delicious flavor combination! These sweet and savory pork meatballs are simmered in a rich, tangy dark cherry sauce that’s completely sugar-free. Made effortlessly in the Instant Pot, this recipe delivers a gourmet-tasting, keto-friendly meal in under an hour. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner to wow your family or a fantastic appetizer for your next get-together.
Ingredients
• For the Meatballs
• 1 pound (450g) ground pork
• 1 large organic egg
• ¼ cup (40g) minced yellow onion
• For the Sweet & Savory Cherry Sauce
• 1 tbsp (14g) butter
• ¾ cup (120g) chopped yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) sugar-free tomato sauce
• ¼ cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups (280g) organic frozen dark cherries
• 1 tbsp (15g) stone ground mustard
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Directions
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine the ground pork, egg, and ¼ cup of minced yellow onion. Mix until just combined, then form the mixture into 16 equal-sized meatballs. Arrange them on a baking sheet and refrigerate while you prepare the sauce.
3. Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Add the ¾ cup of chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened and lightly browned.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Press “Cancel” to stop the sauté function.
5. Pour in the sugar-free tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, frozen dark cherries, and stone ground mustard. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine.
6. Secure the lid and set the pressure valve to the “Sealing” position. Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set the timer for 5 minutes on High Pressure.
7. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a Quick Release of the pressure. Carefully remove the lid and gently stir in the chilled meatballs.
8. Secure the lid again, ensure the valve is set to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for another 5 minutes.
9. When the time is up, perform another Quick Release. Carefully remove the lid and use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked meatballs to a serving platter.
10. Select the “Sauté” function again. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced and thickened to your liking.
11. Press “Cancel,” pour the finished sauce over the meatballs, and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving (2 meatballs with sauce)
• Calories: 142
• Total Fat: 4.6g
• Net Carbs: 0.98g
• Protein: 16.8g
• Fiber: 1.5g
Pro Tips
• Do not overmix the meatball mixture. Combine the until they are just incorporated to ensure the meatballs stay tender and juicy.
• Chilling the meatballs before cooking is a crucial step. It helps them hold their shape and prevents them from breaking apart in the Instant Pot.
• Use a small cookie scoop to portion your meatballs. This ensures they are all a uniform size, which allows them to cook evenly.
• For a thicker, glaze-like sauce, make a slurry by whisking ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir it into the sauce during the final 10-minute sauté step.
• These meatballs are delicious served over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or with a side of steamed green beans to soak up the incredible sauce.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of meat for these meatballs
A: Yes, you can substitute ground pork with ground beef, turkey, or a combination. Note that leaner meats like turkey might result in a slightly less juicy meatball, but they will still be delicious in the savory cherry sauce.
Q: How do I make this recipe without an Instant Pot
A: You can easily adapt this for the stovetop. Sauté the onions and garlic for the sauce in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, pan-sear the meatballs until browned, then add them to the sauce and simmer for another 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
Q: Are dark cherries okay on a keto diet
A: While cherries do contain natural sugars, they can be incorporated into a keto diet in moderation. This recipe uses them to create a flavorful sauce, and the net carbs per serving are very low (under 1g), making it a perfectly keto-friendly meal.
Q: What can I serve with these keto meatballs
A: These meatballs are incredibly versatile. For a complete keto meal, serve them over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or mashed cauliflower. They also pair wonderfully with a side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus to soak up the delicious dark cherry sauce.
