Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) so it’s fully hot by the time the meatballs are ready. Starting with a properly heated oven helps the meatballs cook evenly while keeping the inside juicy and tender instead of drying out.
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground lamb or grass-fed beef, finely grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, turmeric, black pepper, sea salt, egg, almond flour, and olive oil. Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Try not to overmix, as pressing the meat too much can make the meatballs dense instead of soft and juicy.
Scoop a small portion of the meat mixture into your hand and gently flatten it into a small disc shape. Place a cube of feta or goat cheese into the center, then carefully fold the meat around the cheese. Roll it gently between your palms until smooth and sealed completely so the cheese stays inside while cooking. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Heat a little olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, carefully place the meatballs into the skillet, leaving a little space between each one so they brown properly instead of steaming.
Cook the meatballs for about 2–3 minutes, turning them gently every so often until lightly golden on several sides. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage. The goal is simply to create a flavorful browned exterior that helps lock in moisture and gives the final dish a richer homemade flavor.
Pour the crushed tomatoes directly into the skillet around the meatballs. Add the oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper, then stir the sauce gently around the meatballs without breaking them apart. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the herbs soften and the flavors begin blending together beautifully.
Transfer the skillet carefully into the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the sauce is bubbling gently around the edges. The meatballs should feel firm but still tender, and the cheese inside should stay creamy and soft.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This short resting time helps the juices settle back into the meat, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.
Spoon the warm tomato sauce over the meatballs and finish with freshly chopped parsley, an extra drizzle of olive oil, or a