Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs with Spinach and Garlic Sauce
Juicy ground beef meatballs stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese, baked and served with a rich garlic spinach sauce for a hearty keto meal. This mediterranean-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 40 minutes blends 85% lean ground beef, large egg, almond flour into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, 85% lean ground beef
- 4 oz, cut into 12 small cubes sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, mix 1 lb ground beef, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano until just combined.
- Step 2: Form 12 equal meatballs by flattening a portion in your hand, placing one 1/3 oz cube of sharp cheddar cheese in the center, and sealing the meat around it.
- Step 3: Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until cooked through and cheese is melted inside.
- Step 4: While meatballs bake, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 4 cups fresh spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream, season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Serve the baked cheddar-stuffed meatballs over the creamy garlic spinach sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs with Spinach and Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs with Spinach and Garlic Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs with Spinach and Garlic Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs with Spinach and Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs with Spinach and Garlic Sauce keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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