Cheddar-Stuffed Pork Meatballs with Spinach Cream Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork meatballs filled with melted cheddar cheese, served in a luscious spinach cream sauce perfect for keto meals. This american-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 35 minutes blends ground pork, cut into 1/2-inch cubes cheddar cheese, large egg 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground pork, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 12 meatballs, placing a 1/2-inch cube of cheddar cheese inside each one, sealing the cheese completely within the pork.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove meatballs and set aside. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter and 1 small finely diced onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  5. Step 5: Add 4 cups fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir in 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese.
  6. Step 6: Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until thickened. Return meatballs to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and heat through for 2 minutes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheddar-Stuffed Pork Meatballs with Spinach Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Cheddar-Stuffed Pork Meatballs with Spinach Cream 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 Pork Meatballs with Spinach Cream 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 Pork Meatballs with Spinach Cream 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 Pork Meatballs with Spinach Cream Sauce keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes