Cheese-Stuffed Meatball Skillet with Spinach

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

Juicy ground beef meatballs stuffed with melted mozzarella and simmered in a savory tomato sauce with fresh spinach, perfect for a hearty keto meal. This italian-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs 85% lean ground beef, grated parmesan cheese, large egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian 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 beef, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Form the mixture into 12 equal balls, stuffing each with a 1/2-inch cube of mozzarella cheese in the center; seal tightly.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add the meatballs and brown on all sides for about 8 minutes, turning carefully so they do not break.
  4. Step 4: Pour 2 cups crushed tomatoes over the browned meatballs and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 cups chopped fresh spinach and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, cook for 2 minutes until spinach wilts.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot straight from the skillet with extra parmesan if desired.

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 Cheese-Stuffed Meatball Skillet with Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cheese-Stuffed Meatball Skillet with Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 85% lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese-Stuffed Meatball Skillet with Spinach?

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 Cheese-Stuffed Meatball Skillet with Spinach 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 Cheese-Stuffed Meatball Skillet with Spinach 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.

Related recipes