Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs in Creamy Spinach Sauce

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

Juicy ground beef meatballs stuffed with melted cheese, simmered in a luscious cream and spinach sauce, perfect for a comforting keto dinner. This mediterranean-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 40 minutes blends 80% lean ground beef, fresh, roughly chopped spinach, heavy cream 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 550 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 large egg, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion in your palm, place a 1/2-inch cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then fold the meat around the cheese and roll into a tight ball.
  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 6-8 minutes total.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 cups chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and sauté with the meatballs until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese. Stir gently to combine and reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meatballs.
  6. Step 6: Serve meatballs hot, spooning the creamy spinach sauce over them for a rich and satisfying keto meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs in Creamy Spinach Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs in Creamy Spinach 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 Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs in Creamy Spinach 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 Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs in Creamy Spinach 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 Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs in Creamy Spinach 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.

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