Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs with Spinach and Tomato Sauce
Tender keto meatballs stuffed with melted cheese simmer gently in a rich spinach and tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting low-carb meal. This italian-inspired keto (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes blends ground beef, fresh, chopped spinach, canned diced tomatoes 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 ground beef
- 4 oz, cut into 1/2-inch cubes mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups fresh, chopped spinach
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Step 2: Form mixture into 12 equal meatballs (about 2 oz each). Press a 1/2-inch cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each meatball, sealing the meat around the cheese completely.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and sear on all sides for 2-3 minutes until browned but not cooked through. Remove meatballs and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juices) and 3 cups chopped fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Return meatballs to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese on top.
- Step 7: Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and cheese inside is melted.
- Step 8: Serve hot, spooning extra tomato spinach sauce over meatballs.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs with Spinach and Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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 Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs with Spinach and Tomato 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 with Spinach and Tomato 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 with Spinach and Tomato 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 with Spinach and Tomato Sauce low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
