Cheese-Stuffed Pork Meatballs with Spinach and Cream Sauce
Juicy pork meatballs filled with melted cheese, simmered in a savory spinach cream sauce for a comforting keto-friendly dinner. This mediterranean-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 40 minutes blends ground pork, 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 540 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 pork
- 4 oz, cut into 1/2-inch cubes mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 1/8 tsp, ground nutmeg
Instructions
- 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 until just combined.
- Step 2: Take about 2 tbsp of the pork mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place one 1/2-inch cube of 4 oz mozzarella cheese in the center and shape the pork around it into a meatball. Repeat to make 12 meatballs.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove meatballs and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add 4 cups chopped fresh spinach and sauté for 2 minutes until wilted.
- Step 5: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream, stir in 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese and 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the spinach.
- Step 6: Return meatballs to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and cook together for 2 more minutes to meld flavors before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheese-Stuffed Pork Meatballs with Spinach and Cream 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 Pork Meatballs with Spinach and 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 Cheese-Stuffed Pork Meatballs with Spinach and 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 Cheese-Stuffed Pork Meatballs with Spinach and 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 Cheese-Stuffed Pork Meatballs with Spinach and Cream Sauce keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.