Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish made with juicy meatballs cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. They’re packed with flavor from fresh garlic and herbs, and they’re perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. The meatballs are tender on the inside and coated in a velvety butter sauce that makes every bite extra mouthwatering.
I love making these meatballs when I want something quick but satisfying, especially on busy weeknights. The garlic butter sauce is my favorite part – it’s so simple yet makes the meatballs taste special. I often add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top to brighten things up and make it look extra inviting. Plus, this recipe doesn’t need any breadcrumbs, so it’s super easy and keto-friendly.
My favorite way to serve these meatballs is over some steamed veggies or with a side of cauliflower rice to soak up all that tasty garlic butter. They also work great as a hearty snack or appetizer when you have friends over. Honestly, every time I make these, they’re gone fast, and everyone asks for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using a mix of beef and pork adds fat and juiciness, which keeps meatballs tender. If you prefer, all beef or even ground turkey works, but add a bit of extra fat like olive oil to prevent dryness.
Almond Flour: This is the keto-friendly binder that replaces breadcrumbs. If you don’t have almond flour, crushed pork rinds or coconut flour are great low-carb options.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds a lovely nutty flavor and helps bind the meatballs. Grated Pecorino Romano is a good substitute if you want a sharper taste.
Garlic & Butter: Fresh garlic is key to the rich taste here, and butter makes the sauce silky and flavorful. If you want, you can swap butter for ghee or olive oil for a different twist.
How Do You Get Meatballs That Stay Juicy and Don’t Fall Apart?
The trick is gentle mixing and the right binders. Mix your meat and ingredients just until combined; overmixing makes meatballs tough.
- Use almond flour or similar keto binders to hold everything together well.
- Add an egg for moisture and extra binding power.
- Form meatballs gently, don’t compact too hard.
- Brown the meatballs well in a hot skillet to seal in juices before simmering in sauce.
By following these steps, your meatballs stay tender and juicy inside while getting a beautiful browned exterior every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining all the ingredients evenly without making a mess.
- Non-stick or cast-iron skillet – great for browning meatballs nicely and making the garlic butter sauce.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – helpful for stirring the sauce and scraping up tasty bits from the pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your ingredient amounts accurate and your meatballs consistent.
- Small scoop or your hands – makes shaping uniform meatballs easier and quicker.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner version that still tastes great.
- Add chopped fresh basil or rosemary to the meat mixture for an herbal twist that pairs well with garlic.
- Mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese inside the meatballs for a melty cheesy surprise.
- Stir in finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini to sneak in some veggies without changing the flavor too much.
Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour (for keto-friendly binding)
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For The Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (for the sauce)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, check for sugar content for keto)
To Serve (Optional):
- Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 15 minutes to cook the meatballs and sauce, so total cooking time is approximately 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying keto meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Parmesan, almond flour, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but well until everything is evenly combined.
2. Shape and Brown the Meatballs:
Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs using your hands or a small scoop. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs (in batches if needed) and brown them on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, careful not to burn it. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping browned bits from the pan. Let simmer 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Return meatballs to skillet. Coat them well with the garlic butter sauce and simmer for 5 more minutes to cook through and thicken sauce.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot. They go wonderfully with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a tasty keto meal. Don’t forget to spoon extra garlic butter sauce on top!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw frozen meatballs completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and soak up the garlic butter sauce better.
What Can I Substitute for Almond Flour?
If you don’t have almond flour, crushed pork rinds or coconut flour work well as keto-friendly binders. Use about half the amount of coconut flour since it absorbs more moisture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce is too thick.
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the meatballs ahead, refrigerate, and reheat them in the garlic butter sauce just before serving. This makes meal prep super convenient.
