Name: Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup almond flour; 2 large eggs; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick); 4 cloves garlic, minced (for sautéing); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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If you are craving something rich, flavorful, and perfectly suited for low-carb lifestyles, Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs are exactly what you need. These tender, juicy meatballs are bursting with savory garlic and melted butter goodness that elevate simple ingredients into an irresistible dish. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers hearty satisfaction without the carb load, making it a delightful meal to share with family or enjoy as a comforting solo feast.

Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that are simply unforgettable. From the richness of Parmesan to the subtle earthiness of almond flour, every component complements the juicy meatballs perfectly.

Ground beef (1 pound): Use fresh, quality beef for the best texture and taste; ground turkey works well too for a leaner option.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a salty, nutty depth and helps bind the meatballs together.
Almond flour (1/4 cup): A low-carb binder that keeps meatballs tender while maintaining structure without gluten.
Large eggs (2): These act as a natural glue, ensuring your meatballs hold their shape during baking.
Minced garlic (4 cloves): Infuses every bite with bright, zesty garlic flavor that elevates the dish.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Offers a fragrant herbiness that pairs beautifully with garlic.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for boosting all the natural flavors throughout the meat mixture.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and balances the richness.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick): Melted to create the luscious garlic butter sauce that coats the meatballs.
Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Used for garnish, adding a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.

How to Make Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures your meatballs bake quickly and finish with a nice crust. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep those meatballs from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Parmesan cheese, almond flour, eggs, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly by hand or with a spoon until all the ingredients come together in a cohesive mixture. This step is where the magic starts as these simple elements meld into perfectly seasoned meatball batter.

Step 3: Shape Your Meatballs

Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Consistent sizing ensures even cooking. Arrange them neatly on your prepared baking sheet, giving each enough space to bake evenly without crowding.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the meatballs in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until they are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). This step locks in the juiciness, and the outside develops a slightly browned, flavorful crust.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add additional minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen and the garlic is golden and fragrant.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Transfer the hot meatballs directly into the skillet with the garlic butter. Gently toss them in the sauce to coat every juicy bite evenly. Let them cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, creating that signature rich and indulgent taste of Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finally, sprinkle the meatballs with fresh chopped parsley to lend a hint of freshness and a lovely pop of green that contrasts beautifully with the golden butter sauce. Serve immediately while warm and decadent.

How to Serve Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like fresh parsley brighten the dish and add a touch of herbaceous freshness. You can also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a citrusy zing that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

These meatballs pair wonderfully with light, low-carb sides such as steamed broccoli, cauliflower rice, or roasted Brussels sprouts. A crisp green salad drizzled with olive oil also complements the buttery garlic flavors perfectly, balancing richness with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs over spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash to keep things keto-friendly yet exciting. They also make fantastic appetizers when skewered with a toothpick and served alongside a zesty dipping sauce like a creamy avocado dip or tangy marinara.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic butter sauce separate if you want to maintain the best texture, or toss them together and reheat gently.

Freezing

If you’d like to prep in advance, freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well frozen for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze on busy days.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated meatballs by thawing (if frozen) and warming them in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or butter to keep them moist. You can also microwave them covered to retain their juicy texture, then toss with fresh garlic butter if needed.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works just as well. It will make the meatballs a bit lighter but still delicious when paired with the buttery garlic sauce.

Is almond flour the best binder for keto meatballs?

Yes, almond flour is ideal for keto because it’s low in carbs and adds a subtle nutty flavor. It also helps maintain a tender texture without adding gluten.

How garlic-heavy are these meatballs?

They have a lovely pronounced garlic flavor without being overpowering. If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two to the mix or in the butter sauce.

Can I make these meatballs dairy-free?

You can substitute the Parmesan and butter with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast and coconut oil or a vegan butter to keep it dairy-free, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

What’s the best way to reheat these meatballs without drying them out?

The key is gentle reheating with some added moisture. Using a skillet with a little butter or broth over low heat helps keep them juicy, or microwaving covered also works well.

Final Thoughts

These Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that bring a cozy, indulgent flair to any meal. With easy ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch that satisfies carb-conscious diets while pleasing every palate at the table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I love it – it’s truly a keto classic that never fails to delight!

Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Keto

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Description

These Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs are a delicious low-carb option perfect for anyone following a ketogenic or gluten-free diet. Made with ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and almond flour, they offer a savory flavor enhanced by garlic and oregano, all finished with a rich garlic butter sauce and fresh parsley garnish.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, almond flour, eggs, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Form Meatballs: Scoop the mixture and form into meatballs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are fully cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
Prepare Garlic Butter: While the meatballs cook, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Toss Meatballs in Butter: When the meatballs are done, transfer them to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss gently to coat them evenly and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve: Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a lighter option without compromising flavor.
Ensure meatballs are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) for beef.
Almond flour keeps the dish keto-friendly, but if you are not on keto, you could experiment with other flours.
Fresh garlic in the butter sauce enhances the aroma; avoid burning it as it can turn bitter.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to keep the meal balanced and low-carb.
These meatballs can also be prepared in advance and reheated in the skillet for best taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking and Sautéing
Cuisine: American