Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs are a simple and tasty dish that combines juicy, flavorful meatballs with a rich garlic butter sauce. These little bites are packed with herbs and seasoned perfectly to satisfy your cravings without any carbs getting in the way. The butter and garlic make every meatball so deliciously rich, while keeping it low-carb and keto-friendly.
I love making these meatballs on busy weeknights because they come together quickly and fill the house with such a wonderful smell. My favorite trick is to let them soak up the garlic butter sauce after cooking so every bite is extra tender and full of flavor. It’s like comfort food that fits perfectly into my keto lifestyle.
I usually serve these meatballs with some steamed veggies or a side salad to keep the meal fresh and light. They’re perfect for a cozy dinner or even for meal prepping, as they taste just as great the next day. Whenever I make them, everyone always asks for seconds, which never gets old!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using 80/20 beef keeps the meatballs juicy with enough fat. If you prefer leaner, try 90/10 but expect a drier texture. Ground turkey or chicken can work but may need extra fat like olive oil or butter.
Almond Flour: This low-carb binder keeps the meatballs together without adding carbs. If unavailable, crushed pork rinds or coconut flour (use less) are good keto-friendly swaps.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and helps bind. If you can’t find Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are tasty alternatives.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that punch of flavor. Garlic powder can substitute in a pinch but fresh always tastes brighter. Separate minced garlic for meatballs and garlic butter sauce to layer the flavor.
Butter & Chicken Broth: Butter makes the sauce rich and silky. Use unsalted for control over saltiness. Chicken broth deglazes the pan and adds nice moisture; vegetable broth works fine for a lighter taste or to keep it dairy-free replace butter with olive oil.
How Do You Get Juicy Meatballs That Hold Together and Taste Great?
It’s all about gentle mixing and the right binders:
- Mix ingredients just until combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Use almond flour as a binder instead of breadcrumbs for keto-friendly texture.
- Shape meatballs evenly for consistent cooking; about 1.5-inch diameter is great.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning; cook in batches to get a nice crust.
- After browning, simmering meatballs in garlic butter sauce lets flavors soak in and keeps them moist.
Patience is key here—cook meatballs slowly enough to brown well but avoid overcooking so they stay juicy inside. Adding fresh herbs like parsley brightens each bite, making these meatballs extra tasty and satisfying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining meatball ingredients without making a mess.
- Nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan – great for browning meatballs evenly and easy to clean.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – helps you stir and turn meatballs gently without scratching your pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep the ingredients balanced for the best flavor and texture.
- Optional: Zoodle maker or spiralizer – if you want to serve with fresh zucchini noodles.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground pork or a mix to add a slightly sweeter, richer flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the meat mixture for a touch of heat.
- Mix in finely chopped spinach or kale for extra greens without overpowering the flavor.
- Try topping with shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving for added creaminess.
How to Make Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour (keto-friendly binder)
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (to deglaze pan and make sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Side:
- Zucchini noodles or your favorite low-carb side
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and roughly 15 minutes of cooking time, so in around 25 minutes you’ll have tender, flavorful meatballs ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated Parmesan, almond flour, 2 minced garlic cloves, chopped parsley, egg, salt, pepper, and oregano. Gently mix with your hands or a spoon just until everything is combined — don’t overwork the meat or your meatballs may turn out tough.
2. Shape the Meatballs
Form the mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. This helps them cook evenly and look nice on the plate.
3. Cook the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through — about 6 to 8 minutes total. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low. Into the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom — this adds wonderful flavor to your sauce.
5. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
Return the meatballs to the skillet and let them simmer in the garlic butter sauce for 2 to 3 more minutes. This step makes sure the meatballs soak up all the garlicky buttery goodness.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the meatballs for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve warm alongside zucchini noodles or your chosen low-carb side for a satisfying keto-friendly meal.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for the Meatballs?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the ground beef completely in the fridge overnight for even mixing and cooking. Avoid using partially frozen meat, as it can affect the texture of the meatballs.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To keep it dairy-free, swap the butter for olive oil or avocado oil, and omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. The meatballs will still be tasty and moist!
Can I Prepare These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix and shape the meatballs a day in advance and store them covered in the fridge. When ready, simply cook and make the sauce as directed. Cooked meatballs also freeze well for up to 3 months.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover meatballs and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep them tender and juicy.
