Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs are a perfect low-carb meal that’s packed with flavor and super satisfying. These meatballs are juicy and tender, cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce that makes every bite taste like a little celebration. The garlic and butter really bring out the best in the meat, giving these meatballs a delicious, comforting feel without all the carbs.
I love making these meatballs when I want something quick but still impressive. They come together pretty fast, and the smell of garlic butter simmering on the stove always makes the whole house feel cozy. A little tip: don’t be shy with the garlic—it’s what makes this dish really shine. I usually double the sauce because I love dipping everything in it!
These meatballs are great on their own or served over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a full meal. I often pair them with a simple green salad to keep things fresh. It’s one of those recipes that never gets old at my house, and everyone always asks for seconds, which is always a good sign. Plus, it’s great for meal prep—just heat and enjoy throughout the week.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: I like using a mix of beef and pork for juicier meatballs, but 100% beef works great too. You could also try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Almond Flour: This helps keep the meatballs tender and binds them without adding carbs. You can swap it with crushed pork rinds if you want zero nuts.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice umami flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast work well as keto-friendly options.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here. It gives the meatballs and sauce a rich flavor. Garlic powder can be used if you’re in a pinch, but the taste won’t be as vibrant.
Butter & Sauce: Butter is essential for that rich garlic sauce. You can use ghee or olive oil if preferred. The tomato sauce should be sugar-free to keep it keto, but homemade or store-bought both work fine.
How Do You Make Sure The Meatballs Stay Juicy and Don’t Fall Apart?
The secret to juicy, well-formed meatballs is gentle mixing and proper cooking. Here are my tips:
- Mix the ingredients just until combined; overmixing makes the meat tough.
- Add almond flour or crushed pork rinds—it gives the meat something to hold onto without adding carbs.
- Use an egg as a binder; it keeps everything together but don’t add more than one or the meatballs get dense.
- Brown the meatballs in butter to develop flavor and seal in juices before simmering in the sauce.
- Simmer covered in the sauce on low heat to gently finish cooking and keep them moist.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – makes combining the meatball ingredients easy without a mess.
- 12-inch skillet – perfect size for browning meatballs and simmering the sauce all in one pan.
- Spatula or tongs – helps you turn the meatballs carefully without breaking them.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep your seasoning balanced and consistent every time.
- Garlic press (optional) – quickly chops garlic fine, releasing more flavor for the sauce and meatballs.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter taste.
- Add chopped fresh basil or oregano to the mix for an Italian twist.
- Stir in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese inside the meatballs for gooey surprises.
- Mix finely chopped spinach or zucchini into the meat for some hidden veggies and extra moisture.
Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs Recipe Guide
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce (sugar-free for keto)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for richer sauce)
To Serve:
- Zucchini noodles or your preferred low-carb noodles
- Optional: toasted keto bread slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making it ready in around 35 minutes total. It’s a quick and tasty option perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground meat, Parmesan, almond flour, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix. Then, shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a plate.
2. Brown the Meatballs:
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned all over. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. Pour in the sugar-free tomato sauce and stir to blend with the garlic butter. If you want a richer sauce, stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes.
4. Finish Cooking the Meatballs:
Return the meatballs to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, then cover and let simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and juicy.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the meatballs with a side of zucchini noodles or any low-carb noodles you like. Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley and serve with toasted keto bread slices if desired. Dive in and enjoy your tasty, garlicky, and comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes! If using frozen meatballs, thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking. You can then brown them in the skillet and finish simmering in the sauce as directed.
What Can I Substitute for Almond Flour?
You can use crushed pork rinds to keep it keto-friendly and gluten-free, or finely ground flaxseed as an alternative binder.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for olive oil or coconut oil, and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for the sauce.