Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs: A Flavor-Packed Low-Carb Delight
Welcome to my kitchen! If you’re anything like me, you love meals that are both comforting and nourishing, especially when they align with your health goals. Today, I’m excited to share one of my favorite recipes: Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs. These juicy, tender meatballs bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce are perfect for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle or simply looking for a delicious, satisfying dish.
This recipe is so versatile—you can enjoy it as a main course, a snack, or even as a party appetizer. Plus, it's simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Packed with healthy fats and minimal carbs.
- Easy to Make: A straightforward recipe that even beginner cooks can nail.
- Full of Flavor: A savory combination of garlic, butter, and herbs that elevates every bite.
- Meal Prep Approved: Perfect for batch cooking and enjoying throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour (or coconut flour for a slightly different texture)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the garlic butter sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or white wine for a more decadent twist)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- One tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, Parmesan cheese, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands (clean, of course!) to gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatballs dense.
Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, golf ball-sized meatballs. You should get about 16-18 meatballs, depending on the size.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Brown the Meatballs: Add the meatballs in a single layer (do this in batches if needed) and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned all over. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the Pan: Add the chicken broth (or wine) to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, letting it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Season and Finish: Stir in the chopped parsley, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Coat the Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them. Let them simmer for 5 minutes, ensuring they’re heated through and coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately. These meatballs pair wonderfully with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a simple green salad.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 26g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 2g
Additional Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Meat: Use ground beef with a bit of fat (80/20 ratio) for tender, juicy meatballs.
- Don’t Skip the Parmesan: It adds depth of flavor and helps bind the meatballs.
- Cook in Batches: Overcrowding the pan can make the meatballs steam instead of brown.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Swap butter with ghee or a plant-based alternative, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Add Some Heat: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Common Questions
Can I Bake the Meatballs Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
Can I Freeze These Meatballs?
Yes! Cook the meatballs as instructed (without the sauce), let them cool, and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and heat in the garlic butter sauce.
What Can I Serve with These Meatballs?
They’re fantastic over low-carb options like zucchini noodles, cauliflower mash, or even on their own as a high-protein snack.
Wrap-Up
I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your home as it has in mine! Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs are the perfect example of how eating low-carb doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, these meatballs are sure to impress.
If you loved this recipe, here are three more keto-friendly dishes to try:
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken: Juicy chicken thighs in a rich sun-dried tomato and spinach cream sauce.
- Zucchini Lasagna: Layers of zucchini, meat sauce, and cheese—comfort food without the carbs.
- Keto Cauliflower Fried Rice: A quick and easy stir-fry packed with flavor and veggies.
Thanks for joining me in the kitchen today. Happy cooking, and I’d love to hear how your meatballs turn out! 😊
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