Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs: The Ultimate Low-Carb Comfort Food

Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re on a keto journey or just looking for a delicious, low-carb meal that’s packed with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s going to make your taste buds dance – Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs. These little bites of goodness are not only rich in flavor, but they’re also super easy to make, and perfect for meal prep, a quick dinner, or even a snack.

Garlic and butter – two ingredients that seem to work magic when paired together. Now imagine them surrounding perfectly seasoned meatballs. It’s comfort food with a keto twist! Whether you're following a keto lifestyle or just trying to eat more wholesome, satisfying meals, this recipe will soon become a regular on your menu.

Let’s dive right into the recipe!

Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serving Size: 4 meatballs (approximately)

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (80% lean, or your preferred keto-friendly ground meat)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is always best!)
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup almond flour (this will keep the meatballs tender without adding carbs)

For the garlic butter sauce:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (or ghee for a dairy-free option)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and almond flour. Using your hands, mix everything until thoroughly combined. Be sure not to overmix as that can make the meatballs tough!

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Now that your meatball mixture is ready, use your hands to form small, even-sized meatballs. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter (about the size of a golf ball). You should end up with around 16 meatballs.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Put the meatballs on a silicone mat or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake them for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on the outside and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 160°F (71°C).

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, let’s make that dreamy garlic butter sauce! Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook it for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Stir in a pinch of salt and pepper, and if you like, add a bit of chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish.

Step 5: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the garlic butter sauce. Toss them gently to coat each meatball in the rich, garlicky goodness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your keto garlic butter meatballs hot with a sprinkle of extra parsley or Parmesan cheese, and maybe a side of cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a fresh keto-friendly salad for a complete meal. These meatballs are also fantastic on their own as a snack or appetizer.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving - 4 Meatballs)

Calories: 450
Protein: 28g
Fat: 36g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Net Carbs: 2g
Sugars: 1g
Sodium: 350mg

Additional Tips:

Meat Selection: You can use ground chicken, turkey, or pork in place of beef for a different flavor. Just be sure to choose fattier cuts (80% lean or higher) to keep the keto-friendly fat content intact.
Herb Variation: If you’re not a fan of oregano, you can swap it out for thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.
Meal Prep: These meatballs store wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.
Make It Spicy: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the garlic butter sauce.

Keto Notes:

This recipe is naturally keto-friendly, with just 2g of net carbs per serving! It’s a perfect low-carb, high-fat meal that will keep you feeling satisfied.
If you need to adjust for your macros, you can reduce the amount of cheese or butter, but remember, the butter is what gives these meatballs their rich flavor.

Nutritional Benefits:

High in Protein: The combination of ground beef and egg provides a healthy dose of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
Packed with Healthy Fats: The butter (or ghee) used in the sauce provides a great source of healthy fats, which is crucial for staying in ketosis and keeping your energy levels high.
Low-Carb: With only 2g of net carbs per serving, this recipe fits perfectly into any keto meal plan.

FAQ:

Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Just bake them before adding the garlic butter sauce.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat these meatballs?
A: Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but for best results, I recommend using the oven to keep them crispy.

Q: Can I use a different flour if I don’t have almond flour?
A: Yes, you can use coconut flour in place of almond flour, but be sure to use about 1/4 of the amount, as coconut flour absorbs more moisture.

Q: Are these meatballs spicy?
A: Nope, they’re not spicy unless you add some red pepper flakes. If you like a little heat, feel free to toss some in!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a delicious, easy-to-make keto-friendly recipe that’s perfect for anyone looking to stay low-carb without sacrificing flavor. These Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs are a comforting and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of day. Whether you’re sticking to your keto lifestyle or just craving something mouthwatering, these meatballs are a winner!

I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every bite. Make them your own by experimenting with the components. Don’t forget to share your results or any variations you try – I love hearing from you! Keep cooking, keep enjoying, and most importantly, keep having fun in the kitchen.

Bon appétit! 👨‍🍳🍽