Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs

Sink your teeth into these succulent, aromatic Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs that elevate a simple dish into something extraordinary. These tender meatballs are bathed in a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce that coats each bite with mouthwatering flavor while keeping your carb count impressively low. Perfect for keto enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on taste, these Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs are destined to become your new weeknight favorite. You’ll learn how to create perfectly juicy meatballs and a sauce so delicious you’ll want to drink it with a spoon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs are a game-changer for anyone following a ketogenic lifestyle or simply looking to reduce carbs without sacrificing flavor. The contrast between the caramelized exterior of the meatballs and their tender, juicy interior creates a textural masterpiece that’s utterly satisfying. The luscious garlic butter sauce adds a silky richness that transforms these meatballs from ordinary to extraordinary.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. The natural flavors of the meat are enhanced by the aromatic garlic and herbs, creating a depth of flavor that belies the recipe’s simplicity.

These low-carb garlic butter keto meatballs are perfect for meal prep, elegant enough for entertaining, and comforting enough for a cozy night in. The entire family will love them, whether they’re following keto or not!

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 fat ratio works best)
• ½ lb (225g) ground pork
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (30g) almond flour
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the garlic butter sauce:

• 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth (use low-sodium)
• ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pro Tips

Achieving perfect Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs requires attention to a few critical details. First, don’t overmix your meatball mixture—this causes tough, dense meatballs instead of tender ones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, then stop.

Temperature control is crucial for both flavor and texture. Brown your meatballs over medium-high heat to achieve that desirable caramelized crust, but don’t cook them completely through at this stage. They’ll finish cooking gently in the sauce, keeping them moist and tender.

For the most flavorful garlic butter sauce, develop a fond (those brown bits) in the pan after cooking the meatballs. This is pure flavor gold! Deglaze the pan with your chicken broth, scraping up all those caramelized bits to incorporate them into your sauce. This single step elevates the entire dish from good to unforgettable. For best results, let the meatballs rest in the sauce for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the meatball mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork with eggs, almond flour, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—remember, overmixing leads to tough meatballs! Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Form and brown the meatballs
With slightly damp hands (this prevents sticking), roll the meat mixture into 1½-inch balls, about 2 tablespoons each. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid crowding, brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. They don’t need to be cooked through completely at this point. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create the garlic butter sauce
In the same skillet with the remaining fat from the meatballs, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Finish the sauce and meatballs
Bring the liquid to a simmer and let it reduce by about one-third, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and return to a gentle simmer. Add the meatballs back to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes until meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C). Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Rest and serve
Let the Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs rest in the sauce for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to further develop and ensures the juiciest results. Serve hot, with extra sauce spooned over the top.

Variations

Mediterranean Keto Meatballs: Transform these Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs with Mediterranean flair by adding 2 tablespoons of chopped olives, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of crumbled feta cheese to the meatball mixture. Use ghee instead of butter in the sauce and add a pinch of dried oregano and mint for an aromatic twist that transports you straight to the Greek isles.

Spicy Italian Keto Meatballs: For those who enjoy heat, incorporate 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese into the meatball mixture. In the sauce, add a tablespoon of tomato paste and a splash of red wine for a richer, more complex flavor profile that complements the butter and garlic beautifully.

Herb-Forward Keto Meatballs: For a fresh, garden-inspired variation, double the herbs in both the meatballs and sauce. Add 1 tablespoon each of chopped fresh basil, thyme, and chives to the meatball mixture, and finish the sauce with the same herb combination for a verdant, aromatic take on this keto comfort food.

Storage and Serving

These Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much. For longer storage, freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For serving, these versatile garlic butter keto meatballs shine in multiple presentations. Serve them over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to soak up that incredible sauce while maintaining keto compliance. For a simple appetizer, skewer each meatball with a toothpick and serve with the sauce as a dipping option. Create a complete meal by serving alongside a crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice, or pair with roasted asparagus or broccoli for a nutrient-dense dinner that satisfies both hunger and cravings.

FAQs

Can I use only beef for these keto meatballs?
Yes, you can use 1.5 pounds of beef instead of the beef and pork combination. However, the pork adds moisture and a lighter texture. If using only beef, consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the mixture for juicier results.

What can I substitute for almond flour to keep these keto-friendly?
Crushed pork rinds or coconut flour work well as almond flour substitutes. Use the same amount of crushed pork rinds or reduce to 2 tablespoons if using coconut flour, as it’s more absorbent.

Why did my garlic butter sauce break or separate?
This typically happens when the sauce is heated too quickly or at too high a temperature. To fix a broken sauce, remove from heat, add 1-2 teaspoons of heavy cream, and whisk vigorously until recombined.

Can I make these meatballs dairy-free while keeping them keto?
Absolutely! Replace butter with ghee (if tolerated) or coconut oil, and substitute full-fat coconut cream for heavy cream. The flavor profile will change slightly but remain delicious.

How can I make the sauce thicker without adding carbs?
Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it naturally, or whisk in ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum. Another option is to add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese, which adds minimal carbs while creating a thicker, creamier sauce.

Conclusion

These Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs are comfort food at its finest — indulgent, satisfying, and surprisingly suitable for a ketogenic lifestyle. The rich garlic butter sauce transforms simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a special occasion dish, yet it’s easy enough for weeknight cooking. It’s the kind of recipe that proves eating low-carb doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Whether you’re strictly keto or simply looking for a delicious, protein-rich meal, these meatballs deliver on all fronts — making them a worthy addition to your regular recipe rotation.

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