Okay, let’s talk easy, absolutely delicious keto wins! As someone who lives in the kitchen, I’m always on the hunt for meals that are super flavorful *and* keep me on track with my keto goals. That’s exactly why I am SO excited to share my recipe for Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs with you guys. Seriously, these little flavor bombs are packed with all that savory goodness you crave, minus the carbs. They’re simple enough for a weeknight but tasty enough for company. I just love how the rich garlic butter coats these tender meatballs – total comfort food!
Why You’ll Love These Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs
Seriously, these are a game-changer for low-carb eating! Here’s why you’ll be making these Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs again and again:
- Super Easy to Make: Minimal fuss, maximum flavor. Perfect for busy nights!
- Incredibly Flavorful: That garlic butter sauce is just dreamy and coats every single meatball perfectly.
- Keto-Friendly Perfection: Low in carbs, high in delicious fats, keeping you satisfied and on track.
- Versatile Meal: Serve them as an appetizer, over zucchini noodles, with cauliflower rice, or just on their own!
- Kid-Approved (and Adult-Approved!): Even picky eaters will devour these tasty meatballs.
Gather Your Ingredients for Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs
Alright, let’s get our kitchen prepped! To whip up these amazing Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs, you’ll want to gather a few simple things. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward.
For the meatballs themselves, grab about a pound of ground beef – I like 80/20 for the best flavor and juiciness. Then, you’ll need a good binder like a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese and maybe one large egg. For that amazing flavor, we’ll need about 4 cloves of garlic, minced super fine, and a sprinkle of dried parsley, plus a little kosher salt and black pepper. Oh, and for a little extra something, sometimes I add a tablespoon of almond flour, but it’s totally optional!
Then for that dreamy garlic butter sauce? It’s just half a cup of butter, another 2-3 cloves of minced garlic, and a touch of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of green and fresh flavor right at the end. That’s it! See? Simple stuff that makes a huge difference.
Essential Equipment for Making Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs
Alright, so you’ve got your ingredients ready to go for these amazing Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs. Now, let’s make sure you’ve got the right gear to make the magic happen! Even though it’s a simple recipe, having the right tools makes all the difference.
- A large mixing bowl is a must for getting everything combined for the meatballs without making a mess.
- You’ll definitely want a good baking sheet – I prefer a rimmed one so nothing rolls off!
- Parchment paper is your best friend here. It makes cleanup a breeze, I promise!
- Of course, you’ll need your set of measuring cups and spoons to get those ingredients just right.
- A good old garlic press or a very sharp knife for mincing your garlic nice and fine.
- And don’t forget a small saucepan for whipping up that luscious garlic butter sauce at the end.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs
Alright, let’s get down to business and make these amazing Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs! Trust me, it’s way easier than you think, and the payoff is HUGE. I find that keeping things simple and breaking it down really helps, so follow along!
Mixing the Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs
First things first, grab your large mixing bowl. Toss in your ground beef, the finely grated Parmesan, that gorgeous egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Now, here’s my little secret: use your hands! Gently mix everything together until it’s *just* combined. You don’t want to overwork the meat, or you’ll end up with tough meatballs, and nobody wants that! Just a few gentle folds are all you need to make sure everything is incorporated.
Shaping and Baking Your Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs
Once your meatball mix is ready, it’s time to get shaping. I like to lightly dampen my hands with a little water or oil so the meat doesn’t stick as much. Roll the mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This ensures they cook evenly. Lay them out on your parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake them for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through. You’ll see they firm up nicely!
Creating the Irresistible Garlic Butter Sauce
While those meatballs are doing their thing in the oven, let’s whip up that dreamy garlic butter sauce. Grab a small saucepan and melt your butter over medium-low heat. Add in the remaining minced garlic and let it sizzle gently for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it – we just want it to soften and release its amazing aroma! Stir in a pinch more salt and pepper, maybe a little extra parsley if you have it. It should smell heavenly!
Combining Meatballs and Sauce
Okay, the moment of truth! Once the meatballs are perfectly baked, carefully take them out of the oven. Pour that luscious garlic butter sauce right over the top of them while they’re still on the baking sheet. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss them, making sure every single meatball gets coated in that glorious garlicky goodness. Try not to smash them as you toss; a gentle lift and turn is all they need. You can find another great garlic butter recipe over at my Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet!
Tips for the Best Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs
Want to make your Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs absolutely sing? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that really make them shine. These little nudges can take you from good to spectacular, so listen up!
- Don’t Skimp on the Fat: For the juiciest meatballs, go for ground beef with around 20% fat. It makes a HUGE difference in tenderness and flavor!
- Gentle Hands are Key: When mixing the meatball ingredients, be super gentle. Overmixing is the enemy of tender meatballs – seriously, just mix until everything is *barely* combined.
- Even Sizing Matters: Try your best to make all your meatballs the same size. This helps them cook evenly, so you don’t have some done and some raw. A cookie scoop can be a lifesaver here!
- High Heat for Browning: Baking at a slightly higher temperature, like 400°F (200°C), helps get that nice crusty exterior on your meatballs before they’re cooked through.
- Fresh Garlic is Non-Negotiable: While dried garlic powder works in a pinch, fresh minced garlic gives that punchy flavor we’re going for in both the meatballs and the sauce. It’s worth the extra minute!
- Sauce Consistency: For the garlic butter sauce, make sure your butter is fully melted and the garlic is just fragrant, not browned. You want that smooth, buttery coating.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before you toss the meatballs in! Does it need a tiny bit more salt? A crack of pepper? Don’t be afraid to tweak it to your liking.
You can check out my Greek Turkey Meatballs for another flavourful meatball idea!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs
Let’s chat about the ingredients for these awesome Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs. Sometimes life throws curveballs, like not having exactly what the recipe calls for, or maybe you’ve got some dietary needs. No worries, we’ve got you covered!
For the ground meat, while I love good ol’ ground beef (80/20 is my go-to for juiciness!), you can totally swap it out. Ground turkey or even ground pork works beautifully. Just be aware that leaner meats might need a tiny bit more fat added, maybe an extra tablespoon of butter or a touch more oil, so they don’t dry out. For binders, if you’re not doing dairy or want a slightly different texture, you can ditch the Parmesan and egg and use a tablespoon or two of psyllium husk powder or even a tiny bit of unsweetened shredded coconut – it works surprisingly well!
And that glorious garlic butter sauce? If you’re dairy-free, a good quality dairy-free butter alternative does the trick. Just make sure it’s one that tastes good when melted! You can explore more about handling different ingredients over at my guide on Salt Trick Ingredients. The key is always to taste and adjust!
Serving Suggestions for Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs
These Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs are so good, they can honestly be a meal all on their own! But if you want to round out your keto feast, I’ve got some perfect pairings that really let these meatballs shine. They’re all about keeping things low-carb and delicious, of course!
- Imagine these juicy meatballs swimming in that garlicky sauce over a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice or tender zucchini noodles. So satisfying!
- A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette is always a winner. Try my Beet Salad if you’re feeling a bit adventurous – the tanginess is fantastic with the rich meatballs!
- Steamed or roasted green veggies, like broccoli or asparagus, tossed with a little extra butter and salt are always a great complement.
- For a heartier meal, you could even serve them alongside some creamy mashed cauliflower.
Storing and Reheating Your Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs
Got leftover Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs? Lucky you! They store like a dream. Let them cool down completely, then pop them into an airtight container. They should keep perfectly in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Trust me, the flavor often gets even better the next day!
When you’re ready to reheat, just pop them back into a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen up that sauce. Or, if you’re in a hurry, you can microwave them gently. Just be careful not to overcook them!
Frequently Asked Questions about Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs
Got questions about these delicious Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs? I totally get it! It’s always good to have a little extra info. Here are some things people often ask me:
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! That’s one of the best things about these meatballs and their garlic butter sauce. You can totally mix up the meatball mixture and even roll the meatballs a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just bake them as directed. You can even make the garlic butter sauce ahead and gently reheat it when you’re ready to toss everything together!
What is the best ground meat to use?
I really love using ground beef with about 20% fat for these Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs. That little bit of extra fat makes them wonderfully juicy and flavorful. However, you can totally use ground turkey or pork if you prefer. Just keep in mind that leaner meats might need a touch more fat, like an extra tablespoon of butter in the sauce, to keep them from drying out.
Are these meatballs freezer-friendly?
Yes, they are! Once they are fully cooked and cooled, you can definitely freeze them. I like to freeze them *without* the sauce first, just so they don’t get a bit mushy from the sauce freezing and thawing. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat them on the stove top with your prepared garlic butter sauce. So handy!
How do I make sure they stay keto-friendly?
That’s the easy part! The meatballs themselves use simple ingredients like meat, eggs, Parmesan, and garlic which are all low-carb. The magic garlic butter sauce is just butter, garlic, and herbs – no hidden sugars or starches there! Just stick to the recipe, and you’re golden. They’re a perfect way to enjoy a savory, satisfying meal while keeping those carbs way down.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the numbers below are estimates for one serving of these amazing Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs. Depending on the exact ingredients you use and how big you make your portions, your totals might be a little different. For the most accurate info, it’s always best to calculate with your specific ingredients. You can find our full nutritional disclaimer here!
Share Your Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs Creation!
Okay, now that you’ve hopefully made these incredible Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs, I’d absolutely LOVE to hear all about it! Did you try them? What did you think? Did you serve them over zucchini noodles or just devour them straight from the pan? Drop a comment below and let me know your experience, or even better, snap a pic and tag me on social media! You can reach me anytime through my contact page. Happy cooking!
Print
Cinnabon Copycat Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 min
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make classic cinnamon rolls at home with this easy recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine warm milk and yeast in a bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add sugar, softened butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough. Roll it out into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long side. Cut into 12 equal slices.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the frosting.
- Spread frosting over warm rolls.
Notes
- For extra soft rolls, cover them with foil after 15 minutes of baking.
- You can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, cinnabon, sweet rolls, breakfast, dessert, baking, homemade