Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs

$- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean) - 1/4 cup almond flour - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced For these meatballs, ground beef is key. I recommend using 80% lean beef for a juicy bite. Almond flour acts as a low-carb binder, replacing bread crumbs. The egg helps hold it all together. Fresh garlic adds a nice punch that makes the meatballs pop. - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder boost the taste without extra prep. Italian seasoning rounds out the flavor profile. A little salt and pepper brings all these elements together perfectly. - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Unsalted butter creates a rich garlic sauce that coats the meatballs. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste. It makes your dish look and feel more gourmet, even if you’re just cooking at home. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Mixing the ingredients: Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground beef, 1/4 cup of almond flour, and 1 large egg. Toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until combined. This ensures every meatball is packed with flavor. 2. Shaping the meatballs: Once the mixture is ready, wet your hands slightly. This helps to prevent sticking. Grab a handful of the mixture and shape it into a ball, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one. You want them to bake evenly. 1. Preheating the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is key for proper cooking. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking. 2. Baking time and tips: Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They should be browned and fully cooked. To check doneness, you can use a meat thermometer. The center should reach 160°F (70°C). 1. Melting the butter: While the meatballs bake, take a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Let it melt slowly, which brings out its rich flavor. 2. Sautéing the garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until it smells amazing. This step adds depth to your sauce. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter. Now your meatballs are ready to be tossed in the garlic butter sauce. Enjoy the blend of flavors as you serve this delicious dish! Mixing the meatball ingredients is key. You want the ground beef and almond flour to blend well. Use your hands to mix. This helps the meatballs hold together. If you under-mix, they may fall apart while baking. For size, aim for 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size cooks evenly. Smaller meatballs may dry out, while larger ones may not cook through. Spices can take your meatballs up a notch. Try adding crushed red pepper for heat. A pinch of smoked paprika adds depth. Cheese is another great way to boost flavor. You can swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano. It has a sharper taste that some people love. Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite. Presentation matters! Serve the meatballs on a wooden board or a rustic plate. Drizzle extra garlic butter on top for a rich look. Sprinkle fresh parsley for color and freshness. As for sides, consider zucchini noodles or a fresh salad. Both pair well with meatballs and keep your meal low-carb. You could also serve with cauliflower rice for added texture. Pro Tips Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your ground beef and other ingredients are cold before mixing to help maintain the texture of the meatballs. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the meatballs tender. Add Extra Flavor: Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Rest Before Serving: Let the meatballs sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, enhancing flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground beef for ground turkey. Turkey is leaner, making it a great option. It still holds flavor well with garlic and butter. Just remember, turkey can be drier, so don't skip the butter! For a vegetarian option, use plant-based meat alternatives. Many brands offer tasty options that mimic ground meat. Mix in the same spices and cook as you would with beef. It’s a fun way to enjoy the same flavors. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes for spicy meatballs. This kick will warm you up! You can also mix in some jalapeños for an extra kick. For a fresh twist, try herb-infused variations. Add chopped basil or cilantro for a unique taste. You can even switch the Italian seasoning for herbes de Provence for a different vibe. Pair your meatballs with a creamy garlic sauce. Just melt more butter, add heavy cream, and garlic. This sauce is rich and smooth, perfect for drenching those meatballs! Alternatively, try a tomato-based keto sauce. Use crushed tomatoes and add garlic and spices. Simmer until thick, then coat your meatballs. This gives you a classic Italian flavor without the carbs. Keto garlic butter meatballs last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To freeze the meatballs, let them cool completely first. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. This method keeps them from sticking together. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. For reheating, place the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Heat until they are warmed through. You can also microwave them for quick reheating, but they may lose some moisture. There are many fun ways to use leftover meatballs. You can add them to a salad for a protein boost. They also work great in a low-carb wrap or lettuce wrap. Another idea is to make a meatball sub with keto bread. If you meal prep, these meatballs are perfect for that. You can batch cook a large quantity and divide them into portions. Pair them with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. To check if the meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). This ensures they are safely cooked. If you don't have a thermometer, cut one open. It should be no longer pink inside. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the mixture and shape the meatballs. Then, cover them and place them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them. Just place the raw meatballs on a baking sheet. Freeze them for a few hours, then store them in a freezer bag. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer. These meatballs pair well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Zucchini noodles - Cauliflower rice - A fresh green salad - Sautéed spinach - Steamed broccoli You can also serve them with extra garlic butter for added flavor. In this article, we explored how to make delicious Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs. We discussed the key ingredients, like ground beef, almond flour, and seasonings that boost flavor. I shared a simple method for mixing and baking your meatballs, along with tips to achieve the perfect texture. You can even customize these meatballs with different proteins and sauces. Remember, proper storage keeps leftovers fresh and tasty. Try these recipes to enjoy a delightful meal that fits your diet!$

Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs

Delicious and low-carb meatballs made with ground beef and flavored with garlic and butter.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Keto

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
0.25 cup almond flour
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and pepper
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, almond flour, egg, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the skillet with the garlic butter and toss them gently to coat thoroughly.
Allow them to cook in the garlic butter for an additional 2-3 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve the meatballs on a wooden board or a rustic plate, drizzled with additional garlic butter for a delicious finish, and sprinkle extra parsley on top for a pop of color.

Keyword butter, garlic, keto, meatballs