“`html
If you’ve been searching for a dish that perfectly blends rich flavor, comforting textures, and is friendly to your low-carb lifestyle, then this Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Juicy, tender meatballs infused with fragrant garlic and wrapped in a luscious butter sauce create a mouthwatering experience that hits all the right notes. It’s an effortless yet elegant dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity — each ingredient plays a vital role in building flavor, providing texture, and ensuring the dish stays keto-friendly. From the savory ground beef to the aromatic garlic and fresh parsley, these essentials come together to create a harmonious balance that’s exciting to cook and delicious to eat.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base, providing rich flavor and juiciness for perfectly tender meatballs.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1/4 cup almond flour: A low-carb binder that keeps the meatballs moist without the need for breadcrumbs.
- 1 large egg: Helps bring the meatball mixture together, giving them structure and bounce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, pungent aroma and bold flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds a burst of freshness and a touch of green vibrancy.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the flavors and balances the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers just the right bite and depth to the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and bringing out the rich flavors of the garlic butter sauce.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: The star of the sauce, creating a velvety and indulgent coating for the meatballs.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle hint of heat to spice things up if you like.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a touch of acidity and freshness.
- Additional fresh parsley for garnish: A final flourish that makes the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven nice and hot is key to achieving perfectly cooked meatballs with a golden-brown crust that locks in juiciness.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, bring together the ground beef, Parmesan, almond flour, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor and the right texture.
Step 3: Shape Those Meatballs
Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs — this size helps them cook evenly and stay tender inside. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tray in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The meatballs will firm up while developing that beautiful golden color that signals they’re ready and bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt completely.
Step 6: Sauté the Garlic
Stir in additional minced garlic and, if you’re using, red pepper flakes. Cook for just a minute or two until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden, filling your kitchen with irresistible aroma.
Step 7: Finish the Sauce with Lemon Juice
Add the fresh lemon juice to the skillet and stir to combine, balancing the buttery richness with a bright, zesty kick.
Step 8: Coat the Meatballs
Transfer the baked meatballs to the skillet and gently toss them in the garlic butter sauce so they soak up all those luscious flavors.
Step 9: Simmer and Serve
Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for a couple more minutes, allowing them to absorb the buttery garlic goodness. Then, transfer to your serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley for a final splash of color and freshness.
How to Serve Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks — its bright herbal notes brighten the rich, buttery meatballs perfectly. Sprinkle extra Parmesan for an indulgent touch, or add a wedge of lemon on the side for guests who enjoy more citrus zing.
Side Dishes
Since this Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs Recipe is low-carb, pair it with sautéed greens like spinach or kale, creamy cauliflower mash, or even roasted Brussels sprouts. These sides keep the meal balanced while complementing the meatballs’ rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these meatballs on skewers with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a party appetizer vibe. Alternatively, layer them over a bed of zoodles or shirataki noodles for a full comforting bowl that stays within keto guidelines but still feels indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them in the garlic butter sauce helps retain moisture and flavor so they stay delicious when reheated.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange cooked meatballs on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months — making it easy to enjoy a quick keto meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, allowing the garlic butter sauce to warm through without drying the meatballs out. You can also microwave covered for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative that works well, though you may want to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil or butter to keep the meatballs juicy.
Is almond flour necessary, or can I substitute it?
Almond flour provides low-carb binding and a subtle nuttiness. If you need a substitute, crushed pork rinds work great for keeping this truly keto-friendly.
How spicy are these meatballs if I add red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat that complements the garlic butter without overpowering the dish. You can always adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Can I make these meatballs keto meal prep-friendly?
Yes! They hold up well in the fridge or freezer and reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping your low-carb lunches and dinners.
What can I use instead of Parmesan if I’m allergic?
Try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy, or simply omit it. You might want to add a pinch of extra seasoning to compensate for the flavor difference.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs Recipe that keeps me coming back for more — the perfect blend of tender meat, savory garlic butter, and fresh herbs all wrapped into one satisfying bite. It’s a dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive, and I can’t wait for you to make it your own. Whether for a weeknight dinner or your next gathering, these meatballs are guaranteed to delight every palate at your table.
“`
Print
Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16-20 meatballs)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb,Keto
Description
These Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs are a delicious low-carb option packed with flavor. Made from ground beef, Parmesan, and almond flour, baked to perfection, then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and red pepper flakes for added zing. Perfect for a keto-friendly dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (additional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Additional fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, almond flour, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and have a golden-brown exterior.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt completely.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: Stir in additional minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until the garlic releases its aroma but does not brown.
- Add Lemon Juice and Coat Meatballs: Pour in lemon juice, then add the cooked meatballs to the skillet. Gently toss them to coat evenly with the garlic butter sauce.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors and ensure they are warm throughout.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish, garnish with additional fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to keep the recipe keto-friendly.
- If you prefer spicier meatballs, increase the red pepper flakes amount or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley if fresh is unavailable, though fresh offers better flavor and presentation.
- Ensure not to overcook meatballs in the oven to keep them juicy and tender.
- Butter used should be unsalted to control the sodium level in the dish.

