Easy Keto Meatballs in Garlic Butter Sauce

Hey there, fellow keto enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for simple, satisfying dinners that keep you in ketosis without skimping on flavor. Imagine juicy meatballs smothered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that melts in your mouth—pure comfort food, but totally low-carb. This easy keto meatballs in garlic butter sauce recipe has become my go-to on busy weeknights, ready in under 30 minutes and bursting with savory goodness. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding the family, it’s a winner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. And if you’re craving even more inspiration, dive into our Ultimate Keto Recipe Cookbook for a treasure trove of keto delights that’ll keep your menu exciting and effortless.

If you’re in the mood for a fast, flavor‑packed dinner, our Keto Beef Stir Fry – A Quick and Low‑Carb Dinner comes together in under 20 minutes and never disappoints.

Easy Keto Meatballs in Garlic Butter Sauce

Juicy, flavorful keto meatballs baked and tossed in a rich garlic-butter cream sauce. Ready in about 35 minutes, low-carb, kid-friendly, and perfect over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a simple green salad.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main

Cuisine Gluten-Free, keto, low carb

Servings 5 servings (about 4 meatballs + sauce per serving)

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet lined with parchment
• Skillet (medium)
• Meat thermometer (recommended)
• Cookie scoop or spoon (optional)
• Spatula / tongs

Ingredients

  

Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended; or ground turkey/pork
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 3 cloves garlic finely minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Pinch red pepper flakes optional

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Preheat & prep

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make the meatball mixture

• In a large bowl combine ground beef, almond flour, grated Parmesan, minced garlic (3 cloves), egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overwork.

Chill (optional but helpful)

• Chill the mixture 5–10 minutes in the fridge to help it firm up and hold shape (see tips).

Form meatballs

• Shape into ~20 evenly sized meatballs (about 1″ diameter). Use a cookie scoop for uniformity if you like. Place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.

Bake

• Bake 15–20 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Aim for an internal temperature of ~160°F (71°C) for beef.

Make the garlic butter sauce

• While meatballs bake, melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not burn). Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice. Simmer gently 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine

• Transfer the hot meatballs into the skillet with sauce (or pour sauce over meatballs). Gently toss to coat each meatball, warming 1–2 minutes to meld flavors.

Garnish & serve

• Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a green salad.

Tips for Success

• Chill the mixture briefly before shaping to reduce stickiness and help meatballs hold together.
• Use 80/20 ground beef for juicier meatballs; leaner meat can dry out.
• Don’t overmix—mix until ingredients are evenly combined.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
• To crisp the outside more, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely).
• Reheat leftovers gently in sauce to prevent drying.

Notes

Nutrition (Per serving — 4 meatballs with sauce)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 38 g
• Total Carbs: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Net Carbs: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g

(Estimates — actual values vary by ingredients/brands. Use a tracker for exact macros.)

Keyword garlic butter sauce, keto meatballs, low-carb dinner

Why Choose Keto Meatballs for Your Next Dinner?

Keto meatballs are a fantastic choice for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle. Unlike traditional meatballs loaded with breadcrumbs and high-carb fillers, these beauties rely on smart swaps like almond flour or pork rinds to bind everything together without spiking your blood sugar. This makes them perfect for maintaining ketosis while enjoying a hearty meal.

One of the biggest appeals is their versatility. You can whip them up for a quick dinner, use leftovers in salads, or even turn them into appetizers for gatherings. Plus, meatballs are inherently kid-friendly—my little ones gobble them up without realizing they’re eating keto-approved food. If you’re new to keto dinners, this recipe is an excellent starting point because it’s forgiving for beginners and customizable for pros.

From a nutritional standpoint, keto meatballs pack a punch. They’re high in healthy fats from ingredients like ground beef and butter, which help keep you full and energized. Protein is abundant too, supporting muscle maintenance on a keto diet. And let’s not forget the satisfaction factor—nothing beats that feeling of indulgence without the carb guilt.

If you’re exploring more keto dinner ideas, check out our post on Keto Chicken Stir-Fry Recipes for another speedy option. Incorporating dishes like these meatballs ensures your evenings are stress-free and delicious.

The Health Benefits of Garlic Butter Sauce on Keto

Garlic butter sauce isn’t just a flavor bomb; it’s a keto superstar. Butter, the base of this sauce, is loaded with butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that supports gut health and reduces inflammation. On keto, where fats are your fuel, this is gold.

Garlic brings its own perks to the table. It’s known for its antimicrobial properties thanks to allicin, which can boost your immune system—handy during flu season when you’re sticking to your diet. Studies suggest garlic may even help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol, aligning perfectly with keto’s heart-healthy focus.

Combining these in a sauce elevates your meatballs from basic to gourmet. The low-carb nature means you can pour it on generously without worry. For those watching macros, this sauce adds minimal carbs while maximizing taste, making it ideal for easy keto meatballs recipes.

Pairing it with meatballs creates a balanced meal. The fats from the butter enhance fat-soluble vitamin absorption from any veggies you add on the side. If you’re interested in more sauce ideas, our Keto Alfredo Sauce Guide offers creamy alternatives.

If you’re craving a savory, crunchy snack to enjoy with your fresh sourdough slices, check out our Keto Beef Taquitos with Cheese Taco Shells for a fiesta‑worthy, low‑carb treat.

Ingredients for Easy Keto Meatballs in Garlic Butter Sauce

Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (grass-fed preferred for higher omega-3s; ground turkey or pork can be substituted)
• 1/2 cup almond flour (low-carb, gluten-free binder; avoid coconut flour to prevent dryness)
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced (fresh preferred for best flavor)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds umami and helps bind)
• 1 large egg (to hold the meatballs together)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild heat)

Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (additional for the sauce)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (for creaminess and thickness)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (to brighten flavors)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Keto Meatballs in Garlic Butter Sauce

Prepare and Bake the Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, 3 cloves minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Gently mix the ingredients using your hands or a spoon—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
4. Shape the mixture into approximately 20 evenly sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

6. While the meatballs bake, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.
7. Add the remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh lemon juice. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
9. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve

10. Once the meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them directly from the baking sheet into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
11. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce, coating each one evenly.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
13. Serve immediately while hot. These meatballs pair perfectly with low-carb sides like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Pro Tips for Perfect Keto Meatballs Every Time

• To nail this recipe, chill your meat mixture for 10 minutes before forming balls. It helps them hold shape better.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes, ensuring even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; space them out for crisp exteriors.
• For extra flavor, add chopped onions or spinach to the mix—keeps it low-carb.
• If air-frying, cook at 375°F for 12 minutes, shaking halfway.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in sauce to prevent drying.
• These tips come from trial and error in my kitchen—hope they make your cooking smoother!

Delicious Variations to Spice Up Your Keto Meatballs

• Keep things fresh by experimenting. Try Italian-style with mozzarella stuffed inside for cheesy surprises.
• For Asian twist, add ginger and soy sauce (coconut aminos for keto) to the sauce.
• Make them spicy with jalapeños in the meat or cayenne in the butter.
• Vegetarian? Use groundBeyond Meat, but check carbs.
• Swedish-inspired: Add nutmeg and allspice, serve with lingonberry jam substitute (sugar-free).
• Buffalo version: Toss in buffalo sauce post-baking, dip in ranch.
• These variations ensure you never get bored—link to our Keto Meatball Variations Post for more.

Nutritional Breakdown: Macros for Keto Meatballs

• Per serving (4 meatballs with sauce): About 450 calories, 38g fat, 4g net carbs, 25g protein.
• Fat breakdown: Mostly from beef and butter, ideal for keto.
• Carbs are low thanks to almond flour—subtract fiber for net.
• This fits a standard keto macro ratio of 70-80% fat.
• Track with apps like MyFitnessPal for precision.
• Compared to traditional meatballs (20g+ carbs), this is a game-changer.
• For more macro tips, see Keto Macro Calculator Guide.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Meatballs

• Zucchini noodles absorb the sauce beautifully—spiralize fresh zoodles.
• Cauliflower rice soaks up flavors without adding carbs.
• A simple green salad with avocado adds freshness.
• For heartier meals, roasted broccoli or asparagus.
• Wine? Dry reds like Cabernet pair well, low in carbs.
• These sides make it a complete dinner—explore Keto Side Dishes.

For a bright, protein‑packed meal that pairs beautifully with toasted sourdough, don’t miss the Keto Lemon Dill Chicken—zesty, juicy, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Overmixing the meat leads to dense balls—mix just until combined.
• Skipping the bake step? Pan-frying works but can splatter.
• Using low-fat meat dries them out—stick to 80/20 blend.
• Forgetting to taste seasoning? Always sample a tiny patty first.
• Burning garlic ruins the sauce—low heat is key.
• These pitfalls are easy to dodge with practice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Meatballs

1. Can I freeze these meatballs? Yes, freeze baked meatballs sans sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in fresh sauce.
2. Are they gluten-free? Absolutely, with almond flour.
3. How to make them dairy-free? Use ghee instead of butter and skip Parmesan, add nutritional yeast.
4. Kid-friendly? Omit spice, serve with keto ketchup.
5. Meal prep ideas? Batch cook and portion for lunches.

Wrapping Up: Your New Favorite Keto Dinner

There you have it—easy keto meatballs in garlic butter sauce, a recipe that’ll revolutionize your dinners. Simple, flavorful, and keto-compliant, it’s proof that low-carb eating can be joyful. Give it a try tonight and let me know in the comments how it turns out!

Disclaimer: Recipes on Keto Master are crafted to support a keto way of eating, but individual needs and responses may differ. Please customize recipes to fit your unique health goals, and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. This site includes affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our keto community!