Beef Meatballs in Creamy Garlic Sauce

Beef Meatballs in Creamy Garlic Sauce is a delicious, hearty dish featuring tender ground beef meatballs loaded with Parmesan cheese, almond flour, and fresh herbs. These flavorful meatballs are simmered in a rich, velvety garlic sauce made from heavy cream, beef broth, and butter, and finished with extra Parmesan cheese and a touch of Italian seasoning. This dish is perfect for low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets, and is sure to be a hit for anyone who loves creamy, savory meals.

Ingredients & Benefits:

1. Ground Beef

   • Benefit: Ground beef is a great source of high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, particularly B12. It’s an excellent choice for building muscle, boosting energy levels, and supporting overall health. Choose grass-fed or pasture-raised beef for added nutritional benefits, such as higher omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).

2. Parmesan Cheese

   • Benefit: Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor to the meatballs. It’s also a good source of protein and calcium, which support bone health. Additionally, Parmesan is lower in lactose, making it easier to digest for some people who are lactose intolerant.

3. Almond Flour

   • Benefit: Almond flour is a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to regular flour, perfect for those on a keto or paleo diet. It’s rich in healthy fats, fiber, and vitamin E, which support skin health, digestion, and overall well-being.

4. Egg

   • Benefit: Eggs provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D, and B vitamins. They also help bind the meatball mixture together, giving it a tender texture and structure.

5. Cloves of Garlic

   • Benefit: Garlic has natural antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s packed with antioxidants, including allicin, which can help boost immunity, lower blood pressure, and improve heart health. Garlic adds a bold, savory flavor to both the meatballs and the creamy sauce.

6. Fresh Parsley

   • Benefit: Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supports digestive health, and can help freshen breath. Its bright, herby flavor enhances the overall taste of the dish.

7. Dried Oregano

   • Benefit: Oregano adds a savory, slightly bitter taste and is packed with antioxidants, particularly phenolic compounds. It supports digestion, boosts immunity, and may have antimicrobial properties.

8. Olive Oil

   • Benefit: Olive oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It helps with inflammation, supports brain health, and adds a subtle richness to both the meatballs and the sauce.

9. Butter

   • Benefit: Butter adds richness and a creamy mouthfeel to the sauce. If using grass-fed butter, it provides additional vitamins like A, D, and K2, which support bone health and immune function. Butter also enhances the flavor of the garlic sauce.

10. Heavy Cream

    • Benefit: Heavy cream makes the sauce smooth, rich, and creamy. It’s high in healthy fats, which help absorb fat-soluble vitamins and promote satiety. It also gives the sauce a luscious texture.

11. Beef Broth

    • Benefit: Beef broth provides additional flavor and umami depth to the creamy garlic sauce. It is also a good source of collagen, which supports joint, skin, and gut health. Homemade beef broth, especially, can be packed with minerals and nutrients.

12. Italian Seasoning

    • Benefit: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, Italian seasoning brings a classic Mediterranean flavor to the dish. It’s rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

13. Salt & Black Pepper

    • Benefit: Salt and pepper enhance the natural flavors of the meatballs and the sauce. Black pepper contains piperine, which helps improve nutrient absorption, while salt adds essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which support electrolyte balance.

Tips:

• Make-Ahead: The meatballs and sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

• Freezing: This dish freezes well. You can freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce together in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

• Dairy-Free Option: To make the dish dairy-free, substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the Beef Meatballs in Creamy Garlic Sauce over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete low-carb meal.

• Pair with a green salad or keto bread for an added crunch and freshness.

This Beef Meatballs in Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe is indulgent and satisfying, featuring tender meatballs and a rich, garlic-infused sauce. Perfect for a keto or gluten-free diet, it’s a dish that the whole family will love.