Ground beef is a staple in many kitchens. It’s cheap, easy to cook, and goes well with lots of foods. But if you’re on a keto diet, you might think your options are limited.
That’s not true at all! There are many tasty keto ground beef recipes you can make. These meals are low in carbs but high in flavor and nutrients.
You can make quick skillet dishes, hearty casseroles, and even tasty burger bowls. With these recipes, you’ll never get bored of ground beef on your keto diet.
1. Keto Beef Stroganoff
Keto beef stroganoff is a tasty low-carb version of the classic dish. It’s quick to make, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish.
You can use ground beef or thinly sliced steak for this recipe. The meat is cooked with onions and mushrooms in a creamy sauce.
To keep it keto-friendly, the sauce is made with sour cream and beef broth instead of flour. You can add heavy cream for extra richness if you like.
Serve your stroganoff over keto-friendly options like zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of regular pasta. This keeps the carb count low while still giving you that satisfying stroganoff experience.
2. Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
This keto-friendly dish combines ground beef and zucchini for a tasty, low-carb meal.
You’ll start by browning the beef in a skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for extra flavor.
Next, prepare your zucchini. Slice it into strips and pat dry to remove excess moisture. This step helps prevent a watery casserole.
Mix the cooked beef with the zucchini in a casserole dish. Add heavy cream and sour cream for richness. You can also include some shredded cheese for a gooey texture.
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F until it’s hot and bubbly. This hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying keto dinner.
3. Keto Taco Salad
Keto taco salad is a tasty, low-carb twist on a classic favorite. You can whip up this quick meal in about 15 minutes.
Start by cooking ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add taco seasoning and water, then simmer until the liquid is gone.
While the meat cooks, chop lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. Place these in bowls.
Top your veggies with the cooked beef, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. For extra flavor, add some chopped onions or jalapeños.
This hearty salad is perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s filling, nutritious, and keeps you on track with your keto diet goals.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef
Keto stuffed peppers are a tasty and easy meal option. You’ll love the combination of juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and tender bell peppers.
To make them, cut the tops off bell peppers and remove the seeds. Cook ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet. Add low-carb veggies like cauliflower rice if desired.
Stuff the peppers with the beef mixture and top with cheese. Bake in the oven until the peppers are soft and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This dish is filling and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
5. Keto Beef Chili
Keto beef chili is a hearty, low-carb twist on a classic comfort food. You’ll love this satisfying meal that keeps you in ketosis.
Start by browning ground beef in a pot. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic for flavor.
Spice it up with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth for a rich base.
Let the chili simmer for about an hour to develop deep flavors. The longer it cooks, the tastier it gets.
Serve your keto chili topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado for extra fat and flavor.
6. Cheeseburger Cauliflower Casserole
This keto-friendly dish combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with the low-carb goodness of cauliflower.
You’ll start by roasting cauliflower florets until they’re tender and slightly crispy.
While the cauliflower cooks, brown ground beef with onions in a skillet. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and your favorite burger seasonings.
Layer the cooked beef and cauliflower in a casserole dish. Pour a creamy cheese sauce made with cream cheese, cheddar, and heavy cream over the top.
Bake the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The result is a comforting, cheesy meal that satisfies your burger cravings without the bun.
7. Zucchini Beef Skillet
This tasty dish combines ground beef and zucchini for a quick, low-carb meal.
Start by browning the beef with garlic, salt, and pepper in a skillet over medium heat.
Add diced tomatoes and spices like cumin and chili powder. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Then toss in sliced zucchini and cook for another 10 minutes until tender but still firm.
For extra flavor, you can include chopped onions and bell peppers.
This versatile recipe works well with different seasonings to suit your taste. Serve it on its own or with cauliflower rice for a filling keto-friendly dinner.
8. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Beef and broccoli stir fry is a quick and tasty keto meal you can whip up in under 20 minutes.
You’ll need ground beef, broccoli florets, and a flavorful sauce.
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it cooks, mix your sauce using coconut aminos, sesame oil, and apple cider vinegar.
Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook until it’s tender-crisp.
Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli, stirring to coat everything evenly.
This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3-5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
9. Keto Meatloaf
Keto meatloaf is a tasty, low-carb version of the classic comfort food. You can make it easily with ground beef, eggs, and almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
For best results, use 85/15 ground beef. This ratio gives you a moist meatloaf without being too greasy.
Mix your beef with eggs, almond flour, and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes.
Top your meatloaf with sugar-free ketchup or salsa for extra flavor. This hearty dish pairs well with cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables for a complete keto meal.
10. Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
Ground beef lettuce wraps are a tasty keto-friendly meal option. They’re quick to make and packed with flavor.
To prepare them, cook seasoned ground beef with Asian-inspired spices. Wrap the beef mixture in crisp lettuce leaves for a satisfying crunch.
These wraps are versatile. You can add extras like cauliflower rice for more bulk. They’re great for meal prep too – just keep the beef and lettuce separate until ready to eat.
For a complete meal, pair the wraps with a side of steamed veggies. You’ll have a filling, low-carb dinner that’s easy on your waistline.
11. Keto Beef Lasagna
Keto beef lasagna is a tasty low-carb twist on the classic Italian dish. You can make it using thin slices of zucchini or special keto-friendly noodles instead of pasta sheets.
Brown ground beef in a pan and season it with Italian herbs. Mix ricotta cheese with an egg and grated Parmesan for the cheese layer.
Layer the ingredients in a baking dish: sauce, beef, zucchini or keto noodles, and cheese mixture. Repeat until you’ve used all the ingredients. Top with mozzarella cheese.
Bake your keto lasagna in a preheated oven until golden and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving. You can freeze leftovers for quick future meals.
12. Eggplant Beef Boats
Eggplant beef boats are a tasty keto-friendly meal option. To make them, cut eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the middle, leaving a boat shape.
Cook ground beef with spices and the scooped-out eggplant flesh. Stuff the mixture back into the eggplant boats.
Top with cheese and bake until the eggplant is tender and the cheese is melted.
You can customize the flavors by adding different spices or vegetables to the beef mixture. Eggplant beef boats are a filling and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
13. Keto Beef Stir Fry
Keto beef stir fry is a quick and tasty meal you can make any night of the week. It’s ready in about 30 minutes using just one pan.
You can use thinly sliced steak or ground beef for this dish. Add low-carb veggies like bell peppers, onions, and snow peas.
For the sauce, mix coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. This gives your stir fry an Asian-inspired flavor without adding many carbs.
Serve your beef stir fry as is or with a simple side salad. It’s a filling meal that fits well into your keto diet plan.
14. Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry
This quick and easy keto meal combines ground beef and cabbage for a tasty stir-fry.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook garlic and ginger for a minute to release their flavors.
Add shredded cabbage and cook until it softens, about 5-8 minutes.
Push the cabbage to one side and brown the ground beef. Mix everything together.
For extra flavor, make a simple sauce with soy sauce or coconut aminos, sesame oil, and apple cider vinegar.
Pour it over the beef and cabbage mixture. Cook for another minute to let the flavors meld.
This dish is ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s low in carbs and high in protein, fitting nicely into your keto meal plan.
15. Keto Swedish Meatballs
Keto Swedish meatballs are a tasty low-carb twist on the classic dish. They combine ground beef with herbs and spices for a flavorful main course.
The meatballs are cooked in a creamy sauce that’s free from grains and gluten.
You can whip up this comforting meal in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
To make the sauce, melt butter in a pan and whisk in beef broth. This creates a rich base for the creamy gravy.
Try using an ice cream scoop to form evenly sized meatballs. Wet your hands before rolling them to prevent sticking.
This recipe gives you all the taste of traditional Swedish meatballs while fitting into your keto meal plan.
16. Beef and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Beef and cheese stuffed mushrooms are a tasty keto-friendly appetizer or main dish. To make them, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brown ground beef in a skillet, then set it aside. Mix cream cheese, Parmesan, herbs, and spices in a bowl. Clean and remove the stems from large mushroom caps.
Fill the mushrooms with the beef and cheese mixture. Place them on a baking sheet and sprinkle more cheese on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is melted. These stuffed mushrooms are low in carbs and high in flavor, perfect for your keto diet.
17. Spaghetti Squash with Beef Sauce
Spaghetti squash with beef sauce is a tasty keto-friendly meal. To make it, cut a spaghetti squash in half and remove the seeds. Bake it face-down at 400°F for about 45 minutes until soft.
While the squash cooks, brown ground beef in a pan. Add tomato sauce and your favorite seasonings like garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Once the squash is done, use a fork to scrape out the stringy flesh. Top it with the beef sauce and enjoy your low-carb “pasta” dish. You can add cheese if you like for extra flavor and fat.
This meal is filling and satisfying while keeping carbs low. It’s an easy way to stick to your keto diet without missing pasta.
18. Beef and Onion Stew
This hearty keto-friendly stew is perfect for cool evenings. You’ll need ground beef, onions, beef broth, and spices.
Brown the beef in a large pot. Add diced onions and cook until softened.
Pour in beef broth and stir in your favorite low-carb seasonings.
Let the stew simmer on low heat for about an hour. The flavors will deepen and the beef will become tender. Add salt and pepper to taste before serving.
This simple yet satisfying meal is low in carbs but high in flavor. Enjoy it on its own or with cauliflower rice for a filling keto dinner.
19. Mexican Beef Skillet
This tasty keto dish brings Mexican flavors to your dinner table.
Start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Next, toss in diced onions and bell peppers. Cook for a few minutes until the veggies soften.
Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir well to coat the meat and veggies.
Add some diced tomatoes and let the mixture simmer until most of the liquid evaporates. For extra flavor, you can top it with shredded cheese and let it melt before serving.
This one-pan meal is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s low in carbs but high in taste, making it a great option for your keto menu.
20. Low-Carb Beef Enchiladas
You can enjoy tasty enchiladas without the carbs.
Start by cooking ground beef with onions and taco seasoning in a skillet.
Fill low-carb tortillas with the beef mixture and roll them up. Place the rolls in a baking dish seam-side down.
Pour a mixture of enchilada sauce and sour cream over the rolls. Top with shredded cheese.
Bake the enchiladas at 350°F for about 20 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Serve your low-carb beef enchiladas hot. They’re perfect for a keto-friendly Mexican meal.
21. Keto Beef Tacos
Keto beef tacos are a tasty low-carb twist on a classic dish.
Start by browning ground beef in a pan over medium heat. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Add taco seasoning and tomato paste to the beef. Stir well and cook until fragrant. This combo gives the meat rich flavor without extra carbs.
For the shells, use lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas.
Fill them with the seasoned beef and top with keto-friendly items like cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
These tacos are quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
You can prep the meat ahead of time for easy meals throughout the week.
22. Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet
This quick and easy keto meal combines savory ground beef with nutritious spinach.
Start by browning the beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat once it’s cooked.
Add diced bell peppers and cook until they soften.
Stir in drained diced tomatoes and beef broth, letting the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
Toss in a generous amount of fresh spinach and cook until it wilts.
Pour in some heavy cream and let it simmer gently.
The result is a flavorful, low-carb dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
You can customize this skillet by adding your favorite keto-friendly seasonings or spices.
Serve it on its own or with cauliflower rice for a filling meal.
23. Keto Beef Empanadas
Keto beef empanadas offer a tasty low-carb twist on the classic Latin American pastry.
You can make the dough using almond flour and mozzarella cheese for a chewy texture.
For the filling, brown ground beef with onions and spices like cumin and garlic. Add tomato sauce for extra flavor.
Shape the dough into circles and fill with the beef mixture. Seal the edges and fry or bake until golden brown.
These empanadas are perfect for a keto-friendly meal or snack. They’re portable and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
24. Cheesy Beef Quesadillas
Cheesy beef quesadillas are a tasty keto-friendly meal.
You can make them easily with ground beef, spices, and low-carb tortillas.
Cook the ground beef in a pan with taco seasoning. Drain any excess fat.
Spread the cooked beef on one half of a low-carb tortilla.
Add shredded cheese on top of the beef. Fold the tortilla in half.
Cook in a skillet until the cheese melts and the tortilla is crispy.
You can customize your quesadillas with keto-friendly toppings. Try adding diced peppers, onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
25. Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
This hearty soup is perfect for cold days.
Brown ground beef in a large pot. Add onions, garlic, and other veggies like bell peppers.
Stir in chopped cabbage and cook until it starts to soften.
Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or oregano.
Let the soup simmer until the cabbage is tender, about 20-30 minutes.
You can add cauliflower for extra bulk without carbs. This filling meal is great for lunch or dinner on your keto diet.
26. Ground Beef Stuffed Avocados
Ground beef stuffed avocados are a tasty keto-friendly meal.
You start by cooking seasoned ground beef with spices like cumin and chili powder.
Cut ripe avocados in half and remove the pits.
Fill the avocado halves with the cooked beef mixture. Top with shredded cheese and bake until the cheese melts.
You can add extra toppings like sour cream or cilantro if you like.
This dish is high in healthy fats from the avocado and protein from the beef. It’s filling and satisfying while keeping carbs low.
You can customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
27. Keto Spinach Beef Casserole
This tasty dish combines ground beef and spinach for a hearty, low-carb meal.
Start by browning the beef in a pan, then add minced garlic and diced onions for flavor.
Mix in some paprika and tomato paste to enhance the taste.
Add a generous amount of fresh spinach and let it wilt. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
Top with a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar.
Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This casserole is perfect for meal prep and reheats well.
You can customize it by adding mushrooms or bell peppers. Serve with a side salad for a complete keto-friendly dinner.
28. Egg Roll in a Bowl
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick and tasty keto-friendly meal.
You can make it in just 30 minutes using ground beef and coleslaw mix.
Brown the beef in a large skillet. Add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes for flavor.
Mix in the coleslaw and cook until tender.
Stir in some soy sauce for that classic egg roll taste.
For extra protein, scramble eggs right in the pan with the other ingredients.
This dish has all the flavors of an egg roll without the carb-heavy wrapper. It’s a great option when you want a satisfying keto dinner.
29. Keto Beef Pad Thai
You can enjoy a tasty keto version of pad thai using ground beef instead of chicken.
Replace regular noodles with zucchini or cabbage noodles to keep it low-carb.
Stir-fry the ground beef with garlic and onions. Add your veggie noodles and cook until slightly softened.
For the sauce, mix almond butter, coconut aminos, fish sauce, and lime juice.
Pour it over the beef and noodles, tossing to coat everything well.
Top your keto beef pad thai with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
This dish gives you all the flavors of traditional pad thai while fitting into your keto diet.
30. Beef & Eggplant Stir Fry
This keto-friendly stir fry combines ground beef and eggplant for a tasty, low-carb meal.
Start by browning the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Set it aside when cooked through.
Next, add cubed eggplant to the same pan with a splash of oil. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it softens and browns.
Return the beef to the skillet and mix well with the eggplant.
Season your stir fry with salt, garlic powder, and any other keto-approved spices you enjoy.
Cook everything together for a few more minutes to let the flavors combine. This quick and easy dish is ready to serve in under 30 minutes.
Nutritional Benefits Of Keto Ground Beef Recipes
Keto ground beef recipes offer great nutrition for your low-carb diet. They pack in protein and healthy fats while keeping carbs low.
High Protein Content
Ground beef is rich in protein. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 22 grams of protein. This helps you feel full and build muscle.
Protein also boosts your metabolism. It takes more energy to digest than carbs or fat.
Ground beef has all the essential amino acids your body needs. These are the building blocks for many body functions.
The protein in beef is highly bioavailable. This means your body can use it easily.
Low Carbohydrate Advantages
Keto ground beef recipes are very low in carbs. This helps you stay in ketosis.
With almost no carbs, ground beef won’t spike your blood sugar. This can help manage diabetes and cravings.
Low-carb meals may improve heart health markers like triglycerides and HDL cholesterol.
Cutting carbs can lead to quick water weight loss. This can be motivating when you start a keto diet.
Keto ground beef meals often include low-carb veggies. These add fiber and nutrients without many carbs.
Cooking Techniques And Tips
Mastering a few key techniques can take your keto ground beef dishes to the next level. The right cooking methods and flavor enhancers will help you create delicious meals every time.
Selecting The Right Ground Beef
Choose ground beef with a higher fat content for keto recipes. Look for 80/20 or 70/30 lean-to-fat ratios. These options keep dishes moist and flavorful while fitting keto macros.
Grass-fed beef is a great choice. It has more omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins than grain-fed beef.
When cooking, use a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. This helps achieve a nice brown crust.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed. Break up the meat as it cooks for even browning.
Drain excess fat if your recipe calls for it, but keep some for flavor and moisture.
Flavor Enhancement
Spices and herbs are your best friends for keto cooking. They add tons of flavor without extra carbs.
Try garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a basic seasoning mix. For Mexican-inspired dishes, use cumin, chili powder, and oregano.
Italian flavors come from basil, oregano, and fennel seeds. Don’t forget salt and pepper – they bring out the beef’s natural taste.
Add depth with low-carb liquids. Beef broth, coconut aminos, or a splash of heavy cream can transform your dish.
Worcestershire sauce (in small amounts) adds a savory kick.
Mix in keto-friendly veggies like cauliflower rice, zucchini, or bell peppers. They bulk up meals without adding many carbs.
Cheese is another great add-in. It melts into the beef, creating rich and creamy textures.