The ketogenic diet is all about maintaining a low-carb, high-fat lifestyle, but staying in ketosis doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or variety.
Ground beef is a keto-friendly protein that can be used to create delicious and satisfying meals.
You can make casseroles to quick stir-fries, this budget-friendly staple helps you meet your macros while enjoying comforting, savory dishes.
If you’re just starting your keto journey or you’re a seasoned low-carb pro looking for new meal ideas, these 20 keto ground beef recipes are here to keep you on track.
Cooking with ground beef doesn’t have to be boring. These recipes allow you to explore new flavors and textures while sticking to your keto goals.
1. Cheesy Keto Taco Skillet With Ground Beef
Source: by-pink.com
I have been on and off this low carb journey for a while now. Today I was craving tacos and I had to be sure not to mess up what I had started. So I needed a keto taco of some kind.
2. Stir Fry Ground Beef and Broccoli
Source: thehealthyconsultant
This Stir Fry Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is one of my favorites for busy weeknights.
Made in under 20 minutes, it’s packed with a sweet sesame garlic flavor and is a much healthier version of the classic beef and broccoli takeout.
Serve it over cauliflower rice or by itself for a meal that’s fast, easy, and delicious. Keto, Paleo, and Whole30 too!
3. Keto Stuffed Peppers
Source: thebigmansworld
These keto stuffed peppers are a quick, easy, and healthy dinner recipe that comes together in less than 20 minutes! Filled with ground beef, cauliflower rice, and topped with melted cheese, everyone will beg for seconds!
4. Low Carb Bacon Meatloaf
Source: ruled
It’s not often that I break out the bacon weave, but when I do it better be worth it.
This one is the BEST low carb meatloaves I’ve ever made and will ever make again. It’s packed full of flavor and has melted cheese running through the middle.
5. Keto Zucchini Lasagna
This zucchini lasagna is the ultimate keto comfort food recipe. Thinly sliced grilled zucchini layered with creamy ricotta and a ground beef meat sauce, and the whole family loves it.
Ingredients
For the “noodles”:
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into thin strips (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1 tsp salt (for sweating the zucchini)
For the meat sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the ricotta mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lower-calorie option)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
For assembly:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the zucchini noodles:
- Lay the zucchini slices on a large baking sheet or clean towel.
- Sprinkle both sides with salt and let sit for 15-20 minutes to release moisture.
- Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess water.
- Cook the meat sauce:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried basil. Mix well.
- Assemble the lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add a layer of zucchini slices, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, then the meat sauce, and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil (sprayed with non-stick spray to prevent sticking) and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest:
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot.
6. Keto Cheeseburger Casserole
This easy 30-minute keto cheeseburger casserole is hearty, filling, and an excellent alternative to a classic cheeseburger.
This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with ground beef is a simple, low-carb, and satisfying dinner option that gives you all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, without the carbs. It’s cheesy and perfect for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1/4 cup sugar-free ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup pickles, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9 baking dish or a casserole dish.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes.
- Season the meat: Add salt, pepper, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and ketchup to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, and stir until everything is well mixed. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the cheese: Stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Transfer to the baking dish: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the casserole. Add shredded mozzarella on top if you want extra cheesiness.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped pickles if desired and serve!
Variations:
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Vegetarian: Replace ground beef with a plant-based ground beef alternative or cooked mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or jalapenos for some heat.
Tips:
- If you prefer a firmer casserole, let it cool for a few minutes after baking before serving.
- Feel free to add other toppings such as bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
7. Keto Spicy Beef Lettuce Wraps
Source: sugarfreemom
Lettuce wraps have been around for a long time and are very popular for those on a low carb and/or keto diet. You can truly wrap so many meats up with lettuce and enjoy it as well as the feeling of grasping something low in carbs that isn’t bread.
8. Keto Beef Stroganoff
Source: skinnyspatula
This keto beef stroganoff is a low-carb version of a classic comfort food recipe.
It has all the deliciousness of the classic sour cream and mustard gravy, and you can serve it with cauliflower mashed potatoes or scoop it over your favorite cauliflower rice.
9. Keto Beef Enchiladas
Keto Beef Enchiladas are perfect when you are craving Southwestern flavors!
Perfectly seasoned ground beef is mixed with diced green chilies and sour cream, stuffed into a keto tortilla, and topped with a zippy enchilada sauce and cheese for a combination that never fails to delight. This is a low-carb dish that doesn’t feel like a sacrifice.
10. Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Taco Bowls
Source: kalynskitchen
Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Taco Bowls have taco flavors in a low-carb bowl meal, and we used frozen cauliflower rice for a quick dinner!
And when I’m really watching my carbs I’d love an easy and fresh-tasting meal like these ground beef taco bowls!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium cauliflower, grated or riced (about 4 cups)
- 1 tablespoon butter or ghee (for cauliflower rice)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (optional for added flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Taco Bowl Toppings (optional):
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced avocado
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your choice)
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Jalapeño slices
Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef in the spices.
- Add the beef broth (if using) and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Set aside.
- Make the Cauliflower Rice:
- While the beef is cooking, prepare the cauliflower rice. If using a whole cauliflower, remove the leaves and stem, then grate or pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice.
- Heat butter or ghee in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender but still has a bit of texture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor, then set aside.
- Assemble the Taco Bowls:
- Divide the cauliflower rice into bowls as the base.
- Top with the cooked ground beef mixture.
- Add your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your keto-friendly taco bowls!
Tips:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef with seasoned tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Cheese: For a cheesy twist, top your taco bowl with melted cheese or sprinkle some cheese in the beef mixture before serving.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to give the taco bowl a little extra kick.
11. Keto Meatball Casserole
Source: joyfilledeats
If you are looking for a new family dinner this Keto Meatball Casserole should be it. Juicy, flavorful meatballs are baked until golden and then covered with tomato sauce and cheese.
My low carb Meatball Parmesan Casserole was a hit with my family and should be a hit with yours.
12. Keto Shepherd’s Pie
Source: thebigmansworld
This keto shepherd’s pie features a rich and meaty gravy layered with a creamy mashed buttery cauliflower topping. It’s freezer-friendly and only 3 grams net carbs!
13. Keto Taco Salad
Source: thatlowcarblife
KETO TACO SALAD is one of our favorite weeknight meals. Simple, fresh, flavorful, and easy to make! Plus, the whole family can customize their salad with their favorite toppings and dressing.
14. Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Source: budgetbytes
If you’re one that struggles to work vegetables into your diet (isn’t that pretty much all of us?) you’re going to love this Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry. It’s full of vegetables and absolutely addictive.
15. Keto Beef Empanadas
Source: healthyrecipesblogs
These flavorful keto empanadas are made with fathead dough and filled with a tasty ground beef filling.
16. Easy Keto Chili
Source: maebells
This hearty Keto Chili recipe features tons of meat, peppers, spices and tomatoes! At about 8 net carbs per serving this low carb, no bean chili will become a family favorite!
17. Cheesy Keto Beef Taquitos
Source: 12tomatoes
These Cheesy Keto Beef Taquitos (try saying that out loud a few times fast) are perfect for filling that taquito-shaped hole in my stomach, and all while keeping me in ketosis.
18. Keto Cheeseburger Soup
Source: ketocookingwins
Thick, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender beef, Keto Cheeseburger Soup is one of those recipes that just puts a smile on your face. This soup is low in net carbs, and it’s an easy fix that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. On the table in about 30 minutes, this keto soup recipe is too good to pass up!
19. Ground Beef Fajitas
Source: tablefortwoblog
Ground Beef Fajitas are an easy weeknight dinner that ALWAYS hits the spot!
Grab some tortillas and top them with the most deliciously seasoned mix of ground beef and tender peppers and onions. You can also use this recipe to make some seriously good rice bowls!
20. Keto Korean Beef Bowls
Source: lowcarbmaven
Keto Korean beef bowls give you all the spicy savory flavors of Korean beef bowls with a fraction of the carbs in an easy flavorful meal.