The Kitchen Everything

19+ Best Keto Ground Beef Recipes

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by

CeCe Jones
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Ground beef is the hero of the keto kitchen. It’s cheap, it’s zero carbs on its own, and it soaks up whatever flavor you throw at it, from taco spice to Korean garlic-ginger sauce. When you’re staring at a pound of beef and no dinner plan, these recipes turn that into something worth setting the table for.

Every dish here swaps out the usual carb-heavy fillers (rice, pasta, breadcrumbs) for low-carb stand-ins like cauliflower rice, zucchini, and cabbage, without losing the comfort-food feeling. Some are weeknight skillet meals. Others are slow-simmered classics like chili and Swedish meatballs that taste like they took all day but don’t.

Quick picks:

  • Best weeknight dinner: Egg Roll in a Bowl, ready in one skillet and 20 minutes.
  • Best comfort food fix: Cauliflower-Topped Shepherd’s Pie, rich and filling.
  • Best for meal prep: No-Bean Ground Beef Chili, tastes better on day two.
  • Best for guests: Greek Beef Kofta with Tzatziki, fresh and a little fancy.

1. Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

This cheesy, bacon-studded bake delivers cheeseburger flavor without the bun. Browned ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar layer over a base of eggs and a touch of cream, baked until bubbly and golden.

Yields: 6 servings | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Oven: 375°F

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  2. Cook bacon until crisp; set aside, keep 1 tbsp fat in pan.
  3. Brown beef and onion in bacon fat; season and drain excess fat.
  4. Whisk eggs, cream, and garlic powder together.
  5. Spread beef in dish, pour egg mixture over, top with bacon and cheddar.
  6. Bake 25-30 minutes until set and golden.

2. Cheesy Taco Casserole

This layered bake brings all the flavor of taco night without a single tortilla. Seasoned beef, salsa, sour cream, and melted Monterey Jack stack into a dish that reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.

Yields: 6 servings | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Oven: 350°F

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 cup salsa (low sugar)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • Chopped cilantro for topping

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Brown beef, drain fat, stir in taco seasoning and salsa.
  3. Spread beef in a baking dish, dollop sour cream over top.
  4. Sprinkle cheese and olives evenly.
  5. Bake 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Top with cilantro before serving.

3. No-Bean Ground Beef Chili

This chili gets its heartiness from beef and vegetables, no beans needed. Diced tomatoes, bell pepper, and a blend of warm spices simmer low and slow until the flavors turn rich and deep.

Yields: 6 servings | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 45 min

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Salt to taste

Steps:

  1. Brown beef with onion and pepper in a large pot.
  2. Drain excess fat, add tomatoes, broth, and spices.
  3. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Adjust salt and spice before serving.

For another low-carb simmer pot worth bookmarking, the hearty chuck steak chili recipe uses a different cut with the same cozy payoff.

4. Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

These wraps pack sweet-savory Korean flavor into crisp lettuce leaves instead of rice bowls. Ground beef cooks fast in a garlic-ginger-sesame sauce, then gets piled into butter lettuce with scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 10 min

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 tbsp coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
  • 1 head butter lettuce
  • 2 scallions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Steps:

  1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add garlic and ginger, cook 30 seconds.
  3. Add beef, breaking it up as it browns, about 6 minutes.
  4. Stir in coconut aminos and sweetener, cook 2 more minutes.
  5. Spoon beef into lettuce leaves, top with scallions and sesame seeds.

Pair the flavors with a couple of dishes from 15 Korean side dishes if you want to round out the table.

5. Egg Roll in a Bowl

This skillet dish takes everything you love about an egg roll and skips the wrapper entirely. Ground beef, shredded cabbage, and carrots stir-fry together in a savory soy-ginger sauce for a dinner that’s ready in 20 minutes.

Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 cups coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrot)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 tbsp coconut aminos
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 scallions, sliced

Steps:

  1. Brown beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat; drain excess fat.
  2. Add garlic and ginger, stir 1 minute.
  3. Add coleslaw mix, cook 5-6 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Stir in coconut aminos, vinegar, and sesame oil.
  5. Top with scallions and serve hot.

6. Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

This one-pan skillet swaps rice for cauliflower rice without losing the hearty, savory feel of a classic beef-and-rice dinner. Beef, cauliflower rice, and diced tomatoes come together with taco-style seasoning for a fast, filling meal.

Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  1. Brown beef and onion in a large skillet; drain fat.
  2. Stir in taco seasoning and tomatoes.
  3. Add cauliflower rice, cook 7-8 minutes until tender.
  4. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover until melted, then serve.

7. Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Beef

This lasagna uses thin zucchini slices in place of noodles, so every bite still gets layers of meaty sauce and melted cheese. Salting the zucchini first keeps the dish from turning watery.

Yields: 6 servings | Prep: 25 min | Cook: 45 min | Oven: 375°F

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 3 medium zucchini, sliced thin lengthwise
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (low sugar)
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste

Steps:

  1. Salt zucchini slices and let drain on paper towels 15 minutes.
  2. Brown beef, stir in marinara and Italian seasoning.
  3. Mix ricotta, egg, and half the Parmesan.
  4. Layer zucchini, beef sauce, and ricotta mixture in a baking dish, repeating twice.
  5. Top with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
  6. Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until bubbling.

If zucchini is your favorite low-carb swap, our best zucchini baking recipes has more ways to use it.

8. Ground Beef-Stuffed Bell Peppers

These stuffed peppers turn a diner classic into a low-carb dinner that still feels like real comfort food. Halved bell peppers cradle a filling of beef, cauliflower rice, and melted cheese, baked until the peppers soften and char slightly at the edges.

Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Oven: 375°F

Ingredients:

  • 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups cauliflower rice
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Brown beef, drain fat, stir in cauliflower rice, marinara, and oregano.
  3. Spoon filling into pepper halves in a baking dish.
  4. Top with mozzarella.
  5. Bake 30-35 minutes until peppers are tender.

9. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This quick stir-fry turns ground beef into a weeknight stand-in for the takeout favorite. A glossy garlic-soy sauce coats the beef and broccoli florets, and the whole pan comes together faster than delivery would arrive.

Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp coconut aminos
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (check for added sugar)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp xanthan gum (optional, for thickening)

Steps:

  1. Steam or blanch broccoli 3-4 minutes until just tender; set aside.
  2. Brown beef with garlic in a skillet; drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in coconut aminos, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
  4. Add broccoli, toss to coat, sprinkle xanthan gum if thickening sauce.
  5. Cook 2 more minutes and serve hot.

For the classic steak version of this favorite, see the quick beef and broccoli stir fry recipe.

10. Swedish Meatballs with Cream Gravy

These meatballs swim in a rich, nutmeg-spiced cream gravy that tastes just as good as the breaded version, minus the breadcrumbs. Almond flour holds the meatballs together without adding carbs.

Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 25 min

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1/3 cup almond flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1.5 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp xanthan gum

Steps:

  1. Mix beef, almond flour, egg, nutmeg, and allspice; form into 1.5-inch meatballs.
  2. Brown meatballs in butter, 8-10 minutes, turning often; remove.
  3. Whisk broth into the pan, simmer 2 minutes.
  4. Stir in cream and xanthan gum until thickened.
  5. Return meatballs to the gravy and simmer 5 minutes.

11. Cauliflower-Topped Shepherd’s Pie

This shepherd’s pie swaps mashed potatoes for creamy mashed cauliflower, and the texture holds up surprisingly close to the original. A savory beef and vegetable filling bakes underneath until the top turns golden.

Yields: 6 servings | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 40 min | Oven: 400°F

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 large head cauliflower, steamed and mashed
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Brown beef with carrots, celery, and onion; drain fat.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and broth, simmer 10 minutes.
  4. Mash steamed cauliflower with butter and Parmesan until smooth.
  5. Spread beef filling in a baking dish, top with cauliflower mash.
  6. Bake 20 minutes until golden on top.

12. Ground Beef Stroganoff with Zucchini Noodles

This stroganoff keeps the creamy, mushroom-studded sauce you remember, just ladled over tender zucchini noodles instead of egg noodles. The sauce clings nicely without needing flour to thicken it.

Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. Brown beef with onion and garlic; drain fat and set aside.
  2. Sauté mushrooms in the same pan 5 minutes.
  3. Add broth and Worcestershire, simmer 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in sour cream and return beef to pan.
  5. Add zucchini noodles, toss 2-3 minutes until just tender.

Love noodle-based comfort food too? 25 recipes with egg noodles has the traditional side of that coin.

13. Almond Flour Meatloaf

This meatloaf uses almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, so it holds together just as well with none of the carbs. A tangy sugar-free glaze on top gives it that classic diner-style finish.

Yields: 6 servings | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 55 min | Oven: 350°F

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/3 cup sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp erythritol

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Mix beef, almond flour, eggs, onion, and garlic powder; shape into a loaf in a baking dish.
  3. Whisk ketchup, mustard, and erythritol; spread over top.
  4. Bake 50-55 minutes until internal temp reaches 160°F.
  5. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

14. Cabbage Roll Skillet

This skillet takes the flavor of stuffed cabbage rolls and skips the fussy rolling step. Ground beef, chopped cabbage, and tomato sauce simmer together into a one-pan dinner with all the same cozy, slightly sweet-tangy flavor.

Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25 min

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. Brown beef with onion in a large skillet; drain fat.
  2. Stir in cabbage, cook 5 minutes until starting to wilt.
  3. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and paprika.
  4. Cover and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender.

15. Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

This soup turns a cheeseburger into a creamy, spoonable dinner that’s warm enough for a cold night. Ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar simmer in a rich broth thickened without flour.

Yields: 6 servings | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. Cook bacon until crisp; remove, keeping fat in the pot.
  2. Brown beef and onion in bacon fat.
  3. Add broth, simmer 10 minutes.
  4. Stir in cream, cheddar, and xanthan gum until smooth and thickened.
  5. Top each bowl with crispy bacon.

16. Ground Beef-Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These zucchini boats hollow out whole squash to make edible bowls for a cheesy beef filling. They bake up tender with a golden, bubbly cheese topping that browns nicely under the broiler.

Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Oven: 375°F

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and hollowed
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Brown beef, drain fat, stir in marinara and Italian seasoning.
  3. Spoon filling into hollowed zucchini halves on a baking sheet.
  4. Top with mozzarella.
  5. Bake 25-30 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is golden.

17. Greek Beef Kofta with Tzatziki

These spiced beef skewers lean on oregano, cumin, and fresh mint for bright Mediterranean flavor, finished with a cool, creamy tzatziki. They cook fast under the broiler or on a hot grill.

Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Steps:

  1. Mix beef, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, and mint; shape into oval patties on skewers.
  2. Broil or grill 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
  3. Stir yogurt, cucumber, and lemon juice together for tzatziki.
  4. Serve kofta warm with tzatziki on the side.

18. Sloppy Joe Lettuce Cups

These lettuce cups carry all the tangy, saucy flavor of a sloppy joe without the bun soaking it all up. Ground beef simmers in a sugar-free tomato sauce, then gets piled into crisp lettuce leaves.

Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1/2 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • 8 large romaine or butter lettuce leaves

Steps:

  1. Brown beef with onion and pepper; drain fat.
  2. Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire, and mustard.
  3. Simmer 8-10 minutes until thickened.
  4. Spoon into lettuce leaves and serve.

19. Almond Flour Beef Empanadas

These empanadas use an almond flour dough for a sturdy, slightly nutty crust that holds a savory beef filling without any grain flour. They bake up golden and flaky enough to pass for the real thing.

Yields: 6 empanadas | Prep: 25 min | Cook: 20 min | Oven: 375°F

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup diced green olives (optional)

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Mix almond flour, 1 egg, and butter into a dough; chill 10 minutes.
  3. Brown beef with onion, cumin, and paprika; stir in olives.
  4. Roll dough, cut circles, fill with beef, fold and seal edges.
  5. Brush with remaining beaten egg.
  6. Bake 18-20 minutes until golden brown.

How to Keep Ground Beef Dinners Keto-Friendly

Ground beef itself has zero carbs, so the carb count in any of these dishes comes down to what you cook it with. Watch out for sneaky add-ins like ketchup, barbecue sauce, and canned beans.

Swap rice, pasta, and breadcrumbs for cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or almond flour. These stand-ins carry sauce and seasoning well without spiking blood sugar.

Choose full-fat dairy like sour cream, heavy cream, and block cheese over low-fat versions, which often add sugar to make up for lost flavor. Fat also helps these dishes stay filling.

Read labels on sauces. Coconut aminos, sugar-free ketchup, and low-sugar marinara keep hidden carbs out of otherwise keto-safe meals. A sauce with more than 3-4 grams of sugar per serving is worth skipping.

Season generously instead of relying on sugar for flavor. Garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs build the same depth without the carb cost. For more inspiration on building a full keto rotation, our best keto recipes is worth a browse, and our best keto recipes for easy low carb meal covers more fast dinner ideas.

Choosing Ground Beef and Planning Leftovers

An 80/20 blend of ground beef works best for most of these recipes, since the extra fat keeps meatballs, casseroles, and skillet dinners juicy. Leaner blends like 90/10 work fine in soups and chilis where broth adds moisture.

Buying in bulk saves money. A family pack of ground beef, divided into one-pound portions and frozen flat in bags, thaws faster and cooks more evenly than a block.

Cooked ground beef keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it easy to batch-cook a double portion on Sunday for quick dinners later in the week. Casseroles and soups reheat especially well.

For more ways to stretch a pound of beef across the week, our best ground beef recipes and 30 keto ground beef recipes offer a deeper pantry of ideas. If you’re also meal-prepping other proteins, our best easy weight watchers ground beef recipes is a useful companion list for mixed low-carb and point-counting households.

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