Ground beef is a versatile and budget-friendly protein that works perfectly for keto cooking. Whether you’re new to the ketogenic diet or looking for fresh meal ideas, these recipes will help you create delicious low-carb dinners that satisfy your cravings without breaking your carb limits.
These 21 keto ground beef recipes offer endless possibilities from hearty casseroles and comforting chilis to flavorful tacos and simple skillet meals. You’ll find options for every taste preference, from Korean-inspired bowls to classic American comfort food. Each recipe keeps carbs low while delivering the savory, satisfying flavors that make ground beef such a staple in keto kitchens.
1. Keto Cheeseburger Casserole
Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty, 30-minute dish that gives you all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger without the carbs. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
The recipe typically combines ground beef with diced onions and garlic, creating a flavorful base. Bacon adds a smoky element that enhances the overall taste.
For the cheesy component, a mix of cream cheese and cheddar cheese creates a rich, gooey texture.
Simply brown your beef mixture, transfer it to a baking dish, top with cheese and extra bacon, and bake for 15-20 minutes.
This one-pan meal is filling and satisfying while keeping your keto goals on track.
2. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef
Keto stuffed bell peppers offer a delicious way to enjoy ground beef while staying low-carb. They take about 20 minutes to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
The traditional rice filling is replaced with cauliflower rice, keeping the carb count low while maintaining that classic texture. You can customize these peppers with different cheeses and seasonings based on your preference.
For extra convenience, you can make these ahead of time and freeze them for later. They work well cooked in the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot depending on your schedule.
These colorful peppers are also kid-friendly and make for an impressive yet simple family meal.
3. Zucchini Boats with Beef
Zucchini boats filled with ground beef offer a perfect low-carb meal option for your keto diet. This dish combines hollowed zucchini halves with a flavorful beef filling.
The recipe typically includes lean ground beef cooked with spices, onions, and garlic. Many versions add tomatoes or marinara sauce for extra flavor while keeping carbs in check.
You can customize your zucchini boats with different cheese toppings. Mozzarella and cheddar work well, melting beautifully over the beef mixture.
With approximately 4 grams of net carbs per serving, these zucchini boats provide a satisfying meal that fits perfectly into your keto meal plan.
4. Keto Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
This quick and easy stir fry combines ground beef and cabbage for a budget-friendly keto meal. You can have it ready in about 20-30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
The dish is naturally low-carb and can be made without soy or gluten. It features simple ingredients cooked in a slightly spicy sauce that brings everything together.
You can customize the spice level to your taste. The combination of protein from the beef and fiber from the cabbage makes this a filling meal that won’t break your carb budget.
This versatile recipe works well for meal prep and tastes great as leftovers. Try it when you need a simple but satisfying keto dinner option.
5. Low-Carb Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes don’t have to disappear from your menu when you’re following a keto diet. These keto-friendly versions keep all the flavor without the carbs.
Traditional Sloppy Joe sauce often contains sugar, but keto versions use unsweetened ketchup and no brown sugar. The result is still deliciously tangy and rich.
You can make this classic comfort food in just 20 minutes. Simply brown ground beef with onions and peppers, then simmer in a flavorful low-carb sauce.
Serve your keto Sloppy Joes on low-carb burger buns for a meal with only 3 grams of net carbs per serving. It’s a family-friendly option that even picky eaters will enjoy.
6. Ground Beef Meatloaf with Low-Carb Glaze
Keto meatloaf makes a comforting dinner that’s easy to prepare with common ingredients. You can create a juicy, tender meatloaf using ground beef that’s 85-90% lean for the right fat content.
Mix your ground beef with eggs, almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, minced garlic, and diced onions. Add salt and pepper for basic seasoning.
What makes this dish special is the sweet and tangy glaze that tops it. A balsamic or low-carb tomato-based glaze adds flavor without the carbs.
Bake your meatloaf at 350 degrees for about an hour. This simple recipe is perfect for family dinners but impressive enough for guests too.
7. Keto Tacos Using Cheese Shells
Cheese shells are a genius solution for keto taco lovers. Instead of carb-heavy corn or flour tortillas, you can make crispy taco shells using just cheese.
To make these shells, simply create small piles of shredded cheddar cheese on a baking sheet and bake until they melt and turn golden brown. While still warm, drape them over the handle of a wooden spoon or the edge of a book to form that classic taco shape.
Fill your cheese shells with seasoned ground beef, avocado, sour cream, and low-carb toppings. Each shell contains almost no carbs while adding extra protein and fat to your meal.
8. Algerian Kefta Meatballs
Algerian Kefta meatballs are a delicious North African dish that can easily fit into your keto meal plan. These flavorful meatballs combine ground beef with aromatic spices and herbs.
To make keto-friendly Kefta, use lean ground beef (or a mix of beef and lamb) and add minced garlic, finely chopped onion, and fresh herbs like cilantro. Season with salt, pepper, and traditional North African spices.
You can shape the meat mixture into small balls or patties. Cook them in a skillet or bake them in the oven.
Serve your Kefta with a side of low-carb vegetables or a fresh salad to keep the meal keto-compliant while enjoying these savory meatballs.
9. Keto Lasagna with Zucchini Noodles
Keto lasagna replaces traditional pasta with thin slices of zucchini for a low-carb twist on the classic favorite. This dish layers savory ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese between the zucchini “noodles.”
You’ll enjoy layers of stretchy cheese, seasoned meat, and a crispy, toasted cheese crust on top. The zucchini provides a tender texture while keeping carbs minimal.
This family-friendly meal takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It satisfies pasta cravings without the guilt of high carbs.
For best results, slice zucchini thinly and pat dry to prevent excess moisture in your finished dish.
10. Beef and Vegetable Soup with Keto Broth
A hearty beef and vegetable soup is perfect for cold days or when you need a filling meal. This keto-friendly version uses ground beef and low-carb vegetables to keep carbs under control.
The soup comes together in about 30-45 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights. You can use beef broth as your base and add celery, zucchini, and cauliflower instead of higher-carb vegetables.
Season with Italian herbs and garlic for a Tuscan-inspired flavor. For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream before serving. Each bowl contains less than 6 net carbs while still delivering maximum comfort and satisfaction.
11. Italian Keto Beef Skillet with Mozzarella
This one-pan Italian Keto Beef Skillet delivers bold flavors in just 30 minutes. It combines savory ground beef with rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese.
The recipe calls for simple ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 3 cups of Rao’s marinara, 2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese, frozen steamed riced cauliflower, and beef broth.
This hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick low-carb dinner option. The combination of beef and cheese makes it satisfying and filling.
You’ll appreciate how the flavors blend together in this cheesy dish. It’s a comforting meal that fits perfectly into your keto meal plan.
12. Keto Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl
This quick 30-minute dinner gives you all the flavors of an Asian egg roll without the carb-heavy wrapper. Ground beef makes a juicy, protein-rich base for this simple dish.
The recipe combines crunchy coleslaw mix with seasoned ground beef for a satisfying texture contrast. You’ll want to drain the beef after cooking to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Season your meat with ground ginger for authentic flavor. Some recipes include G. Hughes Sugar-Free sauce to add sweetness without the carbs.
This versatile dish works well for meal prep and stays delicious as leftovers. It’s perfect when you need a fast, flavorful keto dinner that satisfies Chinese food cravings.
13. Low-Carb Beef Chili
Keto beef chili is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for those following a low-carb diet. The secret is skipping the beans while keeping all the rich taste you love.
Start with about 2-2.5 pounds of ground beef browned with chopped onion and minced garlic. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and green chiles for flavor and texture.
Spices make this dish shine – use chili powder, cumin, paprika, and other seasonings to create that classic chili taste. You can cook it in your Instant Pot, Crock Pot, or on the stovetop depending on your preference.
At around 8 net carbs per serving, this meal fits perfectly into your keto meal plan.
14. Keto Tex-Mex Ground Beef Casserole
This flavorful casserole brings together the bold tastes of Tex-Mex cuisine without the carbs. It features ground beef cooked with spices that give it that authentic southwestern flavor.
The recipe typically uses cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, keeping the dish low in carbohydrates. Many versions include diced tomatoes with green chilies for an extra kick.
You’ll find this dish loaded with cheese and sometimes topped with avocado or sour cream. The ingredients are simple: ground beef, butter or avocado oil, cauliflower rice, and Tex-Mex seasonings.
With under 4g net carbs per serving, this casserole makes a satisfying dinner that won’t break your keto diet rules.
15. Keto Crunchwrap using Cauliflower Wraps
The keto crunchwrap offers all the flavor of the Taco Bell favorite without the carbs. Using cauliflower wraps instead of traditional tortillas keeps this dish low-carb friendly.
Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. Add taco seasoning for flavor and let the meat cook thoroughly.
For assembly, place a cauliflower wrap on a flat surface. Add a layer of seasoned beef, cheese sauce, and a crunchy element in the center. Many keto versions use cheese crisps instead of tortilla shells for the crunch.
Fold the edges of your cauliflower wrap inward, creating the signature hexagonal shape. Cook in a skillet until the wrap is sealed and slightly crispy.
16. Ground Beef and Bacon Cheese Bombs
Ground Beef and Bacon Cheese Bombs are a delicious keto-friendly treat. They combine seasoned ground beef with cheese and bacon for a savory, satisfying meal.
To make them, you’ll mix ground beef with garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Press the beef mixture into muffin tin cups to create a base.
Add cheese in the center of each beef cup. Some recipes also include pickles for extra flavor. Wrap each bomb with bacon for a crispy finish.
You can cook these bombs on a grill, stovetop, or even in a Traeger. They’re low carb, gluten-free, and perfect for your keto meal plan.
17. One-Pan Keto Beef Stroganoff
Keto Beef Stroganoff transforms a classic comfort dish into a low-carb delight that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This one-pot meal combines ground beef, mushrooms, and onions in a rich, creamy sauce.
The sauce gets its distinctive flavor from sour cream and cream cheese, with some recipes adding brandy and herbs for extra depth. You won’t miss the traditional noodles at all.
This dish is perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of beef and mushrooms creates a hearty meal that keeps you full while staying keto-friendly.
18. Keto Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
Keto meatballs smothered in marinara sauce make an easy Italian dinner that your whole family will enjoy. These low-carb, gluten-free meatballs are juicy and packed with flavor.
To make them, combine ground beef, egg, Parmesan cheese, flaxseed, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized portions and cook until browned.
Top your meatballs with marinara sauce and melty mozzarella cheese for a delicious finishing touch. With only 2.4g net carbs per serving, this dish fits perfectly into your keto meal plan.
You can prepare this satisfying meal in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
19. Keto Beef Stew with Vegetables
Keto beef stew makes a perfect hearty meal for cold evenings while keeping carbs low. This rich, thick stew combines tender beef chunks with low-carb vegetables in a flavorful gravy.
You can make this comforting dish in a slow cooker or oven, depending on your preference. Most recipes include mushrooms, carrots (in moderation), peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic for depth of flavor.
The key to a great keto beef stew is using coconut flour instead of regular flour to coat the meat and thicken the gravy. Some versions also include bacon for extra richness and fat content.
This meal typically contains under 4g net carbs per serving while still delivering that classic stew experience you crave.
20. Mexican Beef Stuffed Avocados
Mexican Beef Stuffed Avocados offer a perfect keto-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Halved avocados serve as edible bowls filled with seasoned ground beef.
To make this dish, brown ground beef with taco seasoning and stuff it into ripe avocado halves. Top with Mexican cheese blend, sour cream, and chopped green onions for extra flavor.
This meal is incredibly versatile and accommodates various dietary needs including keto, gluten-free, and low-carb options. You can customize the toppings with tomatoes, additional avocado pieces, or your preferred garnishes.
These stuffed avocados provide healthy fats from the avocado while the beef delivers protein, making it a well-balanced keto option.
21. Cauliflower Rice Beef Bowl
Cauliflower rice beef bowls offer a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional rice dishes. They’re perfect for keto dieters looking for a filling meal without the carbs.
To make this dish, start by cooking ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic. Add cream cheese for extra richness and flavor.
Meanwhile, prepare your cauliflower rice by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor or using pre-riced cauliflower from the store. Sauté it briefly to get the right texture.
Combine the beef mixture with the cauliflower rice and top with cheese. You can add spinach for extra nutrients or customize with taco seasonings for a Mexican-inspired version.
How to Choose Quality Ground Beef
Selecting the right ground beef is crucial for your keto recipes. Quality matters for both flavor and nutritional value, especially when you’re counting carbs and focusing on healthy fats.
Understanding Fat Content
Ground beef comes in different fat percentages, which is important for keto cooking. Ground chuck (80% protein/20% fat) offers excellent flavor and juiciness, making it ideal for most keto recipes. This higher fat content helps you meet your keto macros while keeping meals satisfying.
For burgers and meatballs, look for 75-80% lean meat. The fat helps bind ingredients together and keeps your food moist during cooking. For recipes where you’ll drain excess fat, like taco meat or casseroles, you can use 85% lean.
The fat content directly affects both flavor and texture. Leaner varieties (90-93%) can taste drier and less flavorful in keto dishes. Remember that fat is your friend on keto, providing necessary energy and helping you stay full longer.
Organic vs Conventional Beef
When choosing between organic and conventional ground beef, consider both your budget and health priorities. Organic beef comes from cattle raised without antibiotics or growth hormones and fed organic feed. This often results in meat with higher omega-3 fatty acids and fewer potentially harmful residues.
Conventional beef is more widely available and typically less expensive. If organic isn’t in your budget, look for labels like “grass-fed” or “hormone-free” as middle-ground options that offer some benefits.
Grass-fed beef tends to be leaner than grain-fed, with a different fatty acid profile. It contains more omega-3s and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may have health benefits. However, you might need to adjust cooking times since it can cook faster due to lower fat content.
When possible, buy from local farmers or butchers where you can ask questions about how the cattle were raised.
Benefits of Keto Diet with Ground Beef
Ground beef is a versatile protein that works exceptionally well with the ketogenic diet. It provides essential nutrients while supporting your body’s fat-burning processes on keto.
Nutritional Advantages
Ground beef contains high-quality protein with all essential amino acids your body needs. A 4-ounce serving provides about 20 grams of protein, which helps maintain muscle mass while you’re reducing carbs.
Ground beef is naturally carb-free, making it perfect for keto meal planning. You don’t need to worry about hidden carbs derailing your diet goals.
It contains significant amounts of B vitamins, especially B12, which supports energy production and brain health. These nutrients become even more important when transitioning to a low-carb lifestyle.
The fat content in ground beef provides essential fatty acids. Look for 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) for the ideal keto macronutrient ratio.
Ground beef also delivers zinc, iron, and selenium—minerals that support immune function and overall health.
Supporting Weight Loss
The protein in ground beef increases satiety, helping you feel full longer. This reduces hunger cravings and makes it easier to maintain a calorie deficit.
The combination of protein and fat stimulates ketosis, the metabolic state where your body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates.
Ground beef meals have a low glycemic impact, preventing insulin spikes that can lead to fat storage and energy crashes.
The thermic effect of protein means your body burns more calories digesting beef compared to fats or carbs. This slightly increases your daily energy expenditure.
Adding ground beef to your keto meals provides steady energy without the fluctuations typically experienced with carb-heavy diets.
