Ground beef is a versatile and budget-friendly protein that works perfectly for keto diets. You can transform this simple ingredient into dozens of delicious low-carb meals that fit your ketogenic lifestyle.
From quick weeknight dinners to hearty family favorites, ground beef recipes can be adapted to keep carbs low while maintaining great flavor. Many traditional favorites can be easily modified by swapping high-carb ingredients for keto-friendly alternatives.
With a pound of ground beef in your refrigerator, you’re never far from a delicious keto-friendly meal.
1. Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Skillet
This one-pan keto cheeseburger casserole skillet is perfect for anyone missing traditional burgers. It contains all the flavors you love without the carbs.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty dish combines ground beef, bacon, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese for a rich and satisfying meal. Each serving contains only about 4 net carbs.
You can make this casserole with common ingredients you likely already have at home. This skillet meal is an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something filling and keto-friendly.
2. Ground Beef Taco Skillet
A taco skillet is a perfect keto-friendly meal that delivers all the flavors of tacos without the carbs. This one-pan dish combines seasoned ground beef with low-carb vegetables for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Brown ground beef with diced onions and bell peppers, then add taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. The whole meal comes together in about 30 minutes.
Top your taco skillet with cheese, sour cream, and guacamole for extra flavor and healthy fats. Some recipes include cauliflower rice as a base to mimic traditional rice without the carbs.
This recipe works well for meal prep and family dinners when you’re craving Mexican flavors on a keto diet.
3. Keto Meatloaf with Cauliflower Mash
Keto meatloaf with cauliflower mash brings together two comfort food favorites in one low-carb package. This dish uses ground beef combined with keto-friendly binders like almond flour or ground pork rinds instead of traditional breadcrumbs.
You’ll need ground beef (85-90% lean works best), eggs, minced garlic, diced onion, and seasonings for the meatloaf. The simple glaze on top adds flavor without adding carbs.
The cauliflower mash topping provides a garlicky, creamy complement to the savory meatloaf base. Together, they create a complete meal that satisfies your comfort food cravings while keeping your carb count low.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef
Stuffed bell peppers make a colorful and delicious keto meal that’s easy to prepare. You only need about 20 minutes to put this dish together, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice or simply use more ground beef for a keto-friendly version. The peppers are filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and low-carb vegetables.
Customize the recipe by adding different spices or cheese varieties. You can make these stuffed peppers ahead and freeze them for an easy meal later.
This dish is family-friendly and packed with protein. The flavors blend together as the peppers bake to perfection.
5. Low-Carb Keto Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
This quick and filling dish takes just 20 minutes to prepare if you work efficiently. Ground beef and shredded cabbage form the base of this keto-friendly meal.
The stir fry offers a perfect balance of flavors with aromatic spices while keeping carbs low. Some recipes include bacon for extra flavor and fat content.
You can easily customize this dish based on your preferences. The simple recipe typically requires only about 7 ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Cook your ground beef until browned, then add the cabbage and seasoning. The slightly spicy sauce ties everything together for a satisfying low-carb dinner.
6. Keto Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef
Zucchini boats offer a perfect low-carb vessel for delicious ground beef. Hollow out zucchini halves and fill them with seasoned ground beef.
The beef mixture typically includes tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices to create a flavorful filling. Some recipes add a cheeseburger twist with creamy sauce, mustard, and tomato.
Top your boats with mozzarella cheese before baking for that irresistible melty finish. At only about 4 grams of net carbs per serving, these make an excellent keto-friendly dinner option.
You can customize these boats with your favorite seasonings or use taco seasoning for a Mexican-inspired version. They’re great for meal prep and provide a satisfying dinner without the carbs.
7. Keto Taco Cups
Keto taco cups offer a creative low-carb alternative to traditional tacos. You can make these delicious cups using either cheese or low-carb tortillas as the base.
For cheese cups, bake shredded cheddar until crispy, then form into cup shapes while still warm. For tortilla-based cups, use low-carb tortillas pressed into muffin tins and bake until firm.
Fill your cups with seasoned ground beef, onions, and jalapeños for a kick of flavor. Top with more cheese, sour cream, and low-carb friendly toppings like avocado.
Each cup contains less than 2 net carbs, making them perfect for your keto meal plan. They’re also kid-friendly and great for family taco nights.
8. Algerian Kefta Meatballs
Algerian Kefta meatballs offer a flavorful keto option when you’re looking for something different. These North African-inspired meatballs use ground beef or lamb mixed with aromatic spices.
Skip any breadcrumbs and focus on the herbs and spices to keep them keto-friendly. Mix your ground meat with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and cilantro.
Season with paprika, cumin, and a touch of cayenne for heat. Form into small balls and cook them in a tomato sauce spiced with the same flavors.
Serve your kefta without traditional bread sides. Enjoy them over cauliflower rice or with a simple salad for a complete keto meal.
9. Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
This creamy soup brings all the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger to your bowl without the carbs. It combines ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese in a rich broth that’s perfect for cold days.
You can make this soup in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Many recipes include cream cheese to create a thick, velvety texture.
For extra flavor, add hamburger seasoning, ranch, or diced tomatoes. Some versions can be made in a Crock Pot for hands-off cooking.
Serve topped with extra cheese, bacon bits, and even dill pickles for an authentic cheeseburger experience.
10. Creamy Keto Ground Beef Casserole
This rich and hearty dish combines ground beef with cream cheese and cheddar for a satisfying meal. The casserole takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Customize this recipe with your favorite low-carb vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or spinach. The creamy texture comes from a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream, which creates a delicious sauce.
For extra flavor, add bacon bits or green onions on top. Each serving contains approximately 4.8-6.3g of carbs.
11. Keto Beef Egg Roll Slaw
Keto Beef Egg Roll Slaw gives you all the flavors of an egg roll without the carb-heavy wrapper. This dish combines ground beef with crunchy coleslaw for a quick meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Cook your ground beef in olive oil or sesame oil, draining any excess grease. Season the meat with ginger and garlic for authentic Asian flavor.
Add a bag of coleslaw mix directly to the pan with your cooked beef. For sauce, use sugar-free teriyaki marinade or a mixture of soy sauce and other keto-friendly seasonings.
You can easily customize it with your choice of ground meat—beef, pork, turkey, or chicken all work well.
12. Keto Chili with Ground Beef
Keto chili is a hearty, low-carb version of traditional chili that skips the beans but keeps all the flavor. It’s made with simple ingredients and comes together quickly for a satisfying meal.
Ground beef forms the protein-packed base of this dish. Use a mix of lean ground beef and sausage to add richness and depth.
The prep time is only about 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Cook it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot depending on what works best for you.
Customize this recipe with your favorite low-carb vegetables and seasonings. It’s perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
13. Keto Lasagna with Ground Beef and Zucchini
Keto lasagna replaces traditional pasta with thin zucchini slices for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative. This dish combines savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese into a satisfying meal.
Slice 2-3 medium zucchini into thin sheets (about 1/8 inch thick). Brown 1 pound of ground beef with minced onion and garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Layer the zucchini, meat sauce, and a mixture of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses in a baking dish. Repeat the layers until ingredients are used up, finishing with cheese on top.
Bake until bubbly and golden. This crowd-pleasing dish offers all the comfort of traditional lasagna without the carbs.
14. Keto Sloppy Joes
Keto Sloppy Joes bring back the comfort food you love without the carbs. This classic recipe uses ground beef in a flavorful tomato sauce but skips the brown sugar and uses unsweetened ketchup instead.
Make this dish in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The sauce perfectly balances sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
Traditional Manwich sauce or seasoning packets aren’t keto-friendly, but this homemade version keeps the net carbs down to about 3 grams per serving. Serve your Sloppy Joe filling on keto burger buns for a complete meal.
15. Keto Beef Stew
Keto beef stew offers all the comfort of traditional stew without the carbs. Instead of potatoes, use low-carb vegetables like cauliflower, radishes, or turnips.
Brown the meat well before adding other ingredients to develop deep flavor. This step forms the foundation of your dish.
For thickness without flour, use xanthan gum or let the stew reduce naturally. Some recipes include a cheesy biscuit topping for a pot pie effect.
Customize your stew with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal.
16. Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
This hearty keto-friendly dish combines ground beef with rich cheese for a satisfying meal. Prepare it in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The casserole uses simple ingredients including ground beef, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Customize with your favorite low-carb vegetables or seasonings.
Brown the beef with diced onions and garlic, then combine with cheese and bake until bubbly. The result is a comforting meal with approximately 8 ingredients total.
Add bacon for extra flavor or tomatoes for a slight tang.
17. Keto Tex-Mex Ground Beef Bake
This flavor-packed dish combines ground beef with classic Tex-Mex spices for a satisfying keto meal. It uses cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to keep the carb count low.
The casserole features seasoned ground beef topped with cheese and baked until bubbly. You can customize it with your favorite low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
Ready in about 30 minutes, this one-dish dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. It delivers all the flavors of tacos without the carbs.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for quick meals throughout the week.
18. Keto Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Keto meatballs offer a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional recipes by replacing breadcrumbs with keto-friendly ingredients. Most recipes use a combination of ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for the best flavor.
Make these meatballs using almond flour or flaxseed meal as a binder. Add Parmesan cheese, eggs, and spices like oregano, garlic powder, and onion flakes for extra flavor.
For the tomato sauce, choose a low-sugar version or make your own with fresh tomatoes and herbs. Serve these meatballs over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal.
19. Keto Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet
This quick and satisfying meal takes less than 15 minutes to prepare. The combination of ground beef and spinach creates a nutrient-dense dish that keeps you full for hours.
You can make this simple skillet with just a few basic ingredients. Sauté onions in butter and olive oil until soft, then add and brown your ground beef.
Once the beef cooks, add fresh spinach and cover until wilted. Some versions include eggs for extra protein.
20. Keto Burger Fat Bombs
Keto burger fat bombs are a delicious way to enjoy burgers while sticking to your keto diet. These savory treats pack all the flavor of a burger in a compact form.
To make them, use ground beef (85% lean works well), butter, cheese, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Some recipes also include bacon for extra flavor.
Season your ground beef, form small patties, and tuck small pieces of cold butter and cheese inside each one. When you cook them, the butter and cheese melt inside, creating a juicy, flavorful center.
These fat bombs are perfect for quick meals or snacks, containing plenty of fat and protein while keeping carbs minimal.
21. Ground Beef Cauliflower Fried Rice
Ground Beef Cauliflower Fried Rice is a perfect keto-friendly alternative to traditional fried rice. It uses cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, keeping carbs low while maintaining flavor.
Prepare this dish in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The recipe typically combines ground beef with cauliflower rice, vegetables, and seasonings like coconut aminos and sesame oil.
You can add spinach for extra nutrients or customize the vegetables based on what you have available. The combination of protein from the beef and fiber from the cauliflower makes this a satisfying meal.
Benefits Of Keto Ground Beef Recipes
Ground beef offers exceptional advantages for those following a ketogenic lifestyle, combining convenience with nutritional benefits that support your low-carb goals.
Supporting Ketosis And Low-Carb Lifestyles
Keto ground beef recipes naturally align with ketogenic diet requirements because they contain zero carbohydrates. This makes ground beef an ideal foundation for maintaining ketosis, the metabolic state where your body burns fat instead of carbs for energy.
These recipes help you meet your daily macronutrient targets by providing high-quality protein while keeping carbs minimal. When you replace carb-heavy ingredients with keto-friendly alternatives in traditional dishes like tacos (using lettuce wraps) or shepherd’s pie (using cauliflower topping), you can enjoy familiar meals without disrupting ketosis.
Ground beef’s versatility allows for quick meal preparation, making it easier to stick with your keto plan even on busy days. Prepare larger batches of keto ground beef dishes for convenient meal prepping, which helps prevent unplanned non-keto food choices.
Nutritional Value Of Ground Beef On Keto
Ground beef delivers impressive nutritional benefits beyond just being low-carb. It provides complete protein with all essential amino acids your body needs for muscle maintenance and growth.
A 4-ounce serving of 80/20 ground beef contains:
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbs: 0g
- Iron: 15% of daily value
- B vitamins: significant amounts of B12 and B6
Choose grass-fed beef when possible for additional benefits, including higher omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may support healthy weight management.
Ground beef also provides important minerals like zinc, selenium, and phosphorus that support immune function and overall health. The natural fats in ground beef help you feel satisfied after meals, reducing cravings and supporting consistent energy levels throughout the day.
Tips For Cooking Keto Ground Beef Dishes
Ground beef is a keto staple for good reasons. Knowing the right fat content for your dishes and having smart prep strategies can make your keto cooking easier and tastier.
Choosing The Right Ground Beef Fat Percentage
Fat content matters significantly on a keto diet. Look for ground beef with 80/20 or 70/30 lean-to-fat ratios instead of leaner options like 90/10.
The higher fat content provides more flavor and helps you meet your keto macros. Don’t drain the fat when cooking keto ground beef dishes.
That fat is valuable for your macronutrient goals and adds flavor to your meals. For burgers, choose 70/30 ground beef for juicy results that won’t dry out.
For casseroles and skillet meals, 80/20 offers a good balance of flavor without excess grease. If you can only find lean ground beef, add fat during cooking.
Try butter, olive oil, or bacon fat to increase the fat content.
Meal Prep Strategies For Busy Schedules
Cook ground beef in bulk on weekends. Brown 2-3 pounds with basic seasonings like salt and pepper.
Refrigerate the cooked beef for 3-4 days or freeze it in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months.
Portion cooked ground beef into silicone muffin trays before freezing. Each cup equals about 1/4 pound, making it easy to thaw exactly what you need.
Create ready-to-cook meal kits by combining raw ground beef with seasonings in freezer bags. Label each with cooking instructions for quick weeknight dinners.
Pre-make complete keto ground beef meals like casseroles or meatballs. Divide them into individual portions for grab-and-go lunches and dinners.
Use your slow cooker or Instant Pot for hands-off cooking when time is tight.
