Keto Ground Beef and Green Beans Recipes: Comfort Food Reimagined

For those embracing a ketogenic lifestyle, finding satisfying and flavorful meals that align with low-carb goals is essential. Ground beef and green beans, both versatile and readily available ingredients, form the base for numerous keto-friendly dishes. This article explores a variety of recipes featuring these ingredients, offering delicious and convenient options for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and even take-out alternatives.

Versatile Keto Ground Beef and Green Bean Skillet

This recipe combines ground beef and fresh green beans with a creamy, cheesy sauce, creating a comforting and quick meal. It's ready in approximately 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Why Green Beans?

Green beans are an excellent choice for keto diets due to their low carbohydrate content. A cup of green beans contains about 4 net grams of carbs, making them a guilt-free addition to your plate. They are also low in calories and provide a good source of fiber and essential nutrients.

Preparation Tips

1. Cooking the Beef and Beans: Start by cooking the ground beef while simultaneously steaming the green beans. Boiling the beans is also an option, but ensure they are well-drained.
2. Draining the Beef: Discard all excess fat from the ground beef after cooking to keep the dish lean.
3. Cream Cheese: For the best and quickest results, cube the cream cheese and allow it to soften before adding it to the skillet.
4. Simmering: Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes to allow it to thicken, as no thickeners are added to the dish.
5. Cheese: Shred cheese from a block yourself for the best quality and melting.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet dish can be served as a filling meal on its own or paired with various low-carb sides:

• Salad: A green salad or Caesar salad complements the richness of the skillet.
• Soup: Pair with a keto-friendly soup for a heartier meal.
• Bread Alternatives: Keto biscuits, chaffles, cornbread, or English muffins make excellent accompaniments.
• Vegetables: Serve with a side of low-carb vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or spinach. Roasted radishes are also a flavorful option.

Recipe

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onions until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any grease.
2. While the beef is cooking, steam green beans until they are fork-tender.
3. Add cream cheese, beef broth, heavy whipping cream, tamari, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the cooked and drained ground beef. Stir to combine.
4. Increase the heat to high until the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce to medium-high and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Add the cheese and green beans. Stir to combine.

Keto Green Bean Hamburger Casserole: A Comforting Classic

This casserole is a warm, hearty meal that's both satisfying and low in carbohydrates. It's perfect for those following a strict keto plan or anyone looking for a lower-carb family dinner.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

• Green Beans: Low in net carbs and high in fiber, green beans add earthiness and crunch to the dish.
• Plant-Based Ground Beef: Browns like traditional beef and provides a savory depth.
• Coconut Milk: Adds a luxurious creaminess to the sauce.

Flavor Enhancements

• Sautéed onions and garlic provide aromatic depth.
• Soy sauce and paprika add umami and a smoky finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté onions and garlic in oil until fragrant. Stir in the ground beef and brown for about 5 minutes.
3. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add green beans, soy sauce, paprika, coconut milk, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Mix in about half of the vegan cheese, then transfer the mixture to a prepared baking dish.
5. Top with the remaining cheese and bake for about 20 minutes, until everything is bubbling and golden.

Adaptations and Variations

• Vegetables: Add chopped mushrooms or spinach for extra greens.
• Spice: A pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add heat.
• Other Uses: Leftovers can be used as a filling for lettuce wraps or topped with a fried egg for a high-protein keto breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Fresh vs. Cooked Green Beans: Fresh green beans can be used if they are blanched first.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes very well. Cool completely and store in an airtight container. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Coconut Milk Substitutes: Almond milk or another low-carb unsweetened plant-based milk can be used, but coconut milk adds more richness.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Serving: This casserole is filling enough to be a main dish but also pairs well with a light side salad or steamed broccoli.

Lazy Keto Ground Beef Recipe

This recipe is ideal for busy days, offering a simple and flavorful meal that aligns with low-carb goals.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large white onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 cans green beans, drained
• Cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Sauté ground beef, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on medium heat until the beef is no longer pink (7-9 minutes).
2. Add cream cheese and heavy whipping cream.
3. Top with drained green beans.
4. Top with cheddar cheese.

Storage

• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for 2-3 months.

Keto Ground Beef Casserole: A Nostalgic Twist

This keto ground beef casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting low-carb dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Cream cheese
• Beef broth
• Heavy cream
• Bragg’s Aminos (or soy sauce)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• Green beans
• Cheddar and mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off any extra grease.
3. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with the beef and stir until the cheese melts and mixes in smoothly.
4. Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, Bragg's Aminos (or soy sauce), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well.
5. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens a bit.
6. Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the drained green beans.
7. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for Perfection

1. Browning the Beef: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure the beef browns properly.
2. Creamy Sauce: Use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest sauce.
3. Sauce Consistency: Thicken a runny sauce by simmering or adding extra cream cheese or shredded cheese. Thin a thick sauce by adding a splash of beef broth or heavy cream.
4. Cast Iron Skillet: Use a cast iron skillet for even heating and enhanced flavor.

Substitutions and Additions

• Meat Options: Ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage, or pork can be used instead of ground beef.
• Seasoning & Toppings: Experiment with taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Let the casserole cool completely before putting it in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled casserole in plastic wrap and foil for longer storage (up to 3 months).
• Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Microwave cooking time will vary depending on the size of your serving.

Keto Ground Beef Stir Fry: A Quick Weeknight Meal

This stir-fry is a quick and easy dinner option, ready in just one pan with a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• Coconut oil
• Red onion
• Ginger root
• Green beans
• Mushrooms
• Red bell pepper
• 75/25 ground beef
• Salt
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil

Instructions

1. Heat the coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Add green beans, mushrooms, and bell pepper. Stir fry for 5 minutes.
3. Raise the heat to high and add the meat. Break apart any clumps with a spatula. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until cooked to your liking.
4. Season with salt. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil, toss to combine.

Tips and Variations

• Vegetables: Mix and match any low-carb vegetables you have on hand.
• Serving: Serve the stir-fry on its own or with a toss in gluten-free stir fry sauce.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Low Carb Hamburger Green Bean Skillet Stir Fry

This easy-to-make dish combines ground beef, green beans, and soy sauce for a flavorful and quick meal.

Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet with garlic.
2. Add about 8 ounces of frozen green beans along with water chestnuts (optional).
3. Sprinkle with soy sauce to taste.

Additional Tips

• Water Chestnuts: Be mindful of the carb count if using water chestnuts.
• Flavor Variations: Stir in some homemade keto hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Protein Options: Chicken, pork, or ground turkey can be used instead of ground beef.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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