Ground beef is a staple in many households, and for those following a ketogenic diet, it's a versatile and affordable protein source. Its high-fat content and adaptability make it perfect for creating satisfying and flavorful keto-friendly meals. This article explores various keto ground beef recipes, offering a range of options from stir-fries to casseroles, ensuring you never run out of ideas.
The Versatility of Keto Ground Beef
Ground beef is a winner when it comes to picking a cheap and affordable protein. It provides a neutral base that works well with a variety of flavors, allowing you to create dishes ranging from Western comfort food to Asian-inspired stir-fries. The possibilities are endless, and you can easily customize recipes to suit your taste preferences.
Keto Ground Beef Stir-Fry: A Quick and Easy Meal
This simple and easy dish is perfect for meal prep because you can make a big batch of it and store it. Keto ground beef stir-fry offers a delightful combination of familiar flavors with the Asian-style stir-fry cooking method.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (any ground meat of choice: chicken or even crocodile)
- Keto-friendly vegetables (Brussels sprouts, asparagus, spinach, mushrooms)
- Avocado oil
- Onions and garlic
- Paprika, chili flakes, and thyme
- Cheddar cheese (or any cheese you like)
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Optional: Soy sauce and fresh ginger for an Asian twist
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Cut the broccoli florets from the stem and set them aside. Chop the zucchini into small cubes or slices, however you like them. If you got something like 80-20 or 70-30 ground meat just throw it in a dry pan. Turn on the heat and let that fat start to render out. A little of a salt and pepper will help bring out those juices.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat the avocado oil in a skillet or non-stick pan, and once smoking, add in the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper, and then cook for a minute or two before adding in the onions and garlic. Some garlic and onions thrown into the skillet with the beef will add to the taste. You can make it more Asian by using something like soy sauce and even add some fresh ginger.
- Add spices and vegetables: Once the onions turn translucent and the garlic starts to brown, add in the paprika, chili flakes, and thyme and give everything a good mix. Cook for a minute before adding the zucchini and the broccoli, season with salt, and give it a good mix. Finally once you cooked your beef with all your flavor ingredients then throw in your broccoli florets and cook till tender.
- Melt the cheese: Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes, and then grate the cheddar cheese over the mixture and add in the heavy cream. Cover and cook for another few minutes until the cheese melts.
- Finish and serve: Give everything a good mix, and then if there is too much liquid in the pan, cook until that reduces down. Finally, add in the cream cheese and mix everything well. Serve with some fresh parmesan grated on the top and a sprinkling of paprika. If you aren’t a fan of broccoli you can always throw the beef over some cauliflower rice in a bowl and enjoy it. This is one to add to your collection of stir fry recipes.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetable options: Feel free to experiment with different keto-friendly vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Cheese variations: While cheddar cheese is a great choice, you can use any cheese you like, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a combination of cheeses.
- Creaminess: Add some sour cream or cream cheese to give it some serious body.
- Broccoli stem: Don't throw away the broccoli stem. There are 3 uses for it. You can make my broccoli cheddar soup. You can cut the stalk into cubes and boil it and use it like a fake potato in my Keto poha recipe. And you can use it to thicken your sauces by boiling it and then blending it into a puree like I did in my Keto pot roast recipe.
Keto Ground Beef Casseroles: Comfort Food Reimagined
Casseroles are the epitome of comfort food, and with a few clever substitutions, you can enjoy them on a ketogenic diet. These recipes are perfect for meal prepping and feeding a crowd.
Keto Taco Casserole
This keto dinner the whole family will love. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser, offering all the flavors of tacos without the carbs.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Keto Burger Casserole
This casserole dares you to up the fat (and flavor) ante with "pork rinds for crunch," per recipe creator Bibi. Heavy cream and a bold blend of spices makes it mouthwateringly rich, and riced cauliflower adds volume to the dish.
Keto Lasagna
Using naturally low-carb zucchini has been a popular hack for pasta for some time now, as the popularization of the spiralizer will attest, but here, our favorite summer squash gets a simpler shape as a stand-in for lasagna sheets. What is typically an indulgent calorie bomb is a keto dream, packed full of meat and fatty cheeses to get you to the right ratios. This is the kind of recipe that those on the fence about keto hop right on over for.
Other Keto Ground Beef Recipes
The versatility of ground beef extends beyond stir-fries and casseroles. Here are a few more ideas to incorporate ground beef into your keto diet:
Keto Chili
This might be even better than classic chili. This family recipe was contributed by JRICE, whose aunt introduced her to this "chili alternative." Reviewer Suki drew the same comparison, saying, "I've always done chili and wanted a variation-this was it. I was worried about adding capers and vinegar, but was surprised at how it complemented the dish.
Keto Meatloaf
It's wrapped in bacon…enough said.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Keto Taco Cups
Cheese cups have more fun. This recipe actually makes tacos even better by creating their shells from straight-up cheese. Reviewer Kent Guerrette is a fan, raving "OMG, the best taco I have ever had!
Keto Meatballs
These meatballs alone could convince you to go keto. This recipe takes advantage of the license to eat copious amounts of bacon and beef that many keto dieters sign up for. Although it does require some bread crumbs to bind the meatballs together, it's proportionately low at just 4.7 grams of carbs per ball to 27.4 grams of protein and 21.4 grams of fat.
Keto Beef Stew
A couple simple keto swaps, and you'll have a hearty, comforting bowl of stew to warm you on cold winter nights.
Keto Burger Fat Bombs
Who needs a bun?
Keto Crunchwrap
Taco Bell's Crunchwrap may be the last you expect to be able to eat - this cabbage wrapped version makes it possible again!
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto
Keto Shepherd's Pie
This is every bit as hearty as the original, but with less carbs.
Keto Beef Stroganoff
This sauce is amazingly rich and luscious.
Keto Beef and Broccoli
You're gonna want to eat this straight from the pan.
Low-Carb Big Macs
Who needs buns?
California Burger Bowls
You'll be amazed by how hearty these are.
Taco Stuffed Avocados
Pure goodness in the palm of your hand.
Taco Tomatoes
Who knew that whole tomatoes could be such a great vessel for all of this deliciousness?
Keto Stuffed Peppers
Taco 'bout a healthy dinner!
BLT Burgers
Everything is better with a bacon weave bun.
Keto Ground Beef Pizza
Using ground beef as a pizza crust, recipe creator Adpa says it "sounds weird at first, but it is absolutely delicious and very filling." Top with keto-friendly veggies of your choice like spinach or peppers as well as more meat, but make sure to use the baking sheet size specified, as Viki recommends, since "ground beef shrinks from the fat cooking out."
Tips for Cooking with Ground Beef on Keto
- Choose the right fat percentage: Ground beef is available in various fat percentages, allowing you to tailor your recipes to your specific macro requirements. If you got something like 80-20 or 70-30 ground meat just throw it in a dry pan. Turn on the heat and let that fat start to render out. A little of a salt and pepper will help bring out those juices.
- Drain excess fat: Depending on the fat content of your ground beef, you may need to drain off excess fat after cooking.
- Season generously: Ground beef is a blank canvas, so don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and sauces to create flavorful dishes.